Written on: June 12, 2023
AC Troubleshooting Tips For This Summer
Is there a simple fix for your AC?
If your AC won’t turn on or blow cool air, you may need to call a professional for service, but first, check out our troubleshooting guidelines for solutions to try at home. We are happy to offer ways you can save time and money by taking steps to ensure that your cooling system is working properly.
Troubleshooting 101
- Check your blower: If your AC is running but not cooling, it means the blower works – always good news – but the cooling function does not. What should you do next?
- Check your thermostat: Your thermostat tells your HVAC system your preferred temperature, but when communication breaks down, your cooling equipment doesn’t know what to do! The problem could be anything from loose wiring, to old batteries, to a stuck thermometer or a failed sensor. We recommend:
- Changing your thermostat’s battery. A low battery may not control your home’s HVAC system.
- Checking your thermostat settings. Is the thermostat set to at least 5 degrees below your current room temperature? Some thermostats also need to be set to “cool,” instead of “auto.”
- Make sure your AC system is on: Is the system’s power switch set to the ON position? Like all electrical systems, your AC needs to be plugged in securely, and the wiring should not be fraying, tangled, or loose.
- Make sure all the circuit breakers are on: It is common for a breaker to trip, turning off the air conditioner. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a heating and cooling expert to flip a switch on your circuit breaker box, which looks like a metal wall cabinet. It’s usually located in the basement, garage or a utility room.
- Look for leaks: A leak along your system lines allows coolant to escape. You may notice freezing along the lines leading to or from your coils, hear a hissing noise coming from the hose, or notice that your energy bills are unusually high.
- Change the AC air filter: If you haven’t changed your air conditioner’s air filter recently, it may be clogged with dirt and debris. This restricts air flow, making your AC work harder to keep up. You should change your air conditioning filter every one to three months, and more frequently if anyone in your household has allergies or respiratory issues. The good news is that changing your air filter is easy and you can do it yourself!
- Is your AC compressor going bad? Unfortunately, an air conditioner that blows lukewarm air or makes a lot of noise can signal a faulty compressor, and this is a job for the pros.
Keep your cool; call in the experts at Swezey Fuel!
If the troubleshooting steps above don’t get your AC going again, it’s time to call in the professionals who can get you cooled down and squared away. We also offer both heating and cooling service plans so you can relax all year long, knowing you will save money on repairs and enjoy peace of mind.
When you need an AC repair, upgrade or maintenance, Swezey is the place to be. Our technicians are up to the task and ready to deliver friendly, courteous service to your Long Island or Suffolk County home this spring.
Turn to Swezey Fuel for the most reliable air conditioning repair and service, and for peace of mind throughout the year. If you’re having an issue with your cooling system or if you have a question for someone on our team, contact us today!
If your AC won’t turn on or blow cool air, you may need to call a professional for service, but first, check out our troubleshooting guidelines for solutions to try at home. We are happy to offer ways you can save time and money by taking steps to ensure that your cooling system is working properly.