The spring, summer, and fall temperatures in southwest Florida range from about 80 to 92°F. While the ocean breezes will keep you cool at the beach, you’ll feel uncomfortable indoors. That’s why AC is such a critical utility in Florida. The trouble is, what do you do when the AC won’t turn on or keep your house cool? Before you panic, know that there are some air conditioner troubleshooting tips you can try.
Read on to learn how to spot some common AC issues and see if you can fix them before you call a service technician.
1. Is the Return Air Vent Blocked?
Your HVAC system only works if air can easily circulate through your home. If you’re noticing issues with cooling or efficiency, make sure the return air vent isn’t blocked.
Move any plants or furniture items away from this vent to ensure proper circulation. You should also check the other air vents in your home to make sure they’re not covered either.
2. Did You Check the Filter?
The air filter sits inside the return air vent. After cool air circulates in your home, it gets pulled into the return air vent to be cooled again.
Since all the air in your home travels through this filter, it can get clogged with debris. This can make your AC unit work harder to cool your home and make it run less efficiently.
If it looks dirty or you’ve never replaced the filter, swap in a new one. If you have pets or your system runs often, you may need to change it every few months.
3. Did You Check the Circuit Breaker?
If your AC filter was dirty, your unit’s motor probably had to work harder than normal. That can sometimes trip the circuit for your air conditioner.
If you’ve changed your filter but the AC still won’t kick on, you should check the circuit breaker. Find the circuit that powers your HVAC system. If it’s switched to the “off” position, that means the breaker was tripped.
Turn off your AC system and then reset the tripped breaker before trying the AC again. If this happens often, you’ll need to call an electrician because it could be a wiring issue.
4. Did You Check Your Thermostat Settings?
Sometimes the wrong thermostat settings are to blame. Make sure your system is set to cool rather than heat.
You can also check the temperature settings for different times of the day. If there’s still an issue, feel free to call a pro for HVAC maintenance.
5. Is the Outdoor Compressor Blocked?
Another culprit can be a blocked outdoor compressor. If there’s leaves, plants, or trees against the unit, remove them or trim them back.
Your compressor needs lots of air flow around the unit to work correctly. If that DIY AC repair doesn’t help, call in a professional for repairs.
Need More Help With Air Conditioner Troubleshooting?
Before you call a service technician, try these air conditioner troubleshooting tips first. If it’s one of the above issues, you might be able to fix it yourself.
If you’re still not sure what’s wrong, reach out to a professional for HVAC maintenance. If you’re in southwest Florida, Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc. can help.
We’re based in Naples, Florida, but we also offer our HVAC services to Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and Estero. Contact us today to schedule AC services for your home.