A few key helpful tips. Read these before you give us a call.

• Start with the thermostat. We recommend that your troubleshooting process begins with inspecting the thermostat. Common issues include incorrect settings on an analog thermostat, or on digital ones, incorrect settings and old batteries. If adjusting the settings or replacing batteries still fails to turn the inside unit on, check the fan switches. If the fan does not come on after putting it in the “on” position, you may need to check the circuit breaker.
• Often, we’ll get calls where the issue was a tripped breaker. Sometimes, breaker trips are the result of a simple problem and easy to repair. Other times, it could be far more complex. Regardless, before you call, you’ll want to check your breakers. Typically, you will have two breakers—one for the outside unit, the other for the inside unit.  If they appear tripped, turn them off and then turn them back on. If your system still doesn’t operate properly, you should give us a call.
• You should check the outside unit. For example, you should check both the fan motor and dual capacitor that operates the condenser. If one or the other is not functioning, you should have it replaced. In addition, you should also check out the safety disconnector if the outside unit is not working. This switch allows for the interruption of the power supply to the outside unit for purposes such as a technician doing repairs on your system. If it’s off, switch it to the on position. If it still doesn’t turn on, it might be either an issue with the fuses, the fan motor, and/or the dual capacitor.
• Replace your air filter once a month. Clogged or dirty filters will hinder the ability of the unit to produce cool air. This happens because the air system has to work even harder, causing it to over heat. You should change out your filter even during the fall and winter months.
• Check your overflow / condensate drain line. There should be no dripping. However, if you do see dripping, there might be a clog somewhere. This would be typically confirmed if the outside unit runs, but the house still doesn’t cool. Under these circumstances, the condensate drain (as well as the condensate pan) need to be cleaned.
• If the system is running but not cooling, turn it off! You will risk damaging the unit further if you allow it to continue to run. Usually, you can just turn it off at the thermostat. If you can’t turn it off at the thermostat, turn it off at the breaker.
• Gas furnance not running? Make sure the switch is “on” in the attic. If it is and the furnance is still not operating properly, there may be additional issues.

Have any doubts or uncomfortable with certain do-it-yourself inspections? Call us.

Air conditoning units and heating systems are high voltage systems. If you have any doubts about your ability to check things on your own, you should contact us. Safety matters before anything, and our team has over 20 years of exprience in servicing residential and light commerical HVAC systems.