Calling an Air Conditioning service is always good practice whenever something goes wrong, but there’s a lot you can do beforehand to get more information on your problem or maybe even solve it on your own.
Some issues are not a big deal, but others need immediate attention – if you know which is which, you can deal with them correctly and effectively. This can already guide the professional in the right direction as soon as you get in touch, and also help you take the right action.
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. – Joseph Campbell
1. Is the electricity working?
Might seem like a no-brainer but problems with electricity are often to be blamed. If you had recent power outages (or power surges), these could have destabilized your A/C unit or even damaged them in some way.
Be sure the electricity is on and in working condition, and if you notice abnormal behaviour, refrain from plugging your A/C unit on for the time being.
2. Check the circuit breaker
The circuit breaker in the breaker box might have been tripped, so first of all, check to make sure it’s on. But if it’s been tripped and continues to do so, then something is wrong with your electricity. It’s recommended to unplug your A/C and wait for a professional to sort it out, because the problem might be coming from your wiring and that’s quite dangerous to mess with on your own.
Also check out how to spend less with energy bills this summer!
3. Are there batteries in the thermostat?
A simple but often overlooked issue – the thermostat runs on battery most of the time. If your problem seems to originate from there, check to see if the battery is well inserted and still has charge left. A faulty battery can also cause your system to reset or behave erratically.
4. Check the outside unit
The outside unit can be easily blocked by greenery and debris – and you should absolutely never cover it while using your A/C.
Check it out and make sure nothing is blocking the air flow, in which case you can rinse the unit with a hose from top to bottom to get rid of debris.
5. Check your filters
Filters should ideally be replaced every month – or every three months at the most. If you haven’t checked on them in a while then it’s time to do so, as they might be clogged or too dirty.
Filters can easily compromise the efficiency of your entire A/C unit, to create the habit of checking on them often.
6. Inspect your air ducts and vents
A leaky air duct can quickly compromise your A/C, as well as a clogged one – ducts can become home to small animals and debris if not properly sealed. Be on the lookout for bad odor coming from the vents, or a noticeable drop in efficiency from room to room, as this can help in determining where the problem is coming from.
While you’re at it, take the opportunity to check your vents: they could be blocked or stuck, which can cause the same issues.
7. Check the condensation pump
A/C units usually have a water safety switch – this is used to prevent water from leaking inside your home and causing a huge mess. If your unit refuses to work, check the water pan under it for excess water. If you find water there, simply remove the pan and get rid of the water, then reinstall the pan and try turning on the unit again.
Need help in fixing your A/C unit? Call a local AC contractor and get free quotes today!
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