3 Troubleshooting Steps You Should Complete Before Your Residential AC Repair Contractor Arrives

Whether the air conditioning in your home has stopped working altogether or is simply failing to produce enough cool air, there is no doubt that you will want to reach out to a residential AC repair contractor as soon as possible to get the problem fixed. However, while you wait for your repair contractor to arrive, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps that you should take. Taking the time to complete the following three steps can help your repair contractor quickly and accurately diagnose the problem with your AC unit and may even allow you to avoid an unnecessary service call.

Step #1: Make Sure Your AC Unit Is Getting Power

Many people simply assume that their AC unit is getting power. However, it is possible for the circuit breaker that controls the flow of electricity to your AC unit to be tripped. If this happens, your AC will not get any power until the breaker is reset. If your AC unit is not turning on, be sure to check both your main fuse box and the small fuse box located on or near your AC unit to ensure no breakers have been tripped. If you discover a tripped breaker switch, simply reset the breaker to the "on" position and try again to turn on your AC unit. 

Step #2: Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Set Properly

Your air conditioning unit relies on your thermostat to tell it when to turn on and when to turn off. Consequently, if your thermostat is not set properly, you will inevitably experience problems with your air conditioner turning on. When checking your thermostat settings, you will want to make sure that the thermostat is set to cool. Next, you will want to make sure that the desired temperature is set at least a few degrees cooler than the current room temperature. Finally, you will want to make sure that the fan is set to auto. If you find a problem with any of these settings, simply make the necessary corrections and see if your AC unit turns on.

Step #3: Make Sure Your AC Unit Is Getting Air

If your AC unit is not pulling in enough air, it will inevitably put out less air as well. That is why the final troubleshooting step you should take is to make sure nothing is obstructing the flow of air into your air conditioner. To make sure your air conditioner is getting enough air, begin by making sure there is no furniture or other items placed over your air return vents. Next, be sure that your air intake filter is not clogged with dust and dirt. If this filter is dirty, be sure to replace it with a clean filter. Finally, using your garden hose simply wash down your air condenser to remove any debris that may be blocking the flow of air. 

For more information on residential AC repair, contact a professional near you.

Share