Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few explanations why your air conditioning won’t start: a blown circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overfull condensate drain pan.
Blown Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t start when you have an overloaded breaker.
To check if one has tripped, go to your house’s main electrical panel. You can find this gray box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are dry before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker identified “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s overloaded, the switch will be in the middle of the panel or “off” position.
- Firmly transfer the breaker back to the “on” position. If it instantly trips again, don’t reset it and reach us at 785-269-0465. A fuse that keeps tripping may mean your house has an electrical issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your system to start, it won’t switch on.
The main point is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner will probably not start running. Or you might get heated air blowing from vents since the heater is on instead.
If you rely on a traditional thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the readout is clear. If the readout is showing jumbled letters, buy a new thermostat.
- Ensure the right setting is showing. If you can’t change it, cancel it by dropping the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if the configuration is incorrect.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat matches the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated accurately, you should begin getting refreshing air promptly.
If you have a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get it to work, reach us at 785-269-0465 for assistance.
Shut-Down Switch
Your cooling equipment probably has a shut-down device by its outside unit. This device is generally in a metal box mounted on your residence. If your equipment has recently been tuned up, the switch may have accidentally been placed in the “off” location.
Clogged Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans catch the extra water your AC removes from the air. This pan can be found either under or in your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a blockage or blocked drain, water can build up and trigger a safety feature to turn off your system.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the extra water with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can get these tabs at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan includes a pump, look for the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you may need to get a new pump. Contact us at 785-269-0465 for help.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your system is going but not cooling, its airflow may be congested. Or it may not have sufficient refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be reduced by a clogged air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Change Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can cause many issues, including:
- Limited comfort
- Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Uneven cooling
- Increased electricity costs
- Making your system break down sooner
We propose installing new flat filters monthly, and accordion filters every three months.
If you can’t recall when you last replaced yours, shut off your equipment totally and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be found in an attached filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to your light fixture. If you can’t see through it, you should replace it.
How to Clean Your AC Unit
Brush, plants and bushes can obstruct your condensing equipment. This may limit its airflow, make it less energy efficient and change your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your system operating well again.
- Shut off the electrical current totally at the breaker or external switch.
- Clear yard debris around the equipment. Once you’ve cleared all the clutter within a two-foot area, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to gingerly remove dust from the condenser fins. Bent fins can also hurt effectiveness, so you can attempt to correct them with a small knife.
- Lift off the top of your air conditioner and pull out any leaves or grass clippings that has built up. Then wipe down the condenser fan with a wet cloth.
- Use a hose nozzle to carefully remove gunk off the fins from inside the equipment. Make sure to avoid getting liquid on the fan motor.
- Install the top again and restore the power.
Not Enough Refrigerant
When cooling equipment doesn’t have enough refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your house.
Here are a few flags that your unit is seeping refrigerant:
- It takes too long to lower the temperature in your residence and you’re regularly turning down the thermostat.
- Air conditioning moving through the registers isn’t as chilly as it should be.
- You’re noticing fizzing or bubbling racket when the AC runs.
- Your evaporator coil is frosty because it’s having difficulty handling warmth.
Think your system is seeping refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service professional to fix the leak and restore the correct measurement of refrigerant in your equipment. Contact us at 785-269-0465 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it appears like you’re not having adequate amounts of cold air, there’s probably a clog or separation inside your AC unit.
- The beginning stage is checking your air filter. Replace it if it’s soiled.
- Then ensure the registers are free throughout your house.
- If you’re still not experiencing adequate chilled air, you should have your ductwork examined by a professional like Scott Temperature. Your duct system might need to be repaired or reconnected in limited space areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.