If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, try not to panic. Before you call a professional AC repair company in Highwood, Illinois, it’s wise to take a few minutes to check some basic things. You might be able to fix the problem without booking a service visit.
Check your thermostat settings.
The thermostat is the first thing you should check when your AC is not cooling properly. It could be set wrong, or the batteries could be dead.
Make sure it is set to “Cool” and that the temperature is lower than the room temperature. You should also check the fan setting. If it is on “Auto,” the fan will only blow air when the AC is cooling. If it is “On,” the fan might keep running even when the air is not cooled. If the screen is blank or not responding, try replacing the batteries.
Some thermostats need to be reset after changing the batteries or settings. Look for a reset button or check the manual for instructions.
If none of this works, the thermostat might be broken or have a wiring problem. At that point, call a professional AC technician.
Look at the air filters.
If the air is not cool or the flow seems weak, the filter could be clogged. A dirty filter blocks air and decreases your AC’s efficiency and performance.
Find the filter near the return vent, the furnace, or the air handler. Hold it up to the light. If you can’t see the light through it, it is too dirty and must be replaced.
Check the breaker box.
If your AC is not turning on at all, the breaker might have tripped. The circuit breaker shuts off power when it detects an overload or fault.
Check your breaker box in the basement or garage. Find the switch labeled “A/C” or “Cooling.” Flip it off and turn it back on after a few seconds to reset it.
If it keeps tripping, stop resetting it. Instead, you should reach out to a professional AC repair company in Highwood, Illinois. Doing it without training and proper tools could be dangerous.
Inspect the outdoor unit.
Your outside condenser unit needs space and airflow to run properly. If it is blocked or something is broken, your AC will not cool properly.
While the AC is on, go outside and check it. If the fan is not spinning or you hear a humming noise, a motor or part could be broken. You should also make sure that nothing is crowding the outdoor unit, like leaves, grass, or branches. A condenser unit needs about two feet of space on all sides and at least five feet above it.
Turn it off if you see ice.
Turn the AC off if you see ice on the copper lines or near the indoor unit. Ice usually indicates a problem with airflow or refrigerant.
Let the ice melt completely. This could take a few hours. You can speed this up by setting the fan to “On” so warm air flows across the coils.
If the ice comes back after it melts, the problem could be a dirty filter or a refrigerant issue. At that point, call a professional AC repair company in Highwood, Illinois.
Check the drain line.
Your AC also removes moisture from the air, and that water drains through a small pipe. If the pipe gets clogged, water can back up.
Look under the indoor unit. If the drain pan is full or overflowing, turn the AC off. You can try clearing the clog with a wet and dry vacuum at the end of the drain pipe outside. You could also pour vinegar and warm water into the access point near the indoor unit. Let it sit for half an hour, then rinse with clean water.
If you can’t find the clog or it keeps returning, it is best to let a professional AC technician handle it.
Looking for an AC Repair Company in Highwood, Illinois?
These simple checks can fix many common AC problems or at least give you a better idea of what’s wrong. But if your AC still will not run properly (or at all), it is time to call John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for help. As a top-rated AC repair company in Highwood, Illinois, we handle everything from small fixes to major repairs. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to schedule a service.
