Have you ever come home from work or school and it’s hotter or cooler than usual inside? You know you set the thermostat, but for some reason, it’s not working correctly. Perhaps your AC unit has been making more noise than usual or your fan tends to run constantly.
Before you make an emergency call to a qualified AC repair technician in Jacksonville Florida, go over this simple do it yourself checklist. Some problems are simple and don’t require a service call. It could not only save you money but can help the technician diagnose your problem.
Thermostat
- Your thermostat is the device that triggers your AC or heater. Most modern thermostats are electric but some older systems have older thermostats. If for some reason your thermostat is malfunctioning, your unit will not turn on.
- Check to see if your thermostat needs batteries. Most electric units will show a “batt” display when batteries need to be changed.
- Make sure the thermostat is turned on. An Auto setting will allow the fans to cycle on and off as necessary while the Fan setting will create a continuous air flow. Also make sure the proper Cool or Heat setting is selected.
- Over time dirt and dust can collect on and inside a thermostat. Using canned air, gently blow the dust away. Use caution as some parts of the thermostat are easily broken.
- Turn up (for heat) or down (for AC) your thermostat. Please be aware that many units have a delay setting. Your unit might take up to 5 minutes to kick on.
Inside the House – Heating
- Check the pilot light if the heating unit has one. The flame should be blue. Please note that some units have an electric pilot that will not have a flame unless the unit is working.
- If your furnace has a separate shut off switch for the gas make sure that is turned on.
Inside the House – AC
- Check your filters. Dirty air filters will constrict the air flow to the unit making it work harder and overheat.
- Check your registers. Make sure your registers are not blocked by obstacles that can limit air flow.
- Check the breaker box to make sure that the fuse has not been tripped.
- Some cooling units have a separate shut off switch either near the breaker or near the unit. Check to make sure it has not been shut off.
Outside the House – Heating
- Check to see if you have fuel (propane or oil) in your tank and the control valve is turned on.
- If you have natural gas, make sure the meter is turned on.
- Check to see if the outdoor shut off switch is off.
- If you smell a gas especially outside or suspect you have a leak, call your local emergency number immediately.
Outside the House – AC
- Check to see if there is ice on any of the pipes. If ice is seen, shut off the system and wait until it has melted to restart the AC.
- Remove all obstructions from around your AC unit. Limiting air will cause it to overheat.
- Check to see if the outdoor shut-off switch is off.
Checking these items may take a few minutes but they can save you money. If these simple tips do not solve the problem, then a service call will be necessary. Call Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning for all of your AC repair needs. We offer a wide range of services from maintenance to repairs. Let our qualified technicians diagnose your problems.
