As an HVAC company, we here at Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning want our customers to come to us with all of their heating and cooling needs, especially repairs. However, we also understand that not every AC issue calls for a visit from our technicians, which would waste both time and money for everyone involved. If your AC isn’t working, the solution may be surprisingly simple, which is why we’ve compiled a troubleshooting checklist for you to use before calling us for AC repairs:
1. Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your heating and cooling system, making it the first place you should check if something goes wrong with the AC. It’s a little too easy sometimes (especially with a touchscreen) to accidentally change the settings while you’re adjusting the temperature, so you’ll want to make sure that your thermostat is set to COOL and the fan is set to AUTO. If the screen is blank, you simply need to replace the batteries to restore power to the system.
2. Circuit Breakers
Once you’ve made sure your thermostat is working correctly and the system still isn’t working, it’s time to check your electrical panel for tripped circuit breakers. Indoor and outdoor central air conditioner units are typically on separate circuits, so be sure to check that both breakers — which should be labeled — are flipped on. If one or both of the circuit breakers is tripped, it will be in the middle position. Flip the breaker off, then on to restore power, and the system should turn on within a few minutes.
3. Vents and Air Filter
If you’ve ensured that your air conditioner is on and set properly but you’re still experiencing issues with inadequate cooling, something may be causing low airflow. Low airflow is one of the biggest causes of AC inefficiency because it prevents air from circulating through the system. It can be caused by anything from closed vents to air duct blockages.
Improve your system’s airflow by making sure that your air filter is clean and replacing it if it’s dirty — you should do this every couple of months. Then, go to all of the air vents in your home and make sure they’re open. If there’s still little to no air coming from the vents, call on Big Mountain Air for help.
4. Outdoor Unit
Just like dirty air filters and closed vents can cause poor airflow inside your home, debris that builds up in the outdoor AC unit can do the same. In fact, a clean outdoor unit is essential to the airflow of your entire HVAC system, so it’s important to keep it clear of this outdoor debris:
- Dirt
- Twigs and branches
- Leaves
- Plant growth
- Landscaping materials
If your outdoor unit has built-up debris, turn off power to the unit and use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to clear it away.
Call on Big Mountain Air
If you’ve followed all of our troubleshooting steps and are still having problems with your AC system, it’s time to call the experts at Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning. We are the Sacramento AC company residents trust to take care of their AC systems.
For fast, high-quality air conditioner repair, contact us today!