AC Troubleshooting

It always seems like issues with our Air Conditioner happen at the worst possible time: on the hottest day of summer, when company is about to come over or maybe just after a long day at work. We know that feeling uncomfortable in your home is quite possibly one of the worst feelings you could have.

We’re always here to help you, and here are some possible ‘quick fixes’ for issues your system may have:

The Display on My Thermostat is Blank

  • Check to make sure the batteries in the thermostat are fresh.
  • If so equipped, check the condensate overflow safety reservoir, located at your air handler/furnace, to make sure it has not filled up with water raising the safety switch. Suction out the water and re-install the switch. Do not attempt to run the air conditioner without the switch installed properly or water damage may result.
  • Check the breakers for your air conditioning system. There will be one for the indoor air handler/furnace unit and another for the outdoor condensing unit. If one of them has tripped it can be reset by first moving it to the OFF position and then back to the ON position.

My Air Conditioner Does Not Seem To Be Cooling

  • Check to see if the thermostat display is blank. If so, see the section “The Display on My Thermostat is Blank”.
  • Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. The FAN switch should be set to AUTO.
  • Check the air filter(s) for your air conditioner and replace if necessary.
  • Check the bottom of the air handler/furnace to see if it is very cold and sweating. If so turn the air conditioner off for at least 4-5 hours and replace the filter. The unit is frozen and will need to defrost.
  • Check the breakers for your air conditioning system. There will be one for the indoor air handler/furnace unit and another for the outdoor condensing unit. If one of them has tripped it can be reset by first moving it to the OFF position and then back to the ON position.

One Room or Area of My Home Is Warmer Than the Others

  • Check the air filter(s) for your air conditioner and replace if necessary.
  • If your home has a zone comfort system, check the settings on the thermostat for that particular zone. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. The FAN switch should be set to AUTO.
  • Are window treatments installed? If not, install window treatments. If so, adjust the treatments so that minimal or no sunlight is allowed to directly enter the room(s).
  • Check the supply-air and return-air grilles in the room(s) to ensure they are open completely and blowing air while the system is running.
  • Check if there are many electronic devices operating in the room(s). Rooms converted to offices may be warmer due to these devices and not due to the air conditioner operation.

None of the Suggestions Has Solved My Problem

  • Call Bertie Heating & Air Conditioning @ (352) 331-2005 24/7 to schedule a professional to assess the problem.
  • Consider opening windows if it is cooler outside than in your home.
  • Use fans to circulate air in the home and improve your comfort.
  • If there are multiple systems in your home, consider relocating activities or sleeping to the cooler area of your home temporarily.
  • Consider alternative accommodations if necessary and immediate relief is not possible.

Following any problems experienced with your air conditioner we recommend that you do schedule a service visit with a professional to ensure that your system is operating properly and that there are no safety concerns with the operation of the equipment that you may have overlooked. Most of the repairs listed are only offered as a temporary solution until a professional can assess the safe operation of your equipment. This is especially true regarding any of the above instances where an electrical problem was the cause for the failure.

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