How Do You Troubleshoot an Air Conditioner?

Summer is here, and with rising temperatures, keeping your home cool and comfortable is essential. But what happens when your air conditioner starts acting up? Don’t panic! With a little troubleshooting knowledge, you can resolve some common AC issues on your own.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to troubleshoot your air conditioner, helping you stay cool without breaking a sweat. So, if you need any air conditioner services in Nevada City, CA, don’t hesitate to contact us at BAEHR Heating & Air

Here Are Some Common Air Conditioning Problems and How to Diagnose Them:

Check the Power Supply

The first step in troubleshooting an air conditioner is to ensure that it has an adequate power supply. Start by checking the electrical panel to ensure that the circuit breaker for the AC unit hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it and see if that resolves the issue. Additionally, ensure the AC unit is securely plugged in and the power cord is in good condition. 

Examine the Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your AC system to behave erratically. Verify the settings on your thermostat to ensure it’s set to the appropriate temperature and cooling mode. If the thermostat uses batteries, replace them to rule out any power-related issues. It’s also worth cleaning the thermostat’s sensor to ensure it’s detecting the temperature accurately. 

Inspect the Air Filters

Dirty or clogged air filters can severely restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your AC unit. When necessary, clean or replace the filters after checking them. Doing this regularly, approximately every one to three months, can prevent many AC problems and improve indoor air quality. 

Investigate Unusual Sounds or Odors

If your air conditioner makes unusual sounds, such as grinding, rattling, or squealing, it may indicate a mechanical issue. Similarly, foul odors can suggest mold growth or a problem with the system. In such cases, it’s best to reach out to an HVAC professional like BAEHR Heating & Air to diagnose and fix the problem safely. 

Clean The Condenser Unit

The condenser unit outside your home can accumulate dirt, debris, and vegetation over time, obstructing airflow. Inspect the unit and clear any obstructions such as leaves, branches, or weeds. Gently clean the condenser coils using a hose to remove dirt and grime. Ensure that the unit is turned off before performing any maintenance.  

Verify the Air Ducts

Blocked or leaky air ducts can significantly impact the cooling performance of your air conditioner. Check all visible ductwork for any obstructions or damage. If you suspect a leak, try sealing it with duct tape or contact a professional to conduct a thorough inspection.

Following these tips, you can often troubleshoot and repair minor air conditioning issues yourself. Of course, if the issue persists or is beyond your comfort level to address, don’t hesitate to call a qualified HVAC technician for help.  

Contact BAEHR Heating & Air for Expert Assistance

While the above troubleshooting steps can help resolve minor AC issues, there are instances where professional help is necessary. We are your trusted partner for all your air conditioning needs. Our professionals have the expertise to diagnose and repair complex problems efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s a refrigerant leak, compressor malfunction, or any other AC issue, we have you covered. Call us today for AC repair in Nevada City, CA and the surrounding areas!

Testimonials

Sora O.

Jay has helped me -and my neighbors- over the years with several old HVAC units that are outdated and hard to find parts for these ...

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Jay from BARHR heating and air was absolutely amazing. He came out so fast and fixed our heating the same day. He was professional, knowledgeable, ...

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Had trouble making our thermostat work–it was far too complicated for an old fool like me. I contacted maybe 3, maybe 4 local heating and ...

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I went through three previous companies (two through my home warranty company) before calling Jay at Baehr. Two of the previous companies told me I ...

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I like to wait a month or so before writing a review. This gives time to be more accurate with my observations. Having said that, ...

Jennifer A.

I run a childcare and our heater quit working. We called and they were able to get us in first thing in the morning. The ...

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Highly recommend. My ac went out when it.was crazy hot heat wave. Called Jay at 7:30 a.m.. …he fit me in to his busy schedule. ...

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Jay was so great in servicing our air conditioning. He had the parts needed to do the work right away. Even with our unit being ...

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Jennifer W.

Completely recommend Baehr Heating and Air. We had Alex and Johnny come fix the condensate drain that was not originally installed properly for our gas ...

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Jay is great! He is very responsive and knowledgeable about HVAC issues. He fit our industrial machine (water chiller) into his schedule right away (same ...

Tom M.

I like to wait a month or so before writing a review. This gives me time to be more accurate with my observations. Having said ...

Darryl M.

Had trouble making our thermostat work–it was far too complicated for an old fool like me. I contacted maybe 3, maybe 4 local heating and ...

Jessica A.

Jay is awesome! He explains things so we can understand, is helpful, and doesn’t try to upsell on services you don’t need. He fixed our ...

Jesse G.

Very knowledgeable, exceeded and surpassed expectations. I’ve had trouble with my unit in the past and yet 5 other Heating and Air companies couldn’t fix ...

Rebecca S.

Jay from BAEHR’s heating and air was absolutely amazing. He came out so fast and fixed our heating the same day. He was professional, knowledgeable, ...

Sora O.

Jay has helped me -and my neighbors- over the years with several old HVAC units that are outdated and hard to find parts for these ...

Adam S.

I went through three previous companies (two through my home warranty company) before calling Jay at Baehr. Two of the previous companies told me I ...

Gretchen B.

Highly recommend. My ac went out when it was a crazy hot heat wave. Called Jay at 7:30 a.m he fit me into his busy ...

Linda Y.

Jay and his staff are professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. Jay delivers excellent service. He went the extra mile to get heat to my home and ...