Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Dresden, Ontario, 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 McFadden Heating & Cooling.

Our experts are standing by at 519-683-2339 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 several reasons why your air conditioner won’t start: an overloaded circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a turned off switch or a full condensate drain pan.

Triggered Circuit Breaker

Your system won’t run when you have an overloaded breaker.

To find out if one has tripped, find your residence’s main electrical panel. You can find this silver box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Ensure your hands and feet aren’t wet before you work on the panel or breakers.
  • Find the breaker labeled “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s overloaded the breaker will be in the middle of the panel or “off” position.
  • Steadily transfer the breaker back to the “on” location. If it immediately triggers again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 519-683-2339. A fuse that keeps turning off might mean your home has an electrical issue.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your equipment to start, it won’t switch on.

The first point is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC may not start running. Or you could have. heated air blowing from vents being the heat is on instead.

If you rely on a digital thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the monitor is empty. If the readout is presenting garbled letters, get a new thermostat.
  • Check the correct mode is showing. If you can’t change it, cancel it by decreasing the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if programming is wrong.
  • Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees lower than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is identical to the room’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is calibrated accurately, you should start getting chilled air quickly.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for help. If it still won’t work, contact us at 519-683-2339 for support.

Shut-Down Switch

Your AC typically has a shut-off device around its condenser. This device is commonly in a metal box attached to your residence. If your equipment has recently been serviced, the switch may have unintentionally been positioned in the “off” location.

Blocked Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans keep the extra condensation your system removes from the air. This pan is located either under or inside your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a blockage or blocked drain, water can accumulate and initiate a safety feature to turn off your equipment.

If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the surplus condensation with a special pan-cleaning tablet. You can buy these tablets at a home improvement or hardware shop.

If your pan includes a pump, locate the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you might have to replace the pump. Reach us at 519-683-2339 for help.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your equipment is going but not cooling, its airflow may be clogged. Or it may not have adequate refrigerant.

Obstructed Airflow

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

How to Replace Your Air Filter

A filthy filter can cause countless problems, like:

  • Lower cooling
  • Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Uneven cooling
  • Larger energy expenses
  • Leading your system to wear out faster

We recommend changing flat filters monthly, and accordion filters every three months.

If you aren’t sure when you last installed a new one, turn off your system totally and take out the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be found in a connected filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it you need to replace it.

4 Steps to Cleaning Your Cooling Equipment

Greenery, vegetation and shrubbery can block your condensing unit. This could reduce its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your unit working well again.

  1. Shut off electricity completely at the breaker or outdoor switch.
  2. Get rid of vegetation debris around the equipment. Once you’ve gotten rid of larger refuse within a two-foot range, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to gingerly remove dust from the condenser fins. Misshapen fins can also impact performance, so you can attempt to adjust them with a blunt knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to gingerly take off dirt on the fins from inside the system. Make sure to avoid getting water on the fan motor.
  4. Replace the top and turn on the power.

Low Refrigerant Levels

When air conditioning systems don’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from your house.

Here are a few signs that your system is seeping refrigerant:

  1. It takes too long to refresh your house and you’re continually lowering the thermostat.
  2. Air coming through the vents isn’t as chilly as it should be.
  3. You’re hearing hissing or bubbling noises when the AC works.
  4. Your evaporator coil is frosted because it’s having an issue handling warmth.

Suspect your unit is losing refrigerant? You need a licensed heating and cooling service professional to repair the leak and replenish the proper level of refrigerant in your equipment. Reach us at 519-683-2339 for support.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

When it appears like you’re not receiving enough cool air, there’s possibly a blockage or detachment somewhere in your cooling unit.

  • The first stage is looking at your air filter. Replace it if it’s dirty.
  • Then make sure the registers are open around your home.
  • If you’re still not getting sufficient cold air, you should have your ductwork checked by a specialist like McFadden Heating & Cooling. Your ductwork might need to be fixed 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 McFadden Heating & Cooling at 519-683-2339. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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