Diagnosing a problem and completing your own AC repair in Northglenn, Colorado, can seem like a lot of work.
But it doesn’t have to be. There are several easy fixes you can try without help that might help you get out of an AC service call.
When you’re having air conditioning problems, try this troubleshooting list before reaching out to a heating and cooling repair professional like Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our experts are available at 303-452-4146 when you require knowledgeable help. We have emergency AC repair and repair most makes of central air conditioners.
If you need a new air conditioner, we also can do AC installation.
When you’re in contact with us, contemplate a yearly AC maintenance plan that might help you bypass later breakdowns. We can advise how often you should have air conditioner service.
Prepared to start finding the problem with your equipment? Follow our easy guide below. Many of these processes don’t involve any AC knowledge.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several reasons why your air conditioner won’t run: a blown circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overfull condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your AC won’t run when you have a tripped breaker.
To determine if one has gotten overloaded, locate your home’s main electrical panel. You can find this gray box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t wet before you touch the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s overloaded the switch will be in the middle of the panel or “off” spot.
- Steadily shift the breaker back to the “on” location. If it immediately triggers again, don’t reset it and get in touch with us at 303-452-4146. A breaker that keeps tripping could indicate your residence has an electrical problem.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t signaling your equipment to run, it won’t activate.
The main step is checking it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner might not turn on. Or you could have. hot air coming from vents because the heater is going instead.
If you have a digital thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the screen is blank. If the screen is showing jumbled numbers, replace the thermostat.
- Make sure the right setting is displaying. If you can’t alter it, cancel it by decreasing the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if scheduling is not right.
- Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees below the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is set the same as the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted correctly, you should begin getting chilled air fast.
If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, reach us at 303-452-4146 for support.
Shut-Off Switch
Your air conditioner usually has a power-cutting switch near its outside unit. This device is generally in a metal box hung on your house. If your equipment has recently been maintained, the switch may have accidentally been positioned in the “off” position.
Clogged Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans catch the surplus liquid your AC pulls from the air. This pan is located either under or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or clogged drain, water can build up and initiate a safety setting to turn off your system.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus water with a special pan-cleaning tablet. You can get these tablets at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you could need to replace the pump. Contact us at 303-452-4146 for help.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your AC is on but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be clogged. Or it may not have sufficient refrigerant.
Blocked Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be reduced by a plugged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Change Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can lead to countless problems, like:
- Reduced airflow
- Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Intermittent cooling
- Higher energy expenses
- Making your system stop working faster
We propose changing flat filters monthly, and creased filters every three months.
If you aren’t sure when you last installed a new one, switch off your system fully 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 adjoining filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to the light. If you see a lot of dust you certainly should replace it.
4 Tips on Cleaning Your Cooling Equipment
Brush, grass and sticks can get in the way of your condensing unit. This could restrict its airflow, make it less energy efficient and change your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your system operating properly again.
- Switch off power totally at the breaker or outside switch.
- Remove greenery waste around the unit. Once you’ve removed all the debris within a two-foot space, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to gingerly clean the unit’s fins. Warped fins can also hurt effectiveness, so you can attempt to adjust them with a blunt knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to carefully clean the fins from inside the equipment. Don’t get water on the fan motor.
- Install the top again and turn the power back on.
Leaking Refrigerant
When cooling systems don’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your house.
Here are several signs that your unit is seeping refrigerant:
- It takes a long time to lower the temperature in your residence and you’re constantly lowering the thermostat.
- Air conditioning blowing through the registers isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re experiencing whistling or burbling noises when the AC works.
- Your evaporator coil is iced over on account of having trouble taking on warmth.
Think your unit is seeping refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service professional to take care of the leak and replenish the right measurement of refrigerant in your system. Contact us at 303-452-4146 for assistance.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not having adequate amounts of cool air, there’s possibly an obstruction or separation inside your cooling unit.
- The beginning step is checking your air filter. Replace it if it’s dusty.
- Then make sure the vents are clear across your home.
- If you’re still not receiving adequate cold air, you should have your duct system checked by a specialist like Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. Your ducts may need to be repaired or reconnected in difficult 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 Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-452-4146. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.