Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, can appear like a lot of hassle.

There’s a better way. There are several quick remedies you can attempt by yourself that might help you get out of an AC service call.

When you’re having air conditioning issues, try this checklist before calling a heating and cooling repair professional like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC.

Our experts are standing by at 715-318-6728 when you need expert service. We have emergency AC repair and work on most brands of central AC equipment.

If you want to get an up to date air conditioner, we also provide AC installation.

When you’re in contact with us, contemplate a yearly AC maintenance plan that may help you keep clear of future malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.

Ready to get started troubleshooting your system? Try our fast tips below. Many of these procedures don’t require any HVAC knowledge.

Air Conditioner Repair Checklist

1. AC Won’t Turn On

There can be a few reasons why your air conditioner won’t start: a triggered circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Overloaded Circuit Breaker

Your air conditioner won’t work when you have a tripped breaker.

To see if one has tripped, go to your residence’s main electrical panel. You can spot this metallic fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Make sure your hands and feet are free of moisture before you work on the panel or breakers.
  • Find the breaker marked “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s tripped the breaker will be in the in between or “off” location.
  • Firmly transfer the lever back to the “on” position. If it immediately trips again, don’t touch it and contact us at 715-318-6728. A breaker that keeps turning off may indicate your house has electrical trouble.

Wrong Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t telling your AC to run, it won’t turn on.

The first step is making sure it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning may not turn on. Or you may get. warm air moving from vents since the furnace is running instead.

If you have a regular thermostat:

  • Put in new batteries if the monitor is clear. If the monitor is displaying jumbled numbers, buy a new thermostat.
  • Make sure the right option is on the display. If you can’t change it, cancel it by lowering the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if the configuration is not right.
  • Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is set the same as the house’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is set properly, you should start getting cold air fast.

If you rely on a smart thermostat, like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for help. If you’re still having problems, contact us at 715-318-6728 for assistance.

Shut-Off Switch

Your system usually has a shut-off device around its outside unit. This device is commonly in a metal box mounted on your residence. If your AC has recently been worked on, the lever may have inadvertently been placed in the “off” location.

Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans keep the extra water your system removes from the air. This pan can be positioned either under or inside your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a blockage or backed up drain, water can become concentrated and initiate a safety setting to stop your system.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the additional water with a formulated pan-cleaning tablet. You can buy these tablets at a home improvement or hardware store.

If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you may need to get a new pump. Call us at 715-318-6728 for support.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your air conditioner is working but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be clogged. Or it might not have sufficient refrigerant.

Clogged Airflow

Your system’s airflow can be decreased by a blocked air filter or filthy condenser.

How to Replace Your Air Filter

A filthy filter can lead to many troubles, like:

  • Reduced cooling
  • Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Inconsistent cooling
  • Bigger electricity expenses
  • Leading your system to wear out faster

We propose replacing flat filters every four weeks, and creased filters every three months.

If you can’t remember when you last installed a new one, shut off your system totally and take out the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be found in a connected filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the sunshine. If you see a lot of dust you should get a new one.

How to Clean Your AC Unit

Greenery, vegetation and bushes can get in the way of your condensing unit. This can reduce its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your equipment working smoothly again.

  1. Turn off the electrical current completely at the breaker or outdoor switch.
  2. Clear plant waste around the AC. Once you’ve cleared all the refuse within a two-foot radius, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to carefully remove dust from the equipment’s fins. Warped fins can also hurt effectiveness, so you can attempt to adjust them with a dinner knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to slowly clean the fins from inside the equipment. Make sure to avoid getting water on the fan motor.
  4. Replace the top and restore the power.

Leaking Refrigerant

When air conditioning equipment doesn’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your space.

Here are several indications that your unit is leaking refrigerant:

  1. It takes too long to lower the temperature in your space and you’re regularly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
  2. Air blowing through the ducts isn’t as cold as it should be.
  3. You’re noticing fizzing or gurgling racket when the AC runs.
  4. Your evaporator coil is frozen because it’s having an issue taking on humidity.

Suspect your system is losing refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service specialist to take care of the leak and restore the right measurement of refrigerant in your unit. Call us at 715-318-6728 for help.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

When it appears like you’re not getting adequate amounts of cold air, there’s usually a clog or separation within your cooling system.

  • The beginning place is checking your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s filthy.
  • Then ensure the ductwork is clear across your rooms.
  • If you’re still not getting enough chilled air, you should have your ducts inspected by a specialist like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. Your ducts could need to be serviced or rejoined in hard-to-reach 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 Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC at 715-318-6728. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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