Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 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 Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc.

Our experts are standing by at 715-301-0256 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 causes why your central AC system won’t run: an overloaded circuit breaker, wrong thermostat settings, a turned off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Blown Circuit Breaker

Your cooling won’t turn on when you have an overloaded breaker.

To see if one has blown, find your house’s main electrical panel. You can spot this gray fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Ensure your hands and feet are free of moisture before you touch the panel or breakers.
  • Look for the breaker identified “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s overloaded the lever will be in the middle or “off” spot.
  • Quickly shift the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantaneously trips again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 715-301-0256. A breaker that keeps turning off could indicate your house has an electrical issue.

Inaccurate Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your AC to work, it won’t switch on.

The key part is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning may not switch on. Or you could get. heated air coming from vents because the furnace is on instead.

If you have a regular thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the monitor is showing jumbled letters, replace the thermostat.
  • Make sure the right option is showing. If you can’t update it, override it by decreasing the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if the configuration is not right.
  • Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees below the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat matches the room’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is adjusted properly, you should receive chilled air quickly.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you still can’t get it to work, reach us at 715-301-0256 for help.

Turn-Off Switch

Your system usually has a shut-off device by its condenser. This device is generally in a metal box attached to your home. If your air conditioner has recently been tuned up, the switch may have inadvertently been left in the “off” location.

Clogged Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans catch the surplus water your system removes from the air. This pan is located either below or within your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a clog or backed up drain, water can accumulate and trigger a safety control to turn off your air conditioner.

If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the additional condensation with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these capsules at a home improvement or hardware shop.

If your pan includes a pump, locate the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you may need to replace the pump. Reach us at 715-301-0256 for support.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your system is working but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be blocked. Or it could not have sufficient refrigerant.

Clogged Airflow

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

How to Change Your Air Filter

A filthy filter can create numerous troubles, including:

  • Limited comfort
  • Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Inconsistent cooling
  • Bigger utility expenses
  • Making your system wear out faster

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

If you can’t recall when you last replaced yours, shut off your AC completely and take out the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be found in an adjoining filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it you should replace it.

4 Tips on Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System

Brush, grass and sticks can block your condensing unit. This can reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your system working well again.

  1. Switch off the electrical current fully at the breaker or external lever.
  2. Remove greenery debris around the AC. Once you’ve cleared all the refuse within a two-foot radius, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to slowly remove dirt from the condenser fins. Distorted fins can also hurt performance, so you can attempt to adjust them with a blunt knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to carefully clean the fins from inside the system. Don’t get water on the fan motor.
  4. Install the top again and restore the power.

Insufficient Refrigerant

When AC equipment doesn’t have enough refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your space.

Here are several indications that your unit is seeping refrigerant:

  1. It takes an extended amount of time to cool your space and you’re continually lowering the thermostat.
  2. Cooling moving through the registers isn’t as chilly as it should be.
  3. You’re experiencing fizzing or burbling racket when cooling is on.
  4. Your evaporator coil is icy on account of having trouble handling heat.

Worried your unit is leaking refrigerant? You need a qualified heating and cooling service expert to fix the leak and restore the proper measurement of refrigerant in your unit. Get in touch with us at 715-301-0256 for support.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

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

  • The first stage is checking your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s dirty.
  • Then ensure the ductwork is open around your rooms.
  • If you’re still not getting enough chilly air, you should have your ducts checked by a specialist like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Your ductwork could need to be repaired or relinked in hard-to-reach 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 Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc at 715-301-0256. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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