Troubleshooting and completing your own AC repair in Sacramento, California, can feel like a lot of hassle.
There’s a better way. There are a couple of easy fixes you can do without help that could help you get out of an AC service call.
When you’re experiencing air conditioning problems, try this troubleshooting list before calling a heating and cooling repair pro like Bishop’s HVAC.
Our professionals can be reached at 916-591-6889 when you need knowledgeable help. We have emergency AC repair and repair most models of central air conditioners.
If you want to buy an updated AC system, we also provide AC installation.
When you’re talking with us, contemplate an annual AC maintenance plan that might help you keep clear of future malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.
Want to get started diagnosing your equipment? Follow our fast guide below. A lot of of these processes don’t require any HVAC knowledge.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a couple of explanations why your air conditioner won’t cool: a tripped circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a turned off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Blown Circuit Breaker
Your cooling won’t work when you have a tripped breaker.
To find out if one has tripped, find your residence’s main electrical panel. You can find this gray fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Confirm your hands and feet are free of moisture before you check the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker marked “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s tripped the lever will be in the in between or “off” location.
- Steadily move the breaker back to the “on” position. If it instantly flips again, don’t reset it and contact us at 916-591-6889. A breaker that keeps turning off may indicate your home has an electrical issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your equipment to work, it won’t activate.
The main point is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not start running. Or you could get. heated air coming from vents since the furnace is on instead.
If you rely on a traditional thermostat:
- Swap out the batteries if the screen is blank. If the monitor is presenting jumbled characters, get a new thermostat.
- Make sure the correct program is displaying. If you can’t update it, reverse it by dropping the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if the configuration is wrong.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat matches the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated accurately, you should begin getting chilled air promptly.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still having problems, reach us at 916-591-6889 for support.
Shut-Off Switch
Your air conditioner usually has a shut-down lever near its outdoor unit. This switch is generally in a metal box hung on your home. If your unit has recently been tuned up, the switch may have unintentionally been put in the “off” location.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans hold the extra water your AC removes 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 build up and initiate a safety feature to switch off your system.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus condensation with a special pan-cleaning capsule. You can buy these tablets at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan involves a pump, locate the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you may need to replace the pump. Contact us at 916-591-6889 for support.