Pinpointing the problem and doing your own AC repair in Saint Louis, Missouri, can feel like a lot of work.
There’s a better way. There are several fast adjustments you can do on your own that could help you bypass an AC service call.
When you’re experiencing air conditioning problems, use this troubleshooting list before calling a heating and cooling repair specialist like Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating.
Our specialists are available at 314-262-4541 when you are looking for experienced help. We offer emergency AC repair and service most brands of central AC equipment.
If you want to buy a new air conditioner, we also can do AC installation.
When you’re on the phone with us, contemplate a regular AC maintenance plan that could help you stay away from potential problems. We can tell you when you need air conditioner service.
Want to start troubleshooting your system? Try our easy guide below. Many of these procedures don’t require any AC expertise.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few reasons why your air conditioner won’t cool: an overloaded circuit breaker, wrong thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Triggered Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioning won’t start when you have an overloaded breaker.
To see if one has tripped, go to your house’s main electrical panel. You can find this metallic fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry before you touch the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker marked “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s triggered the breaker will be in the in between or “off” position.
- Firmly move the lever back to the “on” position. If it instantaneously trips again, leave it alone and contact us at 314-262-4541. A switch that keeps turning off may indicate your house has an electrical issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your equipment to work, it won’t activate.
The main part is making sure it’s on “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning will probably not switch on. Or you might get. hot air moving from vents since the heater is on instead.
If you rely on a digital thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the monitor is clear. If the screen is displaying jumbled characters, replace the thermostat.
- Make sure the right mode is displaying. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by dropping the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is wrong.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees below the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is identical to the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated properly, you should receive chilled air fast.
If you’re using a smart thermostat, like one produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting. If it still won’t work, contact us at 314-262-4541 for support.
Turn-Off Switch
Your air conditioner typically has a shut-down switch by its outdoor unit. This device is commonly in a metal box attached to your residence. If your AC has recently been repaired, the lever may have unintentionally been put in the “off” position.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans keep the surplus liquid your equipment pulls from the air. This pan can be found either below or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or backed up drain, water can build up and trigger a safety setting to stop your system.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the surplus water with a custom pan-cleaning tab. You can purchase these capsules at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan includes a pump, find the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you may need to install a new pump. Call us at 314-262-4541 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your equipment is on but not cooling, its airflow might be clogged. Or it may not have enough refrigerant.
Clogged Airflow
Your unit’s airflow can be reduced by a clogged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Change Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can cause many problems, such as:
- Reduced cooling
- Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Bigger cooling expenses
- Making your system break down faster
We recommend changing flat filters once a month, and accordion filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last replaced yours, shut off your unit completely and remove the filter. You can locate the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be situated in an attached filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to the light. If you see a lot of dust you need to get a new one.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit
Weeds, grass and bushes can block your condensing system. This could limit its airflow, make it less energy efficient and change your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your unit working well again.
- Shut off power fully at the breaker or external switch.
- Clear yard waste around the unit. Once you’ve cleared all the debris within a two-foot range, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to gingerly clean the unit’s fins. Distorted fins can also hurt capability, so you can attempt to reshape them with a small knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to slowly clean the fins from inside the equipment. Make sure to avoid getting water on the fan motor.
- Install the top again and turn on the power.
Leaking Refrigerant
When air conditioning units don’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from your space.
Here are several flags that your equipment is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes too long to lower the temperature in your space and you’re regularly turning down the thermostat.
- Air coming through the registers isn’t as chilly as it should be.
- You’re hearing whistling or gurgling noises when the air conditioning runs.
- Your evaporator coil is iced over on account of having an issue handling warmth.
Suspect your system is losing refrigerant? You need a qualified heating and cooling service professional to repair the leak and restore the correct level of refrigerant in your unit. Contact us at 314-262-4541 for assistance.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not receiving ample amounts of chilled air, there’s potentially an obstruction or disconnection within your air conditioning unit.
- The first stage is looking at your air filter. Replace it if it’s dirty.
- Then make sure the ductwork is free across your rooms.
- If you’re still not receiving enough chilled air, you should have your duct system examined by a professional like Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. Your duct system might need to be repaired or reconnected in hard-to-reach locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.
Request Pro Air Conditioner Repair Now
When you require air conditioning service quickly, contact the HVAC repair experts at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating at 314-262-4541. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.