Diagnosing a problem and doing your own AC repair in Richmond, British Columbia, can feel like a lot of hassle.

It doesn’t have to be like that. There are a few simple adjustments you can attempt without help that could help you avoid an AC service call.

When you’re facing air conditioning troubles, follow this checklist before contacting a heating and cooling repair expert like Refrigeration Systems Ltd..

Our experts are standing by at 778-693-2532 when you need knowledgeable service. We provide emergency AC repair and work on most models of central air conditioning.

If you want to get a new air conditioning system, we also can do AC installation.

When you’re in contact with us, think about a yearly AC maintenance plan that could help you steer clear from later malfunctions. We can let you know how frequently you should have air conditioner service.

Ready to begin finding the problem with your equipment? Use our easy guide below. Many of these processes don’t involve any AC experience.

Air Conditioner Repair Checklist

1. AC Won’t Turn On

There can be a few reasons why your air conditioning system won’t cool: 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 a tripped breaker.

To check if one has gotten overloaded, go to your residence’s main electrical panel. You can spot this silver fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Confirm your hands and feet are dry before you check 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 in between or “off” position.
  • Firmly move the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantly triggers again, don’t touch it and call us at 778-693-2532. A switch that keeps turning off could signal your house has an electrical issue.

Wrong Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t signaling your system to start, it won’t activate.

The first part is checking it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner will probably not switch on. Or you may receive. hot air coming from vents being the heater is going instead.

If you rely on a regular thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the monitor is blank. If the monitor is showing jumbled characters, buy a new thermostat.
  • Make sure the proper program is on the display. If you can’t update it, reverse it by decreasing the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is not right.
  • Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is set the same as the room’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is adjusted properly, you should receive cold air promptly.

If you have a smart thermostat, like one produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, contact us at 778-693-2532 for support.

Shut-Off Switch

Your system typically has a shut-down device near its outside unit. This switch is typically in a metal box hung on your house. If your equipment has recently been repaired, the lever may have accidentally been left in the “off” position.

Blocked Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans hold the additional condensation your system pulls from the air. This pan is located either below or within your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a clog or blocked drain, water can become concentrated and initiate a safety feature to stop your equipment.

If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the additional liquid with a special pan-cleaning tab. You can purchase these tablets at a home improvement or hardware retailer.

If your pan includes a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you might have to replace the pump. Contact us at 778-693-2532 for help.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your system is running but not delivering cold air, its airflow might be blocked. Or it might not have adequate refrigerant.

Obstructed Airflow

Your unit’s airflow can be reduced by a plugged air filter or dirty condenser.

How to Change Your Air Filter

A dusty filter can create numerous troubles, such as:

  • Lower airflow
  • Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Inconsistent cooling
  • Bigger energy bills
  • Causing your system to wear out faster

We recommend installing new flat filters monthly, and creased filters every three months.

If you can’t remember when you last changed yours, switch off your AC fully and take out the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be located in an adjoining filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

Hold the filter up to your light fixture. If you can’t see through it you need to get a new one.

4 Steps to Cleaning Your Cooling System

Weeds, plants and shrubbery can obstruct your condensing equipment. This could restrict its airflow, make it less energy efficient and impact your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your unit working properly again.

  1. Turn off power fully at the breaker or outdoor lever.
  2. Remove yard debris around the unit. Once you’ve removed all the debris within a two-foot space, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to carefully remove dirt from the condenser fins. Warped fins can also impact performance, so you can attempt to correct them with a small knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to slowly remove gunk off the fins from inside the unit. Make sure to avoid getting moisture on the fan motor.
  4. Install the top again and restore the power.