When your St. Louis HVAC system is working properly, it blends into the background. You do not notice the temperature because the interior air is cool or warm enough to keep you adequately comfortable. Unfortunately, air conditioning can sometimes give out or temporarily stop working, and if this happens while the weather outside is hot, it can lead to a rather unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are some AC troubleshooting tips that a home owner can try before having to call in the professionals.
Here are some of the steps that you can take, just in case this happens in your home. If you are still having problems after following these tips and you are located in the greater St. Louis area, contact the experts at Galmiche & Sons for help.
DIY AC Troubleshooting via the Reset Button
Whenever a piece of technology like a computer, phone, or tablet is acting up, one of the steps that is usually tried right away is a simple reset. This does not always work, but it can often be helpful, and the step is simple enough for anyone to try. The same is true for AC troubleshooting, though a reset does require a few more additional steps. The first part of this AC troubleshooting technique involves removing the AC power plug from the outlet. Leave it unplugged for around 20 seconds, then push the power plug back into the outlet.
Once that is done, go over the body of the air conditioning unit, to look for its reset switch. If you run into difficulty identifying the button, check your AC unit’s operating manual, or run a quick online search for information on your specific model. The reset switch of certain air conditioner units may be intentionally small, to avoid it being accidentally activated or pressed. After you find the button, press it. If nothing happens the first time, try pressing it again once or twice. If that does not work, the next AC troubleshooting step is to toggle the relevant circuit breaker.
AC Troubleshooting via the Circuit Breaker
This next AC troubleshooting step becomes more relevant if your St. Louis home has been recently hit by a thunderstorm or power outage. For this next step, make sure your air conditioner remains connected to the power outlet. Then, look for the circuit breaker that activates and deactivates the power outlet to which your AC is connected. Sometimes, an electrical surge from a storm can force a circuit breaker to trip, so you will need to check if this is the case.
The circuit breaker box is often located in the garage or basement, though each home is different. Ideally, the specific breaker for your AC will have some sort of HVAC label, making it easier to find. If the breaker is on, switch it off. Leave it in this position for around 10 minutes, then turn it back on. If that doesn’t work, turn it off again and leave it that way for half an hour. Then, switch it back on and check if there has been any improvement. If that AC troubleshooting step still does not work, it is probably time to call in a professional.
Learn More About AC Troubleshooting from Our St. Louis HVAC Experts
Hopefully, these basic DIY AC troubleshooting steps will be helpful to you. If you have any questions regarding AC troubleshooting or you are still having problems after following these tips, contact the St. Louis heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons to schedule an HVAC maintenance or service call.
