At Blanco A/C, Electrical & Plumbing, we value our customers’ business — it is, after all, how we make our money! But we also know that not every AC problem warrants a visit from a professional, and we understand that it wastes everyone’s time and money if the problem comes with a simple fix. That’s why we’ve created an AC troubleshooting checklist to help you avoid an unnecessary AC repair visit. Simply check these things before scheduling our services:
Thermostat Settings
If your AC isn’t working properly, the first place you should look for a problem is the thermostat. It’s pretty easy to change the settings accidentally while you’re adjusting the temperature, so you’ll need to ensure that everything is set properly. Check that the thermostat is set to ON, the fan is set to AUTO and adjust the temperature to your preferred setting if need be.
If the thermostat screen is blank, the batteries need to be replaced — your entire AC will have stopped running. Simply put in some fresh batteries to restore power to the entire system.
Circuit Breakers
If your thermostat is set properly but your AC won’t turn on, the next step is to locate your electrical panel and check for tripped circuit breakers. Circuit breakers trip when too much electricity flows through them — usually when you’re using a lot of electricity — in order to prevent damage to your electrical equipment. Central air conditioners usually run on two separate circuits: one for the indoor unit and one for the outdoor unit.
On the electrical panel, find the two circuit breakers labeled for your AC system and reset them if they’ve been tripped. A tripped breaker sits in the middle position and must be turned off, then on to restore power to the circuit. If your AC still won’t turn on, it’s time to call on Blanco A/C for repairs.
Filters and Vents
If your AC is running but you aren’t feeling the effects, hold your hand up to a vent. If you can feel very little air coming out of the vent, there could be something blocking the system’s airflow. Make sure all of your vents are open and then check your air filter, replacing it if it’s dirty. Remember that your air filter should be replaced every couple of months or as soon as it gets dirty.
Outdoor AC Unit
Similar to your air filter, the outdoor unit of your HVAC system is incredibly important to airflow. If you’re still experiencing low airflow from the vents after the previous step, head outside and look for debris in the outdoor unit. Possible debris includes:
- Leaves
- Dirt
- Twigs
- Landscaping materials
- Plant growth
Turn the AC unit off and clear away any debris in the unit. Many homeowners find that a garden hose with a spray nozzle is the perfect tool for the job!
Call Blanco A/C
If you’ve completed our entire checklist and your AC still isn’t working properly, it’s time to seek help from the HVAC experts at Blanco A/C, Electrical & Plumbing. Our technicians will be able to pinpoint the problem and recommend repairs.
Contact us today for more information or to begin your AC repair service request!