Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Chelan and Wenatchee, Washington, 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 Lakeside Heating & Air.
Our experts are standing by at 509-284-4265 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.
Our work is backed by a 10-Year Labor & Parts Warranty from JB Warranty.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few explanations why your air conditioning won’t cool: a blown circuit breaker, wrong thermostat settings, a turned off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Blown Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t turn on when you have an overloaded breaker.
To find out if one has tripped, go to your home’s main electrical panel. You can spot this gray fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are free of moisture before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker marked “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s overloaded the lever will be in the middle of the panel or “off” position.
- Steadily move the switch back to the “on” spot. If it instantly flips again, don’t reset it and get in touch with us at 509-284-4265. A breaker that keeps turning off could signal your residence has electrical trouble.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t signaling your equipment to run, it won’t turn on.
The key point is ensuring it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner might not start running. Or you may receive. heated air blowing from vents because the furnace is running instead.
If you’re using a traditional thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the screen is clear. If the monitor is displaying jumbled characters, get a new thermostat.
- Ensure the proper mode is on the display. If you can’t change it, cancel it by lowering the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is incorrect.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is set the same as the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated accurately, you should start getting cold air fast.
If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you still can’t get it to work, call us at 509-284-4265 for help.
Shut-Down Switch
Your air conditioner probably has a shut-down device by its condenser. This device is generally in a metal box mounted on your residence. If your AC has recently been tuned up, the lever may have inadvertently been placed in the “off” location.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans catch the extra water your air conditioner removes from the air. This pan can be found either beneath or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a blockage or backed up drain, water can become concentrated and trigger a safety control to stop your air conditioner.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the additional condensation with a special pan-cleaning tab. You can purchase these tablets at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you might have to install a new pump. Contact us at 509-284-4265 for help.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your system is on but not providing cold air, its airflow might be obstructed. Or it could not have adequate refrigerant.
