Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several explanations why your AC unit won’t work: an overloaded circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t work when you have an overloaded breaker.
To determine if one has gotten overloaded, locate your home’s main electrical panel. You can find this metallic fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Confirm your hands and feet aren’t wet before you check the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” position. If it’s tripped, the breaker will be in the "off" position.
- Steadily transfer the switch back to the “on” spot. If it instantaneously trips again, don’t touch it and call us at 951-299-9853. A switch that keeps tripping may indicate your home has an electrical issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your system to start, it won’t activate.
The most important step is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner will probably not turn on. You might also get hot air blowing from vents being the heat is going instead.
If you’re using a regular thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the monitor is blank. If the readout is presenting garbled characters, get a new thermostat.
- Check the correct setting is showing. If you can’t alter it, override it by dropping the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if programming is incorrect.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees lower than the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat is set the same as the space’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted properly, you should begin getting chilled air fast.
If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you’re still having problems, reach us at 951-299-9853 for support.
Turn-Off Switch
Your system probably has a shut-off device near its outdoor unit. This switch is generally in a metal box hung on your home. If your unit has recently been maintained, the switch may have inadvertently been turned off.
Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans keep the surplus liquid your equipment takes out of the air. This pan can be positioned either beneath or within your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a blockage or blocked drain, water can build up and initiate a safety control to switch off your equipment.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the surplus condensation with a custom pan-cleaning tab. You can purchase these tabs at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan includes a pump, locate 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 951-299-9853 for help.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your air conditioner is on but not cooling, its airflow might be obstructed. Or it could not have enough refrigerant.
Clogged Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be reduced by a clogged air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can cause numerous troubles, like:
- Limited comfort
- Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Bigger cooling bills
- Making your system break down sooner
We propose installing new flat filters every four weeks, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last replaced your filter, turn off your system completely and pull out the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be situated in an attached filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Tilt the filter up to the light. If you can’t see any light, you should buy a new filter.
4 Steps to Cleaning Your Cooling Unit
Weeds, vegetation and leaves can block your condensing equipment. This can reduce its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your system operating well again.
- Switch off power completely at the breaker or outdoor lever.
- Remove plant rubbish around the equipment. Once you’ve removed larger clutter within a two-foot space, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to gingerly remove dust from the equipment’s fins. Warped fins can also affect capability.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly take off dirt on the fins from inside the equipment. Make sure to avoid getting liquid on the fan motor.
- Restore the power.
Insufficient Refrigerant
When air conditioning equipment doesn’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from your residence.
Here are several flags that your equipment is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes too long to cool your home and you’re constantly lowering the thermostat.
- Air moving through the ducts isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re experiencing whistling or gurgling sounds when cooling is on.
- Your evaporator coil is icy as a result of having trouble absorbing heat.
Worried your system is losing refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service specialist to repair the leak and replenish the right amount of refrigerant in your equipment. Call us at 951-299-9853 for support.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not receiving ample amounts of chilled air, there’s possibly a blockage or separation somewhere in your air conditioning unit.
- The initial step is checking your air filter. Replace it if it’s filthy.
- Make sure the vents are open around your rooms.
- If you’re still not getting sufficient chilly air, you should have your ductwork examined by a expert like Cool Air Solutions. Your ductwork could need to be repaired or rejoined in tricky locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.