Air conditioner breakdowns are never any fun, especially when you cannot figure out what the problem is. Thankfully, with a few easy tips in mind, you can troubleshoot central air conditioner issues and figure out the problem. Even if you do end up calling in the professionals, looking at the problem yourself can help you describe the issue to your heating & air conditioning team and may lead to a quick fix. So, look at the tips below, and then call Galmiche & Sons at (314) 993-1110 for repairs today.
An Easy Way to Troubleshoot Your Central Air Conditioner
One of the most common problems HVAC professionals get calls about is the AC simply not turning on. In this case, be sure to check the power! Often, if your AC will not turn on, there is simply a problem with the power source. Therefore, the first and easiest thing you should always check when troubleshooting central air conditioner issues is to make sure that the unit has power.
Other Common Problems & Ways to Troubleshoot Your Central Air Conditioner
If the problem is not the power to the AC unit itself, the next thing you can check is the thermostat. Does the thermostat have power or do the batteries need to be replaced? Another simple air conditioner troubleshooting tip that is easy to follow is to change the air filter. Often times, low airflow and other issues start with the filter.
If none of those simple fixes is the cure, here are a few more common issues that you should consider:
- Inaccurate Thermostat Readings – If your AC system does not seem to be working correctly, the problem could actually be caused by thermostat problems. Check your thermostat to make sure it’s showing an accurate temperature for your home. If it is showing the wrong temperature, you may need to calibrate the thermostat. If that does not work, you can also set it to the lowest temperature and see if that kick-starts the system. Although, you should note that setting it this low to try to cool the home feaster is a common home cooling myth.
- Noisy HVAC Systems – As you go troubleshoot central air conditioner problems, make sure to use all five senses. Noises can be a big clue to what is going on. A noisy air conditioner generally indicates a problem with the fan, fan motor, or even the compressor. If you are able to figure out where the noise is coming from, this can help your HVAC team address the problem.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils – Finally, frozen evaporator coils are another problem you may face. If you notice your AC is on but not cooling the house, this can indicate a frozen evaporator coil. To troubleshoot your central air conditioner in this case, check your refrigerant levels. If they are low, you may have a leak, or the refrigerant may not have been properly charged at installation. If your refrigerant levels are good, the next step to troubleshoot your central air conditioner, in this case, is to check for dirt and buildup and replace your air filter. Low airflow can cause your evaporator coils to freeze!
We Help You Troubleshoot Central Air Conditioner
No matter how much you try DIY fixes for your air conditioner, in some cases, you will just need to call a professional. In St. Louis and the surrounding areas, Galmiche & Sons is here to help you troubleshoot your central air conditioner no matter what problems you are facing. Replacing an air filter and checking for power are easy ways to troubleshoot central air conditioner. For bigger fixes, you should contact our local heating & air conditioning professionals at (314) 993-1110 for help.