Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Columbia, Mississippi, can appear like a lot of hassle.

There’s a better way. There are several quick remedies you can attempt by yourself that might help you get out of an AC service call.

When you’re having air conditioning issues, try this checklist before calling a heating and cooling repair professional like Watts Electric & AC.

Our experts are standing by at 601-736-7362 when you need expert service. We have emergency AC repair and work on most brands of central AC equipment.

If you want to get an up to date air conditioner, we also provide AC installation.

When you’re in contact with us, contemplate a yearly AC maintenance plan that may help you keep clear of future malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.

Ready to get started troubleshooting your system? Try our fast tips below. Many of these procedures don’t require any HVAC knowledge.

Air Conditioner Repair Checklist

1. AC Won’t Turn On

There can be several reasons why your AC equipment won’t cool: an overloaded circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a turned off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Blown Circuit Breaker

Your cooling won’t work when you have a blown breaker.

To see if one has tripped, locate your home’s main electrical panel. You can spot this metallic device on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Confirm your hands and feet are free of moisture before you work on the panel or breakers.
  • Locate the breaker identified “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” location. If it’s tripped the switch will be in the middle of the panel or “off” position.
  • Firmly move the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantaneously triggers again, don’t touch it and reach us at 601-736-7362. A fuse that keeps flipping might signal your house has an electrical issue.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t signaling your AC to start, it won’t turn on.

The main step is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC will probably not start running. Or you could have. hot air moving from vents because the heat is going instead.

If you’re using a digital thermostat:

  • Swap out the batteries if the readout is empty. If the screen is showing scrambled letters, buy a new thermostat.
  • Ensure the proper option is displaying. If you can’t change it, reverse it by dropping the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if the configuration is incorrect.
  • Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is set the same as the house’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is calibrated accurately, you should start getting cold air promptly.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get it to work, reach us at 601-736-7362 for help.

Shut-Off Switch

Your system typically has a power-cutting switch by its outdoor unit. This lever is commonly in a metal box attached to your residence. If your unit has recently been fixed, the lever may have inadvertently been placed in the “off” location.

Blocked Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans hold the additional liquid your AC pulls from the air. This pan can be found either below or in your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a clog or blocked drain, water can build up and prompt a safety feature to stop your equipment.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus water with a custom pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these tabs at a home improvement or hardware shop.

If your pan involves a pump, look for the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you could need to install a new pump. Contact us at 601-736-7362 for assistance.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, its airflow might be obstructed. Or it may not have adequate refrigerant.

Obstructed Airflow

Your equipment’s airflow can be decreased by a clogged air filter or filthy condenser.

How to Replace Your Air Filter

A dirty filter can lead to numerous troubles, including:

  • Limited airflow
  • Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Uneven cooling
  • Increased energy bills
  • Leading your system to wear out sooner

We suggest installing new flat filters every four weeks, and accordion filters every three months.

If you can’t remember when you last changed yours, 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 found in an attached filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the sunshine. If you see a lot of dust you certainly should buy a new filter.

How to Clean Your Cooling System

Weeds, vegetation and bushes can block your condensing unit. This can reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and change your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your equipment operating smoothly again.

  1. Turn off power completely at the breaker or outside lever.
  2. Clear plant debris around the AC. Once you’ve gotten rid of bigger clutter within a two-foot space, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to slowly remove dust from the equipment’s fins. Misshapen fins can also affect effectiveness, so you can attempt to correct them with a blunt knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to gingerly clean the fins from inside the equipment. Don’t get water on the fan motor.
  4. Install the top again and restore the power.

Leaking Refrigerant

When cooling equipment doesn’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from your space.

Here are a few indications that your unit is leaking refrigerant:

  1. It takes too long to cool your space and you’re constantly turning down the thermostat.
  2. Air conditioning moving through the registers isn’t as chilly as it should be.
  3. You’re experiencing fizzing or bubbling sounds when cooling works.
  4. Your evaporator coil is frosty as a result of having an issue taking on warmth.

Worried your system is seeping refrigerant? You need a licensed heating and cooling service specialist to fix the leak and refill the right measurement of refrigerant in your equipment. Call us at 601-736-7362 for help.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

When it appears like you’re not getting enough chilled air, there’s usually an obstruction or disconnection inside your cooling unit.

  • The first stage is looking at your air filter. Get a new one if it’s dirty.
  • Then ensure the registers are clear across your home.
  • If you’re still not experiencing adequate cold air, you should have your ducts inspected by a professional like Watts Electric & AC. Your duct system may need to be repaired or rejoined in limited space areas 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 Watts Electric & AC at 601-736-7362. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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