AC Not Cooling? What to Check Before You Call for Emergency Repair
When the Arizona heat hits, an AC not cooling your home can quickly turn into a major headache. Before you panic and call for emergency repair, there are a few simple checks you can perform to determine whether the issue is a quick fix or requires professional help.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Air conditioner not cooling your house effectively? Check your thermostat, which is often the simplest culprit. Ensure your thermostat is set to ‘COOL,’ the fan is on ‘AUTO’ (not ‘ON,’ which runs the fan continuously even if the compressor isn’t cooling), and the temperature setting is below the current indoor temperature. An incorrect setting can easily cause an air conditioner to not cool your house effectively.
If your settings are correct and your AC is still blowing warm air, move to the next step to keep diagnosing.
2. Inspect Your Circuit Breaker
Your outdoor AC unit and indoor air handler typically each have a dedicated circuit breaker. Head to your electrical panel and look for any tripped breakers (usually midway between ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’). A tripped breaker means your unit isn’t receiving power, leading to your AC blowing warm air.
When to call a pro: If the breaker trips immediately after resetting, or if it frequently trips, there may be an underlying electrical issue that requires expert diagnosis.
3. Examine Your Air Filter
A clogged or dirty air filter severely restricts airflow, making your AC unit work harder and often resulting in poor cooling performance. A dirty filter can prevent your AC from cooling properly and, in extreme cases, can cause the indoor coil to freeze.
When to call a pro: If your filter is already clean, or replacing a dirty filter doesn’t improve cooling within a few hours, call an expert.
4. Clear Your Outdoor Unit (Condenser)
The large outdoor unit, or condenser, needs clear airflow to dissipate heat. Overgrown shrubs, leaves, dirt, or debris can block the coils and hinder their operation, causing your air conditioner to fail to cool your house efficiently. Safely turn off power to the unit at the disconnect switch (usually near the outdoor unit) before clearing any obstructions.
When to call a pro: If the unit is clear but still struggling, making unusual noises, or running constantly without cooling, call a pro.
Call Our Team
If you’ve gone through this AC troubleshooting checklist and your AC issue persists, it’s time to call a professional. Trust Point Electric and Air offers dependable diagnostic and repair services to quickly get your home comfortable again. Contact us today to schedule your service with confidence.