As summer draws closer and the weather gets warmer, your AC system is beginning to run. Many homeowners worry about their AC going out in the hottest months of the year. We know it can be frustrating trying to keep your family comfortable when unexpected problems arise. No need to worry; our home service professionals at Carolina Custom Air are here to help with all your AC troubles.
Steps To Self-Diagnose AC Problems
There are many different components to an AC, and it may be intimidating when you think there is an issue, but you are having trouble finding it. Look no further! Here are some steps that our helpful team advises you should take to properly self-diagnose your AC.
1. Check Your Thermostat
If your thermostat is damaged, it can prevent your AC from running correctly.
Checking your thermostat is a quick and easy step that our team recommends that you initially take when discovering an issue with your AC. You should first check the power of your thermostat. If the screen is unresponsive, it may be a power issue.
Helpful tip: If the thermostat is battery-powered, switch the batteries. If it is hardwired, look at your breaker box to see if there is a tripped breaker.
Next, make sure the system is set to cool and not heat. If none of the previous issues occurred, check the temperature. Sometimes the temperature is simply set too high. Change it to a lower temperature than the room to see if your AC begins to run.
2. Inspect Condenser
Check your outdoor unit to make sure the fan is running and that there aren’t any strange sounds coming from the unit.
Cleaning your condenser is another important step to take when trying to find the cause of your AC problems. To ensure you clean effectively and safely, our technicians recommend following these simple steps.
Remove any debris, such as leaves or dirt, within 2-3 feet of the unit, as that can block airflow. You can clean the coils by spraying them with a hose.
A certified technician can also clean your unit for you during an annual maintenance or tune-up appointment. If you need help with cleaning your unit, don’t hesitate to reach out to Carolina Custom Air.
3. Inspect & Change Air Filters
Ensure that your air filters are not old or dirty. If you’ve noticed that your vents have little to no airflow, it could be a problem with the air filters. We recommend checking them every 1-3 months, changing more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
Safety Tip: Dirty air filters can lead to many problems with an AC, like low airflow, water leakage, or ice build up in the winter. If this is the case, make sure to replace the filter.
4. Reset Your Breaker
First, identify your AC breaker. Common labels on your panel could be HVAC, AC, or Air Conditioner. If the breaker is tripped, the switch will be flipped, in the middle, or slightly out of line.
Turn the breaker fully off and wait 5-10 seconds. You should also wait a few minutes after turning the breaker back on. Some AC systems have time-delay relays or a safety lockout that prevents the system from immediately restarting. After waiting 5-10 minutes, check to see if the indoor blower and condenser turn on and that you feel cool air coming from the vents.
When Should I Call a Professional?
It is important to know when to call one of our professionals if you are having AC trouble. Some problems are simple fixes that you can do in a few minutes. However, if there is a serious issue, you don’t want the problem to get worse or damage anything. Here are a few signs that indicate you should call a professional for AC repairs:
- Your breaker keeps tripping: After resetting your breaker, if it is constantly tripping it could likely be caused by a failing compressor or capacitor, or an electrical short.
Safety tip: Constant resetting can be a fire hazard or lead to electrical damage.
- A burning smell or strange noises: If you encounter one or both, make sure to shut off the system. A burning smell can mean an electrical issue or motor failure, while a buzzing sound can be a failing capacitor or contactor.
- Your system won’t power on: If your AC is failing to turn on, it could be a wiring or transformer issue that our experts can diagnose.
- Ice buildup: If you notice that there is ice on the coils or lines, constant running could lead to damage.
If you have tried all the self-diagnosing techniques from above and your AC is still not functioning properly, call our professionals. We will make sure your home is safe from the above risks and bring helpful to your home. Always remember that if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, our experts will be on the way and will leave your house better than we found it!
