The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner and Keeping it Running Smoothly

Air conditioner basic troubleshooting is an essential skill for any homeowner or business owner. It can save you time, money, and energy in the long run. Knowing how to properly diagnose and repair your air conditioning system can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your home or office comfortable year-round. This guide will provide you with an overview of air conditioner basic troubleshooting, as well as some tips on how to best maintain your AC unit.

How to Diagnose Common AC Problems and Determine the Best Solutions

Air conditioners are a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, when they malfunction or break down, it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are some simple troubleshooting steps that you can take to help diagnose and fix the issue with your air conditioner. In this article, we will discuss some of these tips and provide helpful advice on how to quickly get your air conditioner back up and running.

How to Fix an Air Conditioner that is Not Cooling

When your air conditioner stops working properly, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Once a unit starts making noise or leaking coolant, it is best to find a professional technician as soon as possible. In the meantime, though, there are some basic steps you can take to get your air conditioner back up and running at optimal efficiency.

No Power?

Although the power company does try its utmost to prevent flickers, outages and surges from occurring, it's still a common issue here in the South. This is mainly due to our landscape of pine trees that don't react well to weather conditions of any kind; power issues account for a large percentage of our calls. While most power related problems will require a licensed technician, some can be fixed with a flip of a switch. The power to your system can be found in three different areas, usually, an outdoor disconnect adjacent to the outdoor unit, and an indoor switch near the air handler and in the fuse box. If you experience a power interruption and your system doesn’t come back on immediately, check these three areas first.

Outdoor ice?

If your air conditioner is not cooling properly, it could be due to ice buildup on the condenser. Ice can be quite a nuisance when found on air conditioning systems, both inside and outside; not only ice cause the system to not cool, it can cause water damage in your home. If you come across any ice in your cooling system, make sure to check if your air filter has been changed recently. Dirty air filters can restrict air flow to the evaporator coil, resulting in freezing of the unit; in the hot summer months, we see this quite often.

Blank thermostat?

A thermostat with no display usually means 1 or 2 things, dead batteries or water build up at the indoor unit. New smart thermostats can send messages to your smart home devices when the battery is low, but older thermostat are sometimes forgotten until there is an issue. Change the batteries in your thermostat first; YouTube is your friend if you are unsure how, there are videos for basically every model. If that doesn’t work, check for water around your indoor air handler and coil; a water safety switch might have cut off the unit. In the summer, standing water in the pan can often be a sign of a clog in the line, but it's possible for newer homes and those with higher SEER systems to freeze during winter as well.

Clogged Drain?

There are many ways to clear a condensate line at home. While some methods work better than others, some methods can actually do damage to your lines. If you would like to tackle this yourself, our recommendation is a shop vacuum on the outside line, but be careful not to use too much suction as this can crack the line from movement and age.

It may be a good idea to check the outdoor temperature in winter before attempting to clear the line. If it is below freezing, chances are that there is an ice blockage. In such cases, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun for thawing out the line and restoring normal functioning.

We are here to help!

If there is anything we can do to help you, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to have one of our technicians provide a diagnosis for your issue, so feel free tocall or make anappointment online.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Is Ductwork Included?

By Loren Crabtree • March 25, 2025

Why You Might Not Change the Ductwork When Replacing Your HVAC System When it comes time to replace your HVAC system, a question that frequently arises is whether the existing ductwork also needs to be replaced. Surprisingly, the answer isn't always a resounding yes. While it might seem logical to overhaul everything at once for efficiency's sake, several compelling reasons might sway your decision to retain the existing ductwork. Here's why: 1. Condition of Existing Ductwork The primary consideration is the condition of your current ductwork. If it's in good shape, free from leaks, and not showing signs of significant wear like corrosion or damage, it can often remain in place. Quality ductwork can last decades if properly installed and maintained, meaning it might outlast an HVAC unit itself. 2. Cost Efficiency Replacing ductwork is an extensive and sometimes invasive process that can significantly add to the overall cost of HVAC system replacement. If the current ductwork is still functional and efficient, keeping it can save you a substantial amount of money and time. It's all about balancing the cost versus benefits, and if the ductwork isn't contributing to energy loss or performance issues, the expenditure might not be justified. 3. Compatibility and Sizing In many cases, the existing ductwork is perfectly compatible with the new HVAC unit. Proper sizing is critical for the efficiency of the HVAC system — if the ducts were correctly sized for the old unit, and the new unit is of a similar size and capacity, there's often no need for adjustment. However, significant changes in the size or type of HVAC system could warrant a reassessment and potential replacement of the ductwork. 4. Minimal Performance Gains The performance boost from replacing ductwork might not be as significant as expected, particularly if your existing ducts are in good condition. The efficiency and functionality of your HVAC system depend largely on the unit itself, proper installation, and regular maintenance. While new ductwork can offer improvements, especially if the old system had issues, the marginal gains might not always justify the cost for systems already operating efficiently. 5. Environmental Considerations Retaining existing ductwork can also be a more environmentally friendly option. By not replacing the ducts, you're reducing waste and the demand for new materials. This approach aligns with the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling, contributing to a lower environmental impact. Final Thoughts Deciding not to replace the ductwork during an HVAC system upgrade isn't about cutting corners; it's about making an informed choice based on the condition, compatibility, and the potential cost and environmental impact. However, it's crucial to have your current system evaluated by a professional to ensure that keeping the existing ductwork is the best decision for your home's comfort and efficiency. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your HVAC system, and its ductwork running smoothly for years to come, ensuring that when the time for replacement comes, you'll be ready to make the best choice for your home.

What to Look for in a Heating and Air Company Near You

By Loren Crabtree • March 11, 2025

What to Look for in a Heating and Air Company Near Me

Why does my air conditioner run in the winter?

By Loren Crabtree • February 25, 2025

Why Does My Air Conditioner Run in the Winter? Discovering that your air conditioner is running during the colder months can be a surprising and confusing experience. However, there are legitimate reasons for this occurrence, some of which are by design and others that might indicate a need for maintenance. Understanding why this happens can ease your concerns and help ensure that your HVAC system is functioning as efficiently as possible, even when the mercury drops. 1. Heat Pump Operation The most common reason your air conditioner seems to be active in winter is if you have a heat pump system. Heat pumps are designed to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter, using the outdoor unit in both operations. In heating mode, the system reverses the flow of refrigerant, extracting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors. So, if your "air conditioner" is running in the winter, it's likely that it's actually your heat pump operating in its heating mode. 2. Defrost Mode In winter, the outdoor unit of a heat pump can accumulate frost, which reduces its efficiency in heating mode. To combat this, heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle. During this cycle, it may appear that your air conditioning is running since the system temporarily reverses back to cooling mode to generate warm air to melt the frost on the outdoor unit. This is a normal and necessary function of a heat pump in colder weather. 3. Thermostat Settings Occasionally, the reason your air conditioning runs in winter could be due to incorrect thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set to "cool" instead of "heat" or "auto," your air conditioning system will activate, regardless of the outside temperature. This is a simple fix but one that can significantly affect comfort and energy bills. 4. Integrated HVAC Systems Some modern HVAC systems integrate both air conditioning and heating into a single unit, sharing interior components like air handlers and ductwork. In these systems, even when in heating mode, parts of your air conditioning system may still operate to circulate air throughout your home. This doesn’t necessarily mean the cooling function is active, but rather that the system uses the blower to distribute warm air. 5. Malfunction or System Error If none of the above reasons apply, your AC running in winter could suggest a malfunction. This could be due to a variety of issues like a faulty thermostat, a stuck reversing valve (in heat pumps), or incorrect wiring. In such cases, it's essential to contact an HVAC professional to diagnose and resolve the problem to prevent potential damage or inefficiency. Understanding and Addressing the Issue Noticing your air conditioner running in winter isn’t always cause for immediate concern. Identifying the reason is the first step towards ensuring your system's efficiency and your home's comfort. Regular maintenance and familiarizing yourself with your HVAC system can help mitigate unexpected surprises and ensure that your system serves you well, regardless of the season. If in doubt, consulting with an HVAC professional can provide clarity and peace of mind.