Diagnosing a problem and completing your own AC repair in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, can seem like a lot of work.
It doesn’t have to be like that. There are several quick remedies you can attempt on your own that might help you avoid an AC service call.
When you’re experiencing air conditioning problems, use this checklist before calling a heating and cooling repair specialist like Solar Air Inc..
Our professionals can be reached at 954-320-7398 when you are looking for knowledgeable assistance. We offer emergency AC repair and repair most models of central air conditioners.
If you want to get a modern AC system, we also offer AC installation.
When you’re talking with us, consider an annual AC maintenance plan that may help you keep clear of later malfunctions. We can let you know how frequently you need air conditioner service.
Want to get started finding the problem with your AC? Follow our simple tips below. Many of these processes don’t require any HVAC expertise.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several reasons why your AC equipment won’t work: a blown circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Blown Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioning won’t work when you have a blown breaker.
To determine if one has gotten overloaded, locate your residence’s main electrical panel. You can locate this metallic fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are dry before you check the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker marked “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s tripped the breaker will be in the middle of the panel or “off” position.
- Firmly transfer the switch back to the “on” position. If it immediately trips again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 954-320-7398. A switch that keeps tripping might indicate your home has an electrical problem.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your system to run, it won’t activate.
The main step is making sure it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not turn on. Or you could receive. warm air moving from vents because the heater is running instead.
If you’re using a digital thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the readout is clear. If the screen is presenting jumbled numbers, get a new thermostat.
- Ensure the right mode is displaying. If you can’t update it, override it by dropping the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if scheduling is not right.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees below the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is identical to the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted correctly, you should receive cool air fast.
If you have a smart thermostat, like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, reach us at 954-320-7398 for support.
Shut-Off Switch
Your AC usually has a shut-down lever near its condenser. This device is commonly in a metal box hung on your house. If your air conditioner has recently been repaired, the switch may have inadvertently been positioned in the “off” position.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans catch the additional liquid your equipment pulls from the air. This pan can be situated either under or within your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a blockage or clogged drain, water can become concentrated and trigger a safety feature to stop your air conditioner.
If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the additional condensation with a special pan-cleaning tablet. You can purchase these tabs at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan involves a pump, look for the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you may need to get a new pump. Reach us at 954-320-7398 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your AC is on but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be congested. Or it could not have enough refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be limited by a clogged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A filthy filter can cause numerous troubles, such as:
- Reduced comfort
- Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Larger utility bills
- Leading your system to stop working faster
We propose replacing flat filters monthly, and creased filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last installed a new one, shut off your AC totally and take out the filter. You can locate the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be situated in a connected filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see any light you need to buy a new filter.
How to Clean Your Cooling Equipment
Weeds, vegetation and sticks can obstruct your condensing equipment. This can reduce its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s how you can get your unit running well again.
- Turn off the electrical current completely at the breaker or external switch.
- Get rid of vegetation waste around the unit. Once you’ve gotten rid of bigger debris within a two-foot radius, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to carefully remove dust from the condenser fins. Kinked fins can also hurt efficiency, so you can attempt to straighten them with a dinner knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to slowly take off dirt on the fins from inside the system. Don’t get moisture on the fan motor.
- Replace the top and turn on the power.
Insufficient Refrigerant
When AC units don’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your home.
Here are several flags that your equipment is seeping refrigerant:
- It takes a long time to refresh your residence and you’re regularly turning down the thermostat.
- Cooling moving through the registers isn’t as chilly as it should be.
- You’re experiencing hissing or burbling noises when the air conditioning runs.
- Your evaporator coil is frosty as a result of having difficulty absorbing warmth.
Worried your unit is losing refrigerant? You need a qualified heating and cooling service specialist to repair the leak and replenish the right level of refrigerant in your equipment. Reach us at 954-320-7398 for assistance.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not receiving enough cold air, there’s probably a clog or separation within your AC equipment.
- The beginning step is examining your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s dirty.
- Then ensure the ductwork is open around your house.
- If you’re still not experiencing ample chilled air, you should have your ducts checked by a professional like Solar Air Inc.. Your ductwork might need to be repaired or hooked up again in hard-to-reach 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 Solar Air Inc. at 954-320-7398. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.