Managing Your HVAC System

3 Troubleshooting Steps You Should Take Before Contacting An Air Conditioning Repair Contractor

With the hot summer months right around the corner, the last thing you want is to be left with an air conditioning system that is not working. Unfortunately, air conditioning problems cannot always be avoided. The good news is that it may be possible to get your air conditioning system back up and running quickly with the help of a few basic troubleshooting steps. If these steps do not restore the use of your air conditioner, you will want to share the steps you have taken with your air conditioner repair contractor when reaching out for professional repair services. This information will allow them to more quickly determine what is wrong with your air conditioning system so that they can get it back up and running again. 

Step #1: Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is Receiving Power And Is Set Correctly

Simply put, your air conditioner is not going to work if it is not receiving power or your thermostat is not set properly. In some cases, the power to your air conditioner can be interrupted as the result of a tripped circuit breaker. To make sure your cooling system is receiving power, be sure to check both your main circuit box and the dedicated circuit breaker that is located near your air condenser. If you find that a circuit has been tripped, simply reset the switch to restore power and get your air conditioner back up and running. You will also need to ensure that your thermostat is set to cool, the fan is on auto, and your desired temperature is set lower than the current temperature in your house. 

Step #2: Make Sure Your Air Filter Is Clean 

Your air conditioner will not be able to provide you with cool air if it is not first able to pull air in from around your home. If your air filter has become clogged with dust and other debris, this can interfere with the airflow through your cooling system. When checking your air filter you should be able to easily see through the filter when holding it up to the light. If you are not able to see through the filter, you will need to either clean or replace this filter. In order to prevent future problems with your air conditioning system, it is a good idea to check this filter regularly and replace it when necessary.

Step #3: Make Sure Your Coils Have Not Frozen Over

In some cases, the cooling coils inside an air conditioner can freeze over and block the flow of air through the system. Oftentimes this issue can be resolved by simply turning off the system for several hours in order to allow the coils to defrost. Condensation on the outside of your air conditioning unit can be a strong indication that your coils have frozen. While you may be tempted to speed up the defrosting process by applying heat to the area, this is not a good idea. If your coils fail to defrost on their own, you will need to services of an air conditioner repair contractor in order to correct this issue. 


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