Troubleshooting Your AC System
It happens some times, often on the hottest days: Your air conditioner won’t turn on, or won’t blow cold air.
Before you contact us for service, it pays to do a little troubleshooting – the problem could be one you can solve yourself without paying for a house call. Here’s a guide for what to do if your AC isn’t working the way it should:
If your AC system isn’t running at all:
- Make sure your thermostat setting is:
- In the “air conditioning”, “cool,” or “fan” position
- Set to at least 5 degrees below the current room temperature
- Make sure all circuit breakers are turned on.
- A circuit breaker “trips” (shuts off) to cut the flow of electricity and protect a circuitfrom overheating; this commonly happens with your air conditioner’s circuit. A/C systems are often marked “air handler” and “condenser” – check to see if yours are tripped.
- Make sure all power switches are turned on.
- Check the power switch next to the outdoor condenser.
- Check the power switch for the indoor unit.
If you try these three measures and your air conditioner still won’t start, contact Carroll for service.
If your AC system is blowing warm air:
- Make sure your thermostat is set correctly (see #1 above).
- Make sure all vents are open and unblocked by furniture, rugs, and other obstacles that could block airflow.
- Make sure all power switches are turned on.
- Check the outdoor unit to see if it’s running. If it isn’t:
- Check the power switch (see above).
- Check the condenser’s circuit breaker (see above).
- Check for debris inside the condenser (TURN OFF THE POWER FIRST!).
- Check the indoor unit.
- Make sure the power switches are on.
- Check your air filters; if they’re clogged, clean or replace them and try again.
If you try these five measures and your air conditioner still won’t start, contact Carroll for service.
Prevent unexpected A/C breakdowns this summer with a Carroll Service Plan, which includes an annual tune-up! Contact us to sign up today.
