Troubleshooting Air Conditioner

It always seems that we experience problems at the worst possible time. Air conditioning problems are no exception to that rule. It is always one of the hottest days of the summer,
a time when we are expecting visitors or we have just had a tough day at work and were looking forward to relaxing at home. Sound familiar? If only we could do something that would give us quick relief at minimal expense.

Perhaps some of these suggestions will help you on that fateful day when you realize your air conditioner is not cooling your home.

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 at your air handler/furnace to ensure it has not filled with water, which could raise the safety switch. Suction out the water and reinstall 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 them 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 needs to be defrosted.
• 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 them 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 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 of the failure. Contact us today for any air conditioning repair services.