Air Conditioning Troubleshooting
This guide will help you understand what might be wrong with your AC or heat pump. If you have any questions about your system, give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give your system an evaluation.
No Power to the AC: There are several common reasons that an AC won’t even start. First, check your circuit breakers in the electrical box. Also, check the breakers outside your home located near the condensing unit. If a breaker has been tripped – maybe by an electrical surge or lightning – turn it back on and see if the unit comes on.
If that’s not the problem, then a minor electrical issue might be the problem. The good news is that when the system doesn’t do anything at all the problem is usually not major.
If you’d like, we will come to your home to trouble shoot the problem and give you an estimate for repairs.
AC Runs but Doesn’t Cool: The problem could be that it is low on refrigerant or that one or both of the coils are very dirty. Either one can prevent the system from being able to cool. Also check the air handler or furnace filter and change it if it needs it.
Another cause of this problem can be a bad thermostat. You set the temperature for 74 degrees and it “thinks” it is 74 when it’s really 80 and shuts down the system. At Scottsdale Appliance and AC Repair, we replace thermostats on a regular basis.
Leaking System: If your indoor unit – an air handler or furnace – is leaking, you’ve probably got a clog somewhere in the drain system. Here in the dessert, our ACs and heat pumps don’t remove as much humidity as they do in most climates, but they can remove a few gallons a day at times. If the drain system is clogged, that water has to go somewhere – and it will leak.
Check the drain and the drain pan if you can. Of course, calling us is an option and we’ll take care of the problem quickly.
The System Makes Noise: Motors and fans make noise. When we respond to a service request for a system making noise, the most common thing we find is a bad blower motor in the air handler or furnace or a bad motor in the condensing unit outside. A bad compressor will often make noise, but when a compressor goes bad, it usually doesn’t cool either.
Got another issue we didn’t cover? Give us a call at (480) 245-5875 and we’ll be on the way with the area’s best and most affordable air conditioner and heat pump service!
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