When your air conditioner isn’t delivering the cooled air you count on, it’s a good idea to look it over before reaching for the phone. Although most A/C problems require a pro, you might get it running again quickly.

• The condenser won’t turn on. Check the fuse for the unit and the circuit breaker. If the fuse appears to be bad, look for the exact replacement at a hardware or home improvement store. Reset the circuit breaker. On hot days the high-pressure switch inside the access panel for the condenser may need resetting.
• Check the thermostat. Try setting it five degrees cooler than its previous setting to see if the system kicks on. If it doesn’t, the thermostat could be dirty or malfunctioning. Take the cover plate off the thermostat and gently brush any dust off it. If it uses batteries, replace them. Before choosing a new thermostat, write down the brand and model number of your system to be certain the replacement will be compatible.
• When the system continuously turns on and off, look over the outdoor condenser and check the air filter for the air handler. Clear away anything that’s blocking the airflow for the condenser. Dirt on the air filter may be enough to shut the air conditioner off automatically because of inadequate airflow.
• If you see any signs of ice in the air handler, the evaporator coil may have frozen over. Turn the system off at the thermostat and wait for the ice to thaw. Low airflow or refrigerant, or dirt on the evaporator coil inside the air handler will freeze it over. You’ll need to call your HVAC professional to add more refrigerant.
• Inadequate cooling on a hot day is typically a sign that the system is too small for your home. The condenser or evaporator coils could also be dirty and need cleaning.

Having an HVAC pro clean and adjust your air conditioner annually helps it run dependably and may prevent the need for emergency service and repairs. To learn more, contact Powers Heating & Air, providing trusted HVAC services for Peachtree City homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about TOPIC and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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