No one wants to be without air conditioning when it’s heating up outside, but it can happen when the HVAC system stops working. While it is a good idea to call in a professional to fix the system, it may be possible to diagnose and repair minor issues without help. To start diagnosing the issues with an air conditioner, homeowners can do the following.
Check the Thermostat
The first step in diagnosing cooling issues in air conditioners should be to check the thermostat. Make sure that it is set appropriately and the temperature is set to a number lower than the temperature inside the home. Make sure that it is also set to auto to prevent the system from circulating air without cooling it down. If the thermostat isn’t turned on, it may need new batteries or may need to be replaced. If it is on and the system still isn’t cooling properly, there are other things to check.
Inspect or Change the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can minimize the amount of air that flows through the air conditioner, making it work much harder to keep the home cool. While most air filters can last three months or longer, if the system is struggling to run, it is a good idea to see if the air filter is clogged. If it is, it may need to be replaced. Give the air conditioner time to see if it starts working again, and consider replacing the air filter more frequently in the future.
Check the Circuit Breaker
The next thing to check is the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker could turn off the air conditioner, so it’s a good idea to check it if the air conditioner isn’t running at all. When checking the circuit breaker, be aware that a tripped breaker may not look tripped – turning it all the way off and back on can still reset it, though. If it trips again, it is a good idea to get professional assistance, as the issue with the air conditioner may be more serious and cause the breaker to trip.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
If the breaker is fine but the air conditioner still isn’t working, take a moment to inspect the outdoor unit. Look for anything that could be blocking the air conditioner or stopping the fan from moving. There should be at least a foot of space on all sides of the air conditioner to make sure there is sufficient airflow around it. Do not open the outdoor unit to remove any debris that has gotten into it, as this can be incredibly dangerous if the system starts working again while someone is attempting to fix it. Instead, call the professionals and have them repair it.
In some cases, there may be simple solutions to fix the air conditioner and get it running again. If the issue returns in the next day or week, though, it’s necessary to have an expert take a look, as something else may be happening that is causing the symptoms. If your air conditioner isn’t working and you aren’t sure what is causing the problem or can’t diagnose it alone, schedule air conditioning repairs with the professionals. They’ll make sure everything is up and running again as quickly as possible.
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