Pinpointing the problem and doing your own AC repair in Odessa, Texas, can seem like a lot of work.
But it doesn’t have to be. There are several quick remedies you can attempt without help that might help you bypass an AC service call.
When you’re having air conditioning problems, use this checklist before contacting a heating and cooling repair expert like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our experts are standing by at 432-237-0168 when you are looking for experienced help. We provide emergency AC repair and service most makes of central air conditioning.
If you want to get a new AC system, we also can do AC installation.
When you’re in contact with us, contemplate a yearly AC maintenance plan that might help you stay away from future breakdowns. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.
Prepared to start finding the problem with your system? Follow our simple manual below. Many of these steps don’t involve any mechanical experience.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a couple of reasons why your air conditioner won’t run: a tripped circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Blown Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t work when you have a blown breaker.
To check if one has tripped, find your residence’s main electrical panel. You can spot this silver box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Confirm your hands and feet aren’t wet before you check the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker identified “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s tripped the lever will be in the middle of the panel or “off” location.
- Steadily shift the switch back to the “on” spot. If it instantly triggers again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 432-237-0168. A breaker that keeps flipping might signal your residence has an electrical issue.
Inaccurate Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your equipment to start, it won’t turn on.
The main part is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not switch on. Or you might receive. heated air blowing from vents being the heat is on instead.
If you’re using a traditional thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the monitor is blank. If the screen is displaying jumbled numbers, buy a new thermostat.
- Ensure the proper mode is showing. If you can’t change it, override it by lowering the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is not right.
- Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees below the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is identical to the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated correctly, you should start getting cold air promptly.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, such as one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still having problems, reach us at 432-237-0168 for assistance.
Shut-Down Switch
Your air conditioner typically has a shut-off switch by its condenser. This device is typically in a metal box attached to your residence. If your unit has recently been worked on, the switch may have inadvertently been put in the “off” setting.
Clogged Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans keep the additional water your equipment takes out of the air. This pan can be situated either below or in your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or blocked drain, water can build up and trigger a safety control to stop your unit.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the extra liquid with a custom pan-cleaning tab. You can buy these tabs at a home improvement or hardware shop.
If your pan has a pump, find the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you might have to install a new pump. Call us at 432-237-0168 for assistance.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your AC is working but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be congested. Or it might not have sufficient refrigerant.
Blocked Airflow
Your system’s airflow can be decreased by a blocked air filter or dirty condenser.
How to Change Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can lead to many troubles, such as:
- Reduced cooling
- Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Larger electricity bills
- Making your system wear out faster
We suggest replacing flat filters once a month, and creased filters every three months.
If you can’t recall when you last changed yours, turn off your unit totally and pull out the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be situated in an attached filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it you should buy a new filter.
4 Steps to Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Unit
Greenery, grass and leaves can block your condensing unit. This could limit its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your system running properly again.
- Turn off power completely at the breaker or outside device.
- Get rid of greenery debris around the AC. Once you’ve cleared all the refuse within a two-foot radius, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to gingerly clean the equipment’s fins. Bent fins can also impact efficiency, so you can attempt to reshape them with a dinner knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly remove gunk off the fins from inside the unit. Make sure to avoid getting liquid on the fan motor.
- Replace the top and turn the power back on.
Low Refrigerant Levels
When air conditioning systems don’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from your house.
Here are a couple of symptoms that your equipment is losing refrigerant:
- It takes too long to cool your residence and you’re regularly turning down the thermostat.
- Air moving through the ducts isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re hearing whistling or burbling racket when the air conditioning is on.
- Your evaporator coil is frozen as a result of having difficulty taking on warmth.
Worried your system is losing refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service professional to repair the leak and refill the correct amount of refrigerant in your unit. Get in touch with us at 432-237-0168 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it appears like you’re not getting enough cold air, there’s usually a blockage or detachment within your cooling system.
- The beginning step is checking your air filter. Get a new one if it’s filthy.
- Then check the ductwork is free throughout your rooms.
- If you’re still not receiving ample cold air, you should have your ducts checked by a specialist like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. Your ducts could need to be repaired or rejoined in limited space 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 Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning at 432-237-0168. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.