Hopefully you won’t need any AC troubleshooting tips this summer. With temperatures in Eastern North Carolina averaging in the high 80s or higher and relative humidity typically rising above 75%, a fully functional, reliable cooling system is standard equipment for comfort control. However, like any mechanical device, an air conditioner may not function up to specifications or, worse, it might be completely inoperable.
A few AC troubleshooting tips you might try could resolve a simple issue. Alternatively, describing the symptoms accurately can help a certified HVAC technician who comes to your home to resolve the problem. Here are a few examples of issues you may find during AC troubleshooting:
Low AC Airflow
- Make sure adjustable HVAC supply vents in each room are fully open and not obstructed.
- Inspect the air filter in the HVAC indoor air handler. If it’s dirty or dusty, replace the filter with a new, quality pleated filter.
- Potential issues that a qualified HVAC technician might check include ice formation on evaporator coils and a failing blower motor.
System Blows Warm Air
- Check the thermostat to verify that the system is not in the “Fan Only” setting. It should be in “Auto” mode and set to “Cool,” not “Heat.”
- A technician will be required to evaluate other factors, such as refrigerant charge, compressor function, and ductwork condition.
AC Trips Circuit Breaker
- Locate the AC circuit breaker in the household panel and switch it to the off position, then back to the on position. Restart the AC. If the breaker trips again, you need professional service.
- The technician will look for shorts in the system or issues such as a failing compressor motor that is drawing excessive amps.
Water Leaking From the Indoor Air Handler
- The condensate drip pan beneath the air handler conveys gallons of condensate produced by the air conditioner daily into the system drain. If a clog develops, however, the drip pan will overflow rapidly.
- Note any sign of water leakage originating beneath the air handler. Then, turn off the AC at the thermostat.
- Call professional HVAC service to locate and clear the clog.
If basic AC troubleshooting doesn’t resolve home-cooling issues, contact the professionals at Jackson & Sons.
