Pinpointing the problem and completing your own AC repair in Hudsonville, Michigan, can feel like a lot of frustration.
It doesn’t have to be like that. There are a couple of easy remedies you can try by yourself that might help you bypass an AC service call.
When you’re having air conditioning problems, follow this troubleshooting list before reaching out to a heating and cooling repair specialist like West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services.
Our pros are here at (616) 319-1436 when you require professional service. We offer emergency AC repair and service most brands of central AC systems.
If you want to buy an updated AC system, we also can do AC installation.
When you’re on the phone with us, think about a yearly AC maintenance plan that might help you bypass future malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.
Want to start troubleshooting your system? Follow our fast manual below. Many of these procedures don’t require any AC experience.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few explanations why your air conditioning system won’t cool: a blown circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a switched off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Triggered Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioning won’t run when you have a blown breaker.
To find out if one has tripped, go to your home’s main electrical panel. You can spot this gray fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Confirm your hands and feet are free of moisture before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker marked “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s overloaded the lever will be in the in between or “off” spot.
- Steadily transfer the lever back to the “on” spot. If it immediately triggers again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at (616) 319-1436. A breaker that keeps turning off could signal your home has electrical trouble.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your equipment to start, it won’t turn on.
The most important part is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner might not start running. Or you might have. hot air coming from vents because the heater is on instead.
If you rely on a regular thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the readout is empty. If the readout is presenting garbled characters, get a new thermostat.
- Ensure the proper mode is showing. If you can’t update it, reverse it by decreasing the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if programming is incorrect.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees below the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat is set the same as the space’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is set accurately, you should begin getting cool air quickly.
If you have a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for help. If it still won’t work, contact us at (616) 319-1436 for support.
Turn-Off Switch
Your system typically has a shut-off lever near its condenser. This device is typically in a metal box attached to your residence. If your unit has recently been worked on, the lever may have unintentionally been put in the “off” location.
Clogged Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans keep the extra liquid your air conditioner pulls from the air. This pan can be situated either beneath or in your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or clogged drain, water can accumulate and prompt a safety control to stop your equipment.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus liquid with a formulated pan-cleaning tab. You can buy these tablets at a home improvement or hardware shop.
If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you could need to get a new pump. Contact us at (616) 319-1436 for help.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, its airflow may be clogged. Or it might not have sufficient refrigerant.
Clogged Airflow
Your unit’s airflow can be decreased by a plugged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A dirty filter can create numerous problems, including:
- Limited comfort
- Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Intermittent cooling
- Larger energy bills
- Leading your system to break down faster
We recommend installing new flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t recall when you last replaced yours, switch off your system completely and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be found in an attached filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to your light fixture. If you see a lot of dust you need to get a new one.
4 Tips on Cleaning Your Cooling Unit
Greenery, plants and leaves can block your condensing system. This may reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and impact your comfort. Here’s how you can get your system working smoothly again.
- Switch off the electrical current completely at the breaker or outdoor device.
- Remove greenery waste around the unit. Once you’ve removed all the refuse within a two-foot space, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to carefully remove dirt from the condenser fins. Misshapen fins can also impact performance, so you can attempt to straighten them with a blunt knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to carefully remove gunk off the fins from inside the system. Don’t get moisture on the fan motor.
- Install the top again and turn on the power.
Low Refrigerant Levels
When air conditioning equipment doesn’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your space.
Here are a few signs that your system is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes a long time to cool your residence and you’re constantly lowering the thermostat.
- Air moving through the ducts isn’t as chilled as it should be.
- You’re experiencing fizzing or bubbling racket when the AC runs.
- Your evaporator coil is icy because it’s having trouble absorbing humidity.
Think your system is leaking refrigerant? You need a licensed heating and cooling service expert to take care of the leak and restore the right measurement of refrigerant in your equipment. Contact us at (616) 319-1436 for support.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it appears like you’re not having adequate amounts of cold air, there’s probably a clog or separation within your AC unit.
- The beginning step is examining your air filter. Get a new one if it’s filthy.
- Then ensure the ductwork is free throughout your house.
- If you’re still not receiving ample chilled air, you should have your ductwork checked by a expert like West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. Your duct system may need to be serviced or reconnected in difficult areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.
Request Pro Air Conditioner Repair Now
When you require air conditioning service quickly, contact the HVAC repair experts at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services at (616) 319-1436. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.