Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few causes why your air conditioning system won’t work: a tripped circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a switched off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your cooling won’t start when you have an overloaded breaker.
To see if one has tripped, find your house’s main electrical panel. You can locate this silver box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry before you touch the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s triggered, the switch will be in the "off" position.
- Firmly move the breaker back to the “on” location. If it instantaneously triggers again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 717-383-4479. A breaker that keeps tripping could signal your home has electrical trouble.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t signaling your equipment to start, it won’t turn on.
The first step is checking it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC may not switch on. You might also get hot air moving from vents because the heat is on instead.
If you’re using a traditional thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the readout is clear. If the screen is showing garbled characters, get a new thermostat.
- Make sure the proper option is on the display. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by lowering the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if scheduling is incorrect.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat matches the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted correctly, you should receive refreshing air quickly.
If you have a smart thermostat, including ones produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting. If it still won’t work, reach us at 717-383-4479 for support.
Shut-Off Switch
Your system usually has a shut-off switch around its outside unit. This lever is typically in a metal box attached to your residence. If your equipment has recently been maintained, the lever may have inadvertently been turned off.
Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans keep the additional liquid your equipment pulls from the air. This pan can be situated either below or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or clogged drain, water can accumulate and initiate a safety control to turn off your unit.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the extra water with a formulated pan-cleaning tab. You can buy these tabs at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan involves a pump, find the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you could need to replace the pump. Call us at 717-383-4479 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your equipment is working but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be congested. Or it may not have sufficient refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your system’s airflow can be restricted by a plugged air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A dirty filter can cause a lot of issues, including:
- Limited airflow
- Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Increased energy costs
- Causing your system to wear out sooner
We propose changing flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last replaced your filter, turn off your unit completely and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be located in an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
Tilt the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it, you certainly should replace it.
How to Clean Your Cooling System
Brush, plants and leaves can get in the way of your condensing equipment. This can reduce its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your equipment working well again.
- Shut off the electrical current fully at the breaker or outdoor device.
- Remove plant waste around the AC. Once you’ve removed larger refuse within a two-foot range, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to gingerly clean the equipment’s fins. Warped fins can also impact capability.
- Use a hose nozzle to slowly remove gunk off the fins from inside the equipment. Make sure to avoid getting liquid on the fan motor.
- Turn on the power.
Leaking Refrigerant
When AC units don’t have enough refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your residence.
Here are several indications that your unit is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes too long to refresh your rooms and you’re regularly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Air conditioning coming through the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re experiencing whistling or burbling sounds when cooling works.
- Your evaporator coil is icy due to having difficulty handling warmth.
Suspect your system is leaking refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service expert to fix the leak and replenish the proper measurement of refrigerant in your equipment. Get in touch with us at 717-383-4479 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not receiving ample amounts of cool air, there’s likely a clog or detachment within your AC equipment.
- The first step is checking your air filter. Get a new one if it’s dirty.
- Make sure the ductwork is open around your house.
- If you’re still not experiencing ample chilled air, you should have your ducts examined by a specialist like Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning. Your ducts could need to be repaired or reconnected in limited space spots like your attic, basement or crawl space.