Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Lawrence, Kansas, can appear like a lot of hassle.

There’s a better way. There are several quick remedies you can attempt by yourself that might help you get out of an AC service call.

When you’re having air conditioning issues, try this checklist before calling a heating and cooling repair professional like Scott Temperature.

Our experts are standing by at 785-269-0465 when you need expert service. We have emergency AC repair and work on most brands of central AC equipment.

If you want to get an up to date air conditioner, we also provide AC installation.

When you’re in contact with us, contemplate a yearly AC maintenance plan that may help you keep clear of future malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.

Ready to get started troubleshooting your system? Try our fast tips below. Many of these procedures don’t require any HVAC knowledge.

Air Conditioner Repair Checklist

1. AC Won’t Turn On

There can be a few causes why your AC equipment won’t cool: a triggered circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.

Triggered Circuit Breaker

Your AC won’t turn on when you have an overloaded breaker.

To find out if one has gotten overloaded, go to your house’s main electrical panel. You can spot this metallic box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Confirm your hands and feet are dry before you check the panel or breakers.
  • Locate the breaker identified “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s overloaded the switch will be in the in between or “off” location.
  • Firmly move the switch back to the “on” location. If it instantaneously trips again, leave it alone and contact us at 785-269-0465. A fuse that keeps turning off may mean your home has an electrical issue.

Wrong Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t telling your air conditioner to run, it won’t activate.

The key point is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner will probably not turn on. Or you may have. heated air blowing from vents because the heat is going instead.

If you have a digital thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the screen is displaying jumbled numbers, get a new thermostat.
  • Check the right option is displaying. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by decreasing the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is wrong.
  • Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees below the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is identical to the room’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is calibrated accurately, you should begin getting refreshing air fast.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, such as one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting. If you’re still having problems, call us at 785-269-0465 for support.

Turn-Off Switch

Your air conditioner typically has a shut-off device around its outside unit. This device is commonly in a metal box mounted on your residence. If your AC has recently been serviced, the device may have inadvertently been placed in the “off” setting.

Clogged Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans catch the extra water your system removes from the air. This pan can be found either under or within your furnace or air handler.

When there’s an obstruction or clogged drain, water can accumulate 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 liquid with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can buy these capsules at a home improvement or hardware shop.

If your pan includes a pump, look for the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you could need to install a new pump. Call us at 785-269-0465 for support.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your AC is working but not providing cold air, its airflow might be obstructed. Or it could not have adequate refrigerant.

Obstructed Airflow

Your system’s airflow can be restricted by a clogged air filter or dirty condenser.

How to Replace Your Air Filter

A filthy filter can cause many troubles, including:

  • Reduced airflow
  • Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Inconsistent cooling
  • Bigger electricity costs
  • Causing your system to break down faster

We propose changing flat filters every four weeks, and pleated filters every three months.

If you aren’t sure when you last changed yours, shut off your AC completely and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be located in an adjoining filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the light. If you see a lot of dust you certainly should replace it.

How to Clean Your Air Conditioning System

Greenery, vegetation and sticks can get in the way of your condensing equipment. This can restrict its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your unit running well again.

  1. Shut off electricity totally at the breaker or outside switch.
  2. Clear yard rubbish around the unit. Once you’ve removed all the debris within a two-foot radius, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to carefully remove dirt from the equipment’s fins. Misshapen fins can also hurt performance, so you can attempt to correct them with a dinner knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to slowly clean the fins from inside the system. Don’t get water on the fan motor.
  4. Put the top back on and restore the power.

Low Refrigerant Levels

When AC systems don’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your house.

Here are a couple of symptoms that your unit is seeping refrigerant:

  1. It takes a long time to lower the temperature in your house and you’re continually decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
  2. Air conditioning blowing through the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
  3. You’re experiencing whistling or gurgling noises when cooling is on.
  4. Your evaporator coil is frosty on account of having difficulty absorbing humidity.

Worried your equipment is seeping refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service expert to fix the leak and replenish the proper measurement of refrigerant in your equipment. Contact us at 785-269-0465 for help.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

When it feels like you’re not receiving enough chilled air, there’s probably an obstruction or separation inside your AC equipment.

  • The initial place is looking at your air filter. Replace it if it’s filthy.
  • Then ensure the registers are clear across your rooms.
  • If you’re still not getting enough chilled air, you should have your ductwork checked by a specialist like Scott Temperature. Your ducts may need to be repaired or hooked up again in limited space 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 Scott Temperature at 785-269-0465. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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