Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a couple of explanations why your air conditioning won’t start: a tripped circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a turned off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Triggered Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioner won’t start when you have a blown breaker.
To determine if one has gotten overloaded, go to your residence’s main electrical panel. You can spot this metallic fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet aren’t wet before you touch the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s triggered, the switch will be in the "off" position.
- Quickly transfer the breaker back to the “on” position. If it instantaneously trips again, don’t touch it and contact us at 281-231-8768. A fuse that keeps flipping might indicate your residence has an electrical problem.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your AC to start, it won’t turn on.
The first step is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not turn on. You may also receive heated air blowing from vents because the furnace is on instead.
If you’re using a regular thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the monitor is presenting garbled characters, get a new thermostat.
- Check the correct setting is showing. If you can’t alter it, cancel it by lowering the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if programming is incorrect.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is identical to the space’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is set properly, you should receive cold air promptly.
If you have a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for help. If it still won’t work, call us at 281-231-8768 for help.
Shut-Down Switch
Your AC probably has a power-cutting device by its condenser. This lever is generally in a metal box hung on your house. If your unit has recently been tuned up, the device may have unintentionally been turned off.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans keep the additional water your equipment removes from the air. This pan can be situated either below or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or clogged drain, water can accumulate and initiate a safety control to switch off your air conditioner.
If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the additional water with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these tablets at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you might have to get a new pump. Reach us at 281-231-8768 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your AC is going but not providing cold air, its airflow might be congested. Or it might not have enough refrigerant.
Blocked Airflow
Your unit’s airflow can be reduced by a blocked air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Change Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can cause many issues, such as:
- Reduced cooling
- Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Increased cooling costs
- Causing your system to wear out faster
We recommend installing new flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you aren’t sure when you last replaced your filter, shut off your system fully and remove the filter. You can locate the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be situated in a connected filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.
Tilt the filter up to the sunshine. If you see a lot of dust, you certainly should replace it.
How to Clean Your Cooling System
Greenery, grass and sticks can block your condensing equipment. This could restrict its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your equipment operating properly again.
- Switch off power fully at the breaker or outside lever.
- Remove yard debris around the AC. Once you’ve cleared larger clutter within a two-foot radius, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to carefully clean the condenser fins. Distorted fins can also affect efficiency.
- Use a hose nozzle to carefully clean the fins from inside the unit. Be careful to avoid getting water on the fan motor.
- Turn the power back on.
Insufficient Refrigerant
When AC systems don’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from the air.
Here are several signs that your equipment is losing refrigerant:
- It takes too long to cool your space and you’re constantly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Cooling moving through the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re noticing whistling or bubbling racket when the AC is on.
- Your evaporator coil is frosted because it’s having difficulty handling warmth.
Suspect your equipment is leaking refrigerant? You need a qualified heating and cooling service professional to take care of the leak and replenish the proper level of refrigerant in your system. Call us at 281-231-8768 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it seems like you’re not receiving ample amounts of cool air, there’s usually a blockage or separation within your AC equipment.
- The initial stage is checking your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s filthy.
- Make sure the registers are open across your house.
- If you’re still not experiencing enough cold air, you should have your ducts examined by a expert like JTech Mechanical. Your duct system could need to be repaired or rejoined in limited space locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.