Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several causes why your air conditioning system won’t work: a triggered circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overfull condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioning won’t start when you have an overloaded breaker.
To check if one has tripped, go to your home’s main electrical panel. You can find this silver device on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t wet before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s triggered, the switch will be in the middle of the panel or “off” location.
- Quickly shift the lever back to the “on” location. If it instantly triggers again, leave it alone and get in touch with us at 308-624-3485. A fuse that keeps tripping may signal your home has electrical trouble.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your system to start, it won’t activate.
The most important part is ensuring it’s on “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC will probably not start running. Or you might get hot air coming from vents because the heat is going instead.
If you rely on a regular thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the screen is clear. If the monitor is showing scrambled characters, replace the thermostat.
- Ensure the proper mode is on the display. If you can’t alter it, override it by lowering the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is wrong.
- Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is set the same as the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is set properly, you should start getting refreshing air quickly.
If you have a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for help. If it still won’t work, reach us at 308-624-3485 for support.
Shut-Off Switch
Your air conditioner typically has a shut-down device near its condenser. This switch is typically in a metal box hung on your home. If your unit has recently been tuned up, the switch may have inadvertently been left in the “off” setting.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans hold the additional water your system takes out of the air. This pan can be situated either beneath or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a blockage or clogged drain, water can build up and prompt a safety feature to switch off your air conditioner.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the surplus condensation with a special pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these capsules at a home improvement or hardware shop.
If your pan involves a pump, locate the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you may need to replace the pump. Call us at 308-624-3485 for help.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your system is on but not cooling, its airflow might be blocked. Or it may not have adequate refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your unit’s airflow can be limited by a plugged air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Put in a New Your Air Filter
A filthy filter can lead to numerous troubles, like:
- Reduced comfort
- Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Higher energy costs
- Causing your system to stop working more quickly
We suggest replacing flat filters monthly, and accordion filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last installed a new one, shut off your equipment fully and take out the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be located in an adjoining filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, you need to get a new one.
5 Tips on Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Equipment
Brush, vegetation and shrubbery can get in the way of your condensing equipment. This can limit its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your equipment working well again.
- Turn off the electrical current fully at the breaker or external lever.
- Clear yard waste around the unit. Once you’ve gotten rid of bigger debris within a two-foot radius, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to slowly remove dirt from the condenser fins. Crooked fins can also affect capability, so you can attempt to correct them with a dinner knife.
- Lift off the upper part of your unit and remove any leaves or grass clippings that has collected. Then clean the condenser fan with a wet rag.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly clean the fins from inside the system. Don’t get liquid on the fan motor.
- Put the top back on and turn on the power.
Not Enough Refrigerant
When AC systems don’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your rooms.
Here are a few symptoms that your system is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes too long to cool your rooms and you’re continually decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Cooling blowing through the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re hearing hissing or bubbling noises when the air conditioning runs.
- Your evaporator coil is frosty on account of having difficulty taking on warmth.
Think your unit is losing refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service professional to fix the leak and replenish the proper level of refrigerant in your system. Get in touch with us at 308-624-3485 for support.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it seems like you’re not receiving enough cool air, there’s likely a blockage or detachment inside your air conditioning equipment.
- The beginning step is checking your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s soiled.
- Then make sure the vents are free across your home.
- If you’re still not receiving adequate chilled air, you should have your duct system examined by a expert like Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning. Your ductwork might need to be serviced or reconnected in limited space areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.