Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a couple of reasons why your air conditioning won’t run: a blown circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a switched off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t work when you have an overloaded breaker.
To find out if one has gotten overloaded, go to your home’s main electrical panel. You can spot this silver fixture 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.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s triggered, the switch will be in the "off" position.
- Firmly transfer the breaker back to the “on” spot. If it instantly triggers again, don’t touch it and contact us at 812-663-7252. A breaker that keeps turning off could mean your residence has an electrical problem.
Inaccurate Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your equipment to work, it won’t switch on.
The first step is making sure it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not switch on. You could also have hot air coming from vents being the heater is on instead.
If you have a digital thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the readout is clear. If the monitor is showing jumbled characters, replace the thermostat.
- Make sure the correct mode is on the display. If you can’t update it, reverse it by dropping the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if the configuration is wrong.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is identical to the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated properly, you should start getting cool air quickly.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, including ones produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, reach us at 812-663-7252 for support.
Shut-Down Switch
Your system usually has a shut-off lever by its condenser. This switch is typically in a metal box mounted on your house. If your unit has recently been tuned up, the lever may have accidentally been turned off.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans keep the surplus water your equipment removes from the air. This pan is located either under or within your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or clogged drain, water can become concentrated and trigger a safety setting to stop your equipment.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the surplus condensation with a special pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these capsules 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 liquid in the pan, you may need to replace the pump. Reach us at 812-663-7252 for assistance.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your air conditioner is working but not cooling, its airflow might be clogged. Or it could not have enough refrigerant.
Blocked Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be limited by a clogged air filter or dirty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A filthy filter can cause many problems, such as:
- Reduced airflow
- Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Intermittent cooling
- Bigger electricity costs
- Causing your system to stop working faster
We suggest installing new flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t recall when you last replaced your filter, turn off your AC totally and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be found in an adjoining filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to your light fixture. If you can’t see through it, you need to replace it.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioning System
Brush, grass and shrubbery can get in the way of your condensing equipment. This may restrict its airflow, make it less energy efficient and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your unit working properly again.
- Shut off power fully at the breaker or outdoor switch.
- Clear plant debris around the unit. Once you’ve cleared all the debris within a two-foot space, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to carefully remove dirt from the condenser fins. Bent fins can also affect performance.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly clean the fins from inside the unit. Make sure to avoid getting water on the fan motor.
- Restore the power.
Insufficient Refrigerant
When cooling systems don’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from the air.
Here are a few signs that your unit is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes too long to lower the temperature in your home and you’re regularly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Air blowing through the registers isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re experiencing fizzing or bubbling sounds when cooling runs.
- Your evaporator coil is iced over because it’s having an issue absorbing humidity.
Worried your unit is leaking refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service professional to take care of the leak and replenish the right measurement of refrigerant in your system. Contact us at 812-663-7252 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not getting adequate amounts of chilled air, there’s probably an obstruction or disconnection somewhere in your cooling unit.
- The initial step is looking at your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s dusty.
- Make sure the ductwork is open around your house.
- If you’re still not receiving sufficient chilly air, you should have your ductwork examined by a expert like Wallpe Heating & Cooling. Your duct system may need to be serviced or rejoined in difficult areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.