A broken AC can be a pain when it comes to an unpleasant home environment and high energy bills. However, before calling a technician, here are a few tips to try to fix your AC problem in no time. 

1. Check your Thermostat

The first thing to make sure of is that your thermostat is set to cool and not heat. Yes, this may seem obvious but forgetting to check the thermostat is a problem that happens more often than you would think. Make sure you have checked this step before moving on to other steps. 

2. Close the Doors and Windows

Leaving windows and doors open is another easy way people can misuse their AC without realizing it. Allowing excess warm air to enter your home causes your AC to work harder than it needs to. This makes your AC less efficient as time goes by and ends up costing you more on your energy bills. So remember to keep windows and doors closed while your air conditioning is running. 

3. Check for Tripped Circuit Breakers

Your AC may not be turning on because of overloading that caused your circuit breakers to trip. Check your electrical panel for your AC breakers and turn them off then back on. A few minutes after, try running your air conditioning again to see if it will work. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the fuse. If the breakers and fuse still aren’t working, call a licensed electrician to take a look to be safe.

4. Clean the Air Filters

One of the most common causes for air conditioning problems is a dirty air filter. Clogged air from dirt, dust, and pet hair builds up over time to slow down your AC. Air filters should be replaced every few months especially if you have pets or run your unit often. Air filters are found in your furnace. Forgetting to replace your air filters can lead to high energy bills and broken equipment. 

5. Call a Technician to Check for Low Refrigerant

Your AC may not be working properly due to a lack of refrigerant. Refrigerant pulls heat and humidity out of the air and is crucial to running an efficient air conditioning unit. Adding more refrigerant may help but low levels of refrigerant may be due to leaks in the system. If the leaks are too severe, you may need to repair your AC instead of repair. Either way, a technician with the proper equipment is required.

6. Keep Air Vents Open 

There may be purposely closed vents in your home in rooms that are not used often, however this may cause damage to your AC unit and lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Tiny leaks cause all homes to lose some air and closing the vents puts extra pressure on ducts, leading to more air to leak. Contrarily, closing vents causes your energy bills to rise rather than saving you money 

7. Clean Your Air Ducts 

Your air ducts could also be clogged with dirt and dust and in some cases mould. Oftentimes you can see dust coming out of your vents or feel your AC unit cooling your home unevenly when the air vents are dirty. If there is a musty smell when you turn on your AC unit, that could mean there is mold in the ducts. Either way, if you think your air ducts are dirty, call a professional to check them/get them cleaned.

8. Check for Water Leaks

If you notice that water is leaking into your home from your AC unit, turn it off right away to avoid water damage. Water leaks are sometimes due to a clogged drain line that backs water into your home. You can attempt to fix the issue with a wet/dry vacuum to stop the leak. If that doesn’t work, there may be a part that must be replaced by a professional.

9. CleanYour Outdoor AC Unit

Most of the problems that arise with an AC unit are from within the home, but it is still important to check the outdoor part of the unit- called the condenser. Debris, dirt, weeds, leaves etc can build up on the condenser over time, leading to expensive energy bills and inefficient cooling. Spray the unit with a hose, cut any grass or weeds around the unit, and move any large objects around the condenser to at least two feet away.

10. Call a Licensed Technician

The previous tips suggested are easy steps to take on your own, but sometimes they aren’t enough. Be sure to keep your unit well maintained to avoid repairs or replacements. In certain instances, a licensed technician is the best solution to your air conditioning problems.

It is recommended to get your AC inspected around the end of spring. This will provide you peace of mind and wallet and let you know about potential problems before they become bigger ones.

An air conditioner maintenance plan will help prevent breakdowns by solving problems like faulty parts or carbon monoxide leaks before they happen. Our certified technicians can assess your current equipment and provide a personalized report of recommendations to keep your unit running safely and efficiently.

We understand how frustrating it is when your air conditioning unit isn’t working properly, especially during hot summer months. We are here to help diagnose and fix any of your AC problems.