Part 4: What to Check When Your AC Breaks Down

It’s not uncommon for air conditioners to act up in the middle of the summer. Due to its frequent use and low-temperature settings, your AC works overtime to combat Ohio’s summer heat. So, if you’ve found yourself in a pickle and can’t figure out why your AC isn’t working correctly, here are a few practical steps provided by yours truly at Five Star Home Services.  

What to Check Before Calling an HVAC Professional:  

Here are some basic troubleshooting steps and DIY fixes to try before you call a professional:  

The Thermostat

Starting with the thermostat is always a good idea if your air conditioner is acting up. For example, if there is a reason why your air conditioner is not turning on, chances are there may be an issue with the thermostat. So, check to see if your thermostat is powered on and responding accordingly. Often, when there is a thermostat issue, the answer is simple: installing a fresh set of new batteries.   

Additionally, you should check the settings. You want to make sure your thermostat can respond and adjust accordingly. Is the thermostat set to “cool” instead of “heat?” What temperature is it set on? These things may sound overly simplified but are often easily overlooked.  

The Circuit Breaker

It’s also possible the circuit breaker has tripped. So, it’s best to rule that out as a next step. Check to see if the air conditioner switch on your circuit breaker needs to be flipped. If it has been tripped, switch it back to the “on” position and see if that resolves your AC problem. Take note: If this resolves your issue, but it continues to trip after flipping the breaker switch, you will need to have a licensed HVAC technician look at your unit to diagnose why this problem is continually occurring. 

The Air Filter

Your air filters are your HVAC system’s first line of defense against airborne contaminants, dust, and other loose particles. When air filters are not changed regularly or on time as they should be (typically every 1-3 months, depending on the air filter type), then it can lead to an undesirable snowball effect of a multitude of problems.   

Believe it or not, something as seemingly minuscule as a clogged air filter can confuse your HVAC system and cause bigger issues to surface. So, before calling a professional, go ahead and try switching out your air filter for a fresh one.  

The Registers

You should also make it a point to walk through your entire home to ensure that all your HVAC registers are open and not closed. When airflow is obstructed, it can also confuse your system, resulting in a plethora of unwelcome issues. So, be sure to take a moment and check every HVAC register, ensuring that each one is fully open with no objects in front of or on top of them that could possibly restrict airflow. 

When You Should Call an HVAC Professional:

If you are still dealing with AC troubles after following these steps, don’t worry. That’s what we are here for! There is a time for everything, and just like there is a time to troubleshoot and try specific DIY fixes, there are also times when you should call a professional. If you notice any of the following issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us!  

• If There Is a Major or Hidden Leak – If your AC unit is leaking and you have already gone through some basic troubleshooting steps, or if there is a leak that needs to be repaired, you should never attempt a repair by yourself. This would be a good indicator that you need to call a licensed technician. Keep in mind, if you are dealing with a refrigerant leak, you should always call a professional immediately. 

• If There Are Abnormal Odors – Have you noticed a pungent or unpleasant smell coming from your unit? Burning or musty smells should never be ignored as these are usually tell-tale signs there is an underlying problem going on that needs to be addressed professionally and immediately. Your safety is a priority. So, if you catch a whiff of any abnormal odors, please don’t delay in contacting us.  

• If You Hear Loud or Unusual Sounds – Rattling, banging, clanging, buzzing, and hissing sounds can be quite alarming, especially if your air conditioning unit is normally quiet. You should be alarmed as these unusual sounds should be considered an act of your air conditioner trying to communicate with you to tell you something is going on that should not be. So, if you hear anything out of the normal, please turn off your unit and call a professional as soon as possible.  

• If You Spot Mold on Your Unit—If mold has grown in your air conditioner, something has gone awry, and it’s time to call a professional. Doing so is not something you want to put off because mold is harmful to your health, and letting it go unchecked will risk further damage to your system.   

Truthfully, as a homeowner, knowing what steps to try can be challenging before throwing in the towel and calling an HVAC technician. In cases like this, it’s crucial to use your best judgment and listen to your instincts when troubleshooting yourself or performing a DIY fix. Remember, if you don’t feel 100% comfortable performing a task, we are happy to step in and help. Come experience the Five Star difference with us! 

We are here for you whenever you need us. Count on Five Star Home Services for all your home’s needs! Call us today at (833) 405-8009.