AC Repair Tips You Can Try Yourself | Domes Heating & Air Conditioning

If your air conditioning isn’t working as it should, there are a number of things that could be causing the problem. The prospect of calling a professional for AC repair can be intimidating, especially if the issue winds up being something small and easily fixable. Luckily, there are things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before bringing in a contractor to address it. Performing these checks can solve the problem upfront; it will also help to rule certain things out if you do wind up having to call a professional.

Here are some things you can try if your air conditioning system is working improperly or has stopped working at all:

Check Your Circuit Breaker

Your AC draws a lot of power through its electrical circuit. If you have several appliances or lights on the same breaker, or if there is a brief power surge, the circuit breaker can trip and stop electricity from flowing through the circuit. This prevents your air conditioner from turning on. A tripped breaker will be in the “off” position instead of the “on” position. Reset any tripped breakers back to the “on” position and see if that solves the problem. If you know how, you can also try performing a hard reset for your system.

Take a Look at Your Thermostat

Before calling an AC repair professional, it’s important to rule out easy fixes such as problems with the thermostat. Check the settings on your thermostat to make sure that nothing got inadvertently changed and that the unit is set to the correct temperature. Check the batteries to see if they need to be switched. Make sure the unit is turned on and it not set to just have the fan blow.

Change Your Filter

Many problems with your air conditioning can be solved by consistently changing your filter. If your filter is dirty or clogged, it can cause problems and prevent your unit from working efficiently. Check your filter often and change it on a regular basis.

Clear Out Debris

Dirty air conditioning units can be the cause of many problems, especially during Western New York’s active pollen season. Instead of an actual AC repair, you might just need to clean it. Make sure there are no stray plants, leaves, or debris blocking your outdoor unit - this can prevent airflow. Melt any ice that you might find on the unit. Make sure there are at least two feet of clearance around your unit and several feet of vertical clearance. Outdoor AC units need plenty of overhead room, as they release most of their heat from the top.

Check Your Ducts

If you are able, check your ducts to make sure that air is flowing out of all of them and that none of the registers have accidentally closed. If your ducts are dirty enough to block air flow, they will definitely need to be cleaned. Cleaning your ducts can help air flow more efficiently and get your AC system working again.

When All Else Fails, Call a Professional

If you have tried all of these things and your air conditioning still isn’t working, it’s time to enlist the help of an experienced AC repair technician. Consulting a knowledgeable air conditioning contractor can ensure that the work is done safely and effectively so that your system can work properly again.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Is It Time for a Furnace Repair?

24 Oct, 2022

If you have noticed signs that it is time for a furnace repair in the Buffalo, NY, area, turn to the heating contractors at Domes Heating & Air Conditioning for impeccable services. Contact us today!

Getting Your Furnace Ready for the Colder Months

20 Sep, 2022

Check for strange noises, rust, and moisture

5 Steps to Get Your AC System Ready for Summer

12 Mar, 2021

While it may not feel like it here in Western New York, spring is right around the corner - and once spring gets here, the cooling season isn’t far behind! If you’re like most people, you probably turned off your air conditioner for the last time in September or maybe October and haven’t thought about it since. But now that spring is here, it’s time to wake your AC system up from hibernation. The good news is that Domes Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ve created this handy checklist for you to go through as you get your air conditioner ready for the warm months ahead. Check it out below. Step 1: Change your home’s HVAC filters. Clean, unclogged filters are essential if you want an HVAC system that runs well. We recommend replacing the filters once a month, but if this chore got pushed to the wayside in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the change of seasons is a great time to get back on track. Step 2: Make sure the area around the outdoor unit is clear. You don’t want your air conditioner choked by weeds and surrounded by a jungle of landscaping. Make sure the area around the unit is clean and clear. You can even gently rinse off the coils with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris. Step 3: Have your ducts professionally inspected and cleaned. Faulty ducts mean that the air you’re paying to cool might never make its way to you. Call a professional to have your ducts fully inspected and if necessary, cleaned. Spring is a great time to schedule this service. Step 4: Fire up the AC before you need it. When do you want to find out there’s a problem with your air conditioner - when the mercury is boiling over, or well before then, so you can get the problem fixed before you really need the system? We’re guessing it’s the latter. Pick a day when it’s not too cold and switch the AC system on so you can make sure all systems are ready before the warm weather arrives. If you notice anything off, call us right away. Step 5: Call us for a professional AC inspection. Even if you follow all the steps above, your AC system still might have a problem you couldn’t detect. That’s why it’s so important to have your AC inspected by a qualified air conditioning contractor once a year, typically before the cooling season starts in earnest. We would be happy to take care of your inspection and any necessary tune-ups or AC repairs. Remember - while we might still be dodging snowflakes and huddling by the heater now, summer will be here before we know it! Make sure your air conditioner is ready to handle the hot days ahead. If you live in Hamburg, NY; Buffalo, NY; West Seneca, NY; Orchard Park, NY; Lackawanna, NY; or the surrounding areas, call us to schedule your yearly AC inspection and maintenance today!