Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Lodi, California, 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 Tokay.

Our experts are standing by at 209-257-3156 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 a few explanations why your AC unit won’t run: a blown circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Blown Circuit Breaker

Your air conditioning won’t run when you have a tripped breaker.

To check if one has gotten overloaded, locate your residence’s main electrical panel. You can locate this gray device on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Make sure your hands and feet aren’t wet before you check the panel or breakers.
  • Look for the breaker marked “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s overloaded the lever will be in the middle or “off” spot.
  • Steadily transfer the lever back to the “on” location. If it instantaneously triggers again, leave it alone and contact us at 209-257-3156. A breaker that keeps tripping may indicate your residence has an electrical problem.

Inaccurate Thermostat Settings

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

The key part is making sure it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner will probably not turn on. Or you might receive. warm air coming from vents since the furnace is going instead.

If you rely on a traditional thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the readout is clear. If the monitor is showing garbled letters, get a new thermostat.
  • Ensure the right program is showing. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by lowering the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if the configuration is not right.
  • Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat matches the space’s temperature.

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

If you have a smart thermostat, including ones made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still having problems, call us at 209-257-3156 for assistance.

Shut-Down Switch

Your cooling equipment usually has a shut-down device near its outside unit. This switch is commonly in a metal box mounted on your home. If your unit has recently been repaired, the lever may have unintentionally been put in the “off” position.

Clogged Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans catch the additional condensation your equipment removes from the air. This pan is located either below or in your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a blockage or clogged drain, water can accumulate and trigger a safety setting to stop your air conditioner.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the surplus liquid with a special pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these capsules at a home improvement or hardware retailer.

If your pan includes a pump, find the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you might have to get a new pump. Call us at 209-257-3156 for help.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your equipment is on but not providing cold air, its airflow could be obstructed. Or it might not have enough refrigerant.

Blocked Airflow

Your system’s airflow can be reduced by a clogged air filter or dusty condenser.

How to Put in a New Your Air Filter

A dusty filter can lead to a lot of issues, such as:

  • Limited cooling
  • Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Inconsistent cooling
  • Increased cooling costs
  • Causing your system to break down more quickly

We recommend installing new flat filters once a month, and pleated filters every three months.

If you can’t remember when you last installed a new one, shut off your equipment fully and take out the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be located in an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

Angle the filter up to the light. If you see a lot of dust you certainly should get a new one.

4 Tips on Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Unit

Greenery, grass and shrubbery can get in the way of your condensing equipment. This could reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and impact your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your unit operating properly again.

  1. Shut off power fully at the breaker or outdoor switch.
  2. Remove plant waste around the equipment. Once you’ve gotten rid of larger debris within a two-foot space, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to slowly clean the unit’s fins. Misshapen fins can also impact capability, so you can attempt to adjust them with a dinner knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to slowly remove gunk off the fins from inside the equipment. Be careful to avoid getting liquid on the fan motor.
  4. Put the top back on and restore the power.

Insufficient Refrigerant

When cooling equipment doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your space.

Here are a couple of indications that your equipment is losing refrigerant:

  1. It takes an extended amount of time to refresh your home and you’re continually turning down the thermostat.
  2. Cooling blowing through the vents isn’t as chilled as it should be.
  3. You’re experiencing whistling or gurgling sounds when cooling is on.
  4. Your evaporator coil is iced over due to having trouble taking on heat.

Suspect your unit is leaking refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service expert to take care of the leak and refill the right level of refrigerant in your unit. Reach us at 209-257-3156 for assistance.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

When it appears like you’re not getting adequate amounts of chilled air, there’s probably a clog or separation somewhere in your air conditioning unit.

  • The initial place is looking at your air filter. Replace it if it’s soiled.
  • Then ensure the ductwork is clear throughout your house.
  • If you’re still not getting adequate chilled air, you should have your ducts inspected by a expert like Tokay. Your ductwork might need to be fixed or rejoined in limited space locations 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 Tokay at 209-257-3156. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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