Need the Nearest AC Repair? Try These Common Solutions Before Calling for HVAC Repair Services

 

Call Air-Tro today for all your HVAC installation, service and repair needs. We’re the indoor comfort specialists the San Gabriel Valley trusts for all their heating and air conditioning, since 1969. Get in touch at (626) 357-3535.

These AC Problems Can Be Solved Quickly and Easily

It usually happens on the hottest day of summer. We know because it happens to our families too. One minute you’re reading the morning newspaper online, drinking your coffee, and then you notice the terrible truth: your air conditioning appears to be completely nonfunctional.

Uh oh!

The truth is that usually, it’s fixable. In most cases simply running through the following troubleshooting checklist is enough to determine the problem, and its solution. Don’t get us wrong: we love to see our customers. But we love saving you time and money, more!

Is your thermostat low on battery or completely dead?

When the thermostat isn’t working, the system won’t heat or cool. If your thermostat shows a black screen when you go to set the temp, try changing its batteries. If that’s the issue, everything will go back to normal quicker than you can say “Double A.”

 

Where is your thermostat anyway?

Your thermostat is the brain that determines when your HVAC must turn on or off. If your thermostat is placed next to a lamp, or gets direct sunlight from a nearby window, it could be detecting inaccurate temperatures indoors, and “instruct” the system to turn on and off inappropriately. Also, remember that with every degree you turn down your thermostat, you’re paying more money to the utility company.  For every degree below 78, you’ll increase your energy usage by about 8%.

Did you blow a fuse?

Check your circuit breaker box outside. It’s entirely possible that an electrical issue, common on hot days, overloaded the circuits and stopped the power from flowing normally to your unit. If that’s the problem, a simple reset of the circuit breakers is all it will take to get the system running again.

 

Have you checked the condenser?

Could there be debris in the condenser itself, preventing it from working? It’s worth a quick check to see what’s happening to your outside unit. Sometimes leaf debris, fallen branches or yard furniture/toys can get inside the condenser and block its operation entirely.

 

When’s the last time you changed your air filter?

If you notice your air conditioner is no longer blowing colder air with the force it did before, there’s no need to panic. It’s likely your air filter has become clogged. The great news? You can easily replace this filter yourself with an inexpensive new one purchased online or from your neighborhood hardware store.

Choosing one doesn’t need to be complicated. Your HVAC user manual will have guidelines as to the necessary size and style, or you can simply bring the old one to the hardware store in search of a replacement. Remember to select a filter with the right MERV rating for your equipment.

Pro tip: if you have indoor pets, get used to replacing your air filter every three months. You’ll enjoy better air quality, and improved airflow all year round.

Is anything blocking your vents?

If your air conditioning doesn’t seem to be working, check your vents. It’s easy to leave a door open or move furniture in such a way that an important source of airflow is blocked.  Without that ventilation, your HVAC system has to work harder and longer to maintain indoor comfort, racking up needlessly high-energy bills. It’s worth your time to look around your house for furniture, errant toys or boxes that may be blocking those important supply or return vents.

Are you maximizing energy efficiency in your home?

Do you have window coverings ready to block the heat? Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, and won’t use up as much energy if you can keep heat from your home.  Make sure you cover skylights (and any windows in rooms where visibility won’t matter) now, before it gets too hot. Consider outdoor landscaping with plants that shield your south-facing windows or at least provide significant shade. By planting things now, greenery will have a chance to deepen their roots before the sizzling days of summertime.

The bottom line is: don’t panic if your system breaks down. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need new air conditioning. Take a look at your equipment using this guide, or call us to do it. Either way, we have cost-effective solutions to keep you cool.

You deserve indoor comfort. If your HVAC system needs repair or maintenance, call the experts at Air-Tro to find the solution. We’ve been keeping California comfortable since 1969! Get in touch today at (626) 357-3535.