3 Troubleshooting Steps You Should Take Before Calling An AC Repair Contractor

If your AC stops working or is not working properly, your first move will likely be to call an AC repair contractor. While this is not a bad idea, there are a few troubleshooting steps that you should take before making this call. In some cases, these simple steps could get your air conditioner back up and running. However, even if these steps do not restore the use of your air conditioner, they can provide your AC contractor with some valuable information that can ultimately help them to find and repair the issue much faster. Consequently, not only will you want to complete the three steps below, but you will also want to make sure that you share the outcome of each step with your AC repair contractor when you request a service appointment.

Step #1: Check Your Power Supply

People typically just assume that their air conditioner is getting power. However, it is possible that the reason your air conditioner is not working is because it is no longer getting power. This most commonly happens after a power outage but can happen at any time. In order to ensure your cooling system is receiving power, you will need to check the dedicated circuit breaker located near your AC unit, as well as your main fuse box. If either of the circuit breakers associated with your AC have been tripped, simply reset the breaker in order to restore power. If both breakers are still in the ON position, move on to the next step. 

Step #2: Check Your Air Filter

A lack of airflow is a very common problem that results in air conditioners either working poorly or not at all. This often occurs when individuals fail to clean or replace their air intake filters. When these filters become clogged, the air conditioning unit will no longer be able to pull in enough air to cool your home. This can also result in the cooling coils freezing. In order to determine whether or not this issue could be to blame for your current AC problems, remove your air filter and hold it up to the light. If you can easily see through the filter, this is not the problem and you can just put the existing filter back in. However, if you are not able to see through the filter, you will need to replace or clean this filter. If debris was allowed to enter your air conditioner as a result of a clogged filter, you may still need the services of an AC repair contractor in order to get your cooling system working properly again. 

Step #3: Check Your Condenser

A clogged outdoor condenser can cause many of the same problems as a clogged air filter. Consequently, you will want to take a moment to ensure that there is no grass or other plants blocking the flow of air into your condenser. You will also want to wash off your condenser using a garden hose in order to remove any dirt or dust that may have built up over time. 

For more information, reach out to a local AC repair service.


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