When summer heat hits and an AC starts acting up, homeowners often panic and call a technician immediately. However, a surprising number of service calls turn out to be simple fixes the customer could have handled themselves.
Before you book an emergency service visit:
1. The “Ghost Power” Check
It sounds incredibly basic, but a blank thermostat screen or a tripped breaker is one of the most common reasons an AC won’t turn on.
- Check if the thermostat display is active. If it’s blank, replace the batteries first. Next, look at the electrical panel. AC units draw a massive amount of power on hot days, which can occasionally trip the circuit breaker. Instruct the customer to look for a breaker that is sitting in the middle “tripped” position, flip it completely to OFF, and then back to ON.
2. Inspect the Air Filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which causes the indoor evaporator coil’s temperature to drop below freezing. When that happens, the humidity in the air freezes right onto the coil, turning it into a block of ice and completely stopping the cooling process.
- If the system is running but blowing warm or weak air, check the filter immediately. If it looks grey and choked with dust, replace it.
- If the system has already frozen up (ice on the outdoor refrigerant lines or water pooling under the indoor unit), replacing the filter won’t fix it instantly. Turn the AC OFF and switch the thermostat fan to ON for 2 to 4 hours to let the system thaw out completely before trying again.
3. Clear the Outdoor Condenser’s “Breathing Room”
The outdoor unit (the condenser) works by releasing the heat trapped inside the house into the outside air. If the unit is choked by overgrown bushes, tall grass, or packed cottonwood fuzz, it can’t shed that heat. This skyrockets the system’s pressure and can cause it to overheat and shut down.
- Walk outside and check the perimeter of the condenser unit. Clear away any weeds, leaves, or stored items.
- Maintain at least 2 feet of clear space all the way around the unit, and make sure there are no overhanging branches blocking the top exhaust fan. If the metal fins are caked in dirt or cottonwood fluff, a gentle rinse with a garden hose (never a pressure washer, which bends the delicate aluminum fins) can work wonders.
When to call the pros: If you hear strange grinding noises, smell electrical burning, or if the system trips the breaker a second time immediately after being reset, you should shut it down and call us right away to prevent serious equipment damage.
