Troubleshooting and finishing your own AC repair in Pella, Iowa, can feel like a lot of frustration.
But it doesn’t have to be. There are a couple of quick fixes you can attempt on your own that might help you get out of an AC service call.
When you’re facing air conditioning issues, use this diagnostic list before contacting a heating and cooling repair pro like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating.
Our pros are available at 641-628-3621 when you are looking for experienced service. We offer emergency AC repair and service most models of central AC systems.
If you want to get an updated air conditioning system, we also provide AC installation.
When you’re talking with us, contemplate an annual AC maintenance plan that might help you avoid later malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.
Want to begin troubleshooting your air conditioner? Use our fast guide below. Many of these procedures don’t involve any AC knowledge.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several explanations why your central AC system won’t run: a blown circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a switched off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Blown Circuit Breaker
Your cooling won’t run when you have a blown breaker.
To check if one has blown, find your residence’s main electrical panel. You can find this gray box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Confirm your hands and feet aren’t wet before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker identified “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s tripped the lever will be in the in between or “off” location.
- Firmly shift the breaker back to the “on” position. If it immediately triggers again, don’t touch it and reach us at 641-628-3621. A breaker that keeps flipping might signal your house has an electrical issue.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your air conditioner to run, it won’t turn on.
The key part is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning will probably not switch on. Or you could receive. warm air blowing from vents being the heat is going instead.
If you’re using a traditional thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the screen is blank. If the monitor is presenting jumbled numbers, replace the thermostat.
- Ensure the right program is on the display. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by dropping the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is wrong.
- Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees lower than the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat is set the same as the space’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated correctly, you should begin getting cool air promptly.
If you’re using a smart thermostat, like one produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still having problems, call us at 641-628-3621 for help.
Shut-Down Switch
Your AC probably has a power-cutting lever around its outside unit. This switch is typically in a metal box mounted on your residence. If your equipment has recently been maintained, the switch may have inadvertently been left in the “off” position.
Clogged Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans keep the additional condensation your system pulls from the air. This pan is located either under or within your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or blocked drain, water can accumulate and prompt a safety setting to switch off your unit.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the surplus liquid with a special pan-cleaning capsule. You can get these tablets at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan has a pump, locate the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you could need to get a new pump. Reach us at 641-628-3621 for assistance.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your system is working but not providing cold air, its airflow may be congested. Or it may not have enough refrigerant.
Clogged Airflow
Your system’s airflow can be reduced by a plugged air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Put in a New Your Air Filter
A dirty filter can lead to a lot of troubles, like:
- Limited airflow
- Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Increased cooling bills
- Making your system stop working more quickly
We suggest changing flat filters once a month, and creased filters every three months.
If you aren’t sure when you last installed a new one, turn off your system totally and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be located in an adjoining filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it you certainly should get a new one.
How to Clean Your AC System
Brush, plants and leaves can block your condensing equipment. This may reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and change your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your system operating smoothly again.
- Shut off electricity completely at the breaker or outside switch.
- Clear yard waste around the equipment. Once you’ve cleared all the debris within a two-foot range, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to carefully remove dirt from the unit’s fins. Warped fins can also impact performance, so you can attempt to correct them with a small knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly remove gunk off the fins from inside the system. Don’t get liquid on the fan motor.
- Replace the top and turn the power back on.
Insufficient Refrigerant
When AC systems don’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your home.
Here are a few signs that your system is losing refrigerant:
- It takes too long to cool your house and you’re constantly turning down the thermostat.
- Cooling coming through the ducts isn’t as chilled as it should be.
- You’re experiencing hissing or gurgling noises when the AC is on.
- Your evaporator coil is frosty on account of having trouble absorbing humidity.
Think your unit is leaking refrigerant? You need a licensed heating and cooling service expert to fix the leak and refill the proper amount of refrigerant in your equipment. Get in touch with us at 641-628-3621 for assistance.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it seems like you’re not having ample amounts of cool air, there’s probably a blockage or detachment within your air conditioning system.
- The beginning step is checking your air filter. Get a new one if it’s filthy.
- Then check the vents are open throughout your rooms.
- If you’re still not receiving ample cold air, you should have your duct system inspected by a specialist like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. Your ducts could need to be serviced or relinked in difficult spots 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 Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating at 641-628-3621. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.