Air conditioner maintenance and repair often requires professional help, but trying to troubleshoot problems first might save time and money. What looks like a major repair may actually require a relatively simple fix. After ruling out the straightforward issues, call a qualified service technician to your home for a more comprehensive repair.
No power
If the unit fails to turn on, the problem may be the power source and not the air conditioner. Check the fuse or circuit breaker panel.
The room is still warm
Is the thermostat set correctly? Lower the temperature several degrees below the temperature in the room to make sure the unit kicks on. Dirty condensing coils can make the A/C unit operate inefficiently, as can a dirty air filter. You can clean the coils and/or change the filter to see if that improves your cool air delivery. Check your registers around the house to make sure they're not closed or blocked by carpets or furniture.
Only the fan is running
Adjust the thermostat to ensure it's set to cool. Walk outside to the compressor and listen. If you hear the motor running, a humming noise that does not stop, or if the lights in the house dim, the air conditioner needs professional service.
Call for service
You need to get service on an AC that starts, but then shuts down. This indicates an overload or broken switch. If you hear the motor running but there's no air coming out of the unit, there may be a problem with the fan or another component that needs replacing.
If you're not sure why the AC is acting up, contact Joe Behr Plumbing & Heating, Inc. We have been servicing the HVAC needs of Mid-Ohio residents since 1965.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating, Inc. services the Mid-Ohio area.
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