Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few reasons why your AC equipment won’t run: a blown circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioner won’t turn on when you have an overloaded breaker.
To see if one has blown, find your residence’s main electrical panel. You can find this metallic device on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry before you touch the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker marked “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s triggered, the lever will be in the "off" position.
- Steadily transfer the breaker back to the “on” location. If it instantly triggers again, don’t reset it and get in touch with us at 503-213-4433. A breaker that keeps flipping may mean your house has an electrical problem.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t signaling your system to start, it won’t activate.
The main part is ensuring it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner will probably not switch on. You may also have hot air blowing from vents being the heat is on instead.
If you have a digital thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the monitor is clear. If the monitor is presenting garbled numbers, get a new thermostat.
- Ensure the proper program is displaying. If you can’t alter it, override it by lowering the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if scheduling is wrong.
- Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat matches the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted properly, you should begin getting refreshing air fast.
If you’re using a smart thermostat, such as one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, reach us at 503-213-4433 for help.
Shut-Off Switch
Your system probably has a power-cutting lever by its outdoor unit. This lever is generally in a metal box mounted on your house. If your equipment has recently been fixed, the device may have unintentionally been turned off.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans keep the additional condensation your AC takes out of the air. This pan can be situated either below or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or backed up drain, water can become concentrated and initiate a safety control to switch off your unit.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the extra water with a formulated pan-cleaning tablet. You can get these tablets at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan has a pump, find the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you could need to replace the pump. Contact us at 503-213-4433 for assistance.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your equipment is working but not providing cold air, its airflow could be clogged. Or it may not have sufficient refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be limited by a plugged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can lead to many troubles, such as:
- Lower airflow
- Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Uneven cooling
- Bigger energy bills
- Causing your system to break down faster
We propose changing flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t recall when you last replaced your filter, switch off your AC completely and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be located in a connected filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it, you certainly should replace it.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit
Weeds, grass and bushes can block your condensing unit. This can reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your system running smoothly again.
- Turn off the electrical current completely at the breaker or external device.
- Remove yard rubbish around the equipment. Once you’ve cleared all the debris within a two-foot area, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to carefully remove dust from the equipment’s fins. Bent fins can also impact efficiency.
- Use a hose nozzle to carefully clean the fins from inside the equipment. Be careful to avoid getting moisture on the fan motor.
- Restore the power.
Not Enough Refrigerant
When cooling units don’t have enough refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from your rooms.
Here are a few indications that your unit is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes a long time to lower the temperature in your house and you’re regularly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Air conditioning coming through the vents isn’t as chilled as it should be.
- You’re noticing fizzing or bubbling noises when the AC runs.
- Your evaporator coil is frosty because it’s having difficulty taking on humidity.
Suspect your equipment is losing refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service professional to take care of the leak and replenish the proper amount of refrigerant in your unit. Get in touch with us at 503-213-4433 for support.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it appears like you’re not having ample amounts of cold air, there’s likely an obstruction or detachment inside your cooling system.
- The beginning place is examining your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s filthy.
- Make sure the vents are open across your home.
- If you’re still not receiving adequate chilled air, you should have your ductwork checked by a specialist like Three Rivers Heating & Cooling. Your ductwork may need to be serviced or reconnected in difficult areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.