Air Conditioner Not Working Right? 3 Things You Should Check On Your Own

Is your home's air conditioner no longer working like it used to? If so, you may be tempted to call an HVAC contractor to inspect the unit for problems. However, it is possible that the problem with your home cooling services could have a simple solution that you can take care of on your own. Here are 3 things you should check prior to calling an HVAC service technician.

Is The Power On?

It is possible that your air conditioner doesn't have any power running to it. Start investigating the problem by checking the circuit breaker. The circuit that the air conditioner is hooked up to may have tripped, and all you have to do is flip it back on.

The other place where the power could be turned off is the unit's disconnect switch. It should be located outside and is a quick way to shut down the compressor. Verify that the switch is flipped on and that power is running to the compressor.

If you've checked the main places where power can be shut off and the unit still isn't working, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.

Is The Air Filter Clogged?

Low air flow coming out of the vents can be caused by a dirty air filter. A filter does not only help clean the air that passes through the system but can limit the air that your air conditioner produces. If you have ignored your air filter for far too long, the filter could be packed with dirt and debris and limit the air that can pass through.

Try replacing that old air filter and see if it makes a difference in how much air is coming out of the vents.

Is There A Coolant Leak?

While a coolant leak is difficult to fix on your own, it is easy to identify. The most notable sign is warm air coming out of the vents. You can confirm your suspicions by looking at the evaporator coils, which may be frozen. Sometimes you can even hear a hissing sound due to the crack in the coolant line.

These are just a few problems that you can troubleshoot on your own. If you still do not know why your air conditioner isn't working, schedule professional help to come out and repair the unit. There are many crucial parts to an air conditioner, and you cannot be expected to understand everything that could possibly go wrong.