197 S. McCall Rd. Englewood, FL 34223
office@keepucool.com
941-474-2797
Troubleshooting Your System
Unfortunately, as with any complex appliance in your home, it’s bound to have an issue occasionally. If you’ve returned home from work to a broken air conditioning or heating system, follow these simple steps before calling an HVAC contractor. What might seem like a major problem might have an easy solution.
Other information
Here are common problems that you can avoid by following regular routine maintenance. If you are not comfortable making these checks, call Hamilton Heating and Cooling and we can schedule an appointment to visit your home or business.
Check Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter can suffocate your AC air handler unit. If you can see a layer of dirt on the filter, that dirt will limit the amount of air your AC unit can breathe in. And when your AC isn’t getting enough airflow into the system, it causes a whole host of AC problems and can eventually lead to complete system failure.
Results of a clogged air filter:
- Low airflow from air vents
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Water leaking from your AC
- Inadequate cooling (hot/cold spots, AC struggles to reach set temperature)
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
Check Your Thermostat
We’ve made many service calls to repair an AC that “isn’t working” just to find that they had forgotten to move the thermostat from HEAT to COOL. It happens a lot, especially when we switch from heating to cooling season.
- Check to see if the thermostat is set to COOL
- Check the "SET" temperature is lower than the actual temperature.
- Check the batteries or power supply to the thermostat.
- Make sure the Fan is set to AUTO
Check Your Circuit Breaker Panel
Go to your home’s main electrical panel and check for circuit breakers that aren’t in the ON position. If your circuit breakers are clearly labeled, look specifically for one labeled “air conditioner” or “AC”.
If your AC circuit breakers are tripped, push the breakers firmly into the ON position and try running your AC again.
Note: If the breaker immediately trips once the AC runs, don’t try flipping the circuit breaker again. You’ll need to have a professional look at the unit as this is a sign of a larger electrical problem.
Check your outdoor unit
Take a look at your outside AC unit (condenser). If you see a layer of dirt on the outside of the unit, use a hose on a gentle setting to remove the dirt. Also make sure any surrounding shrubs or plants have grown within 2 - 3 ft. of your outdoor unit.
Leaves or branches stuck in the condenser coils can cause serious AC problems.
Note: If you have a fence that is within 2 feet from your outdoor unit, you may have to move it to at least 2 to 3 feet from your condenser.