Pinpointing the problem and doing your own AC repair in Santa Clarita, California, can appear like a lot of hassle.

There’s a better way. There are several simple fixes you can do on your own that may help you avoid an AC service call.

When you’re facing air conditioning problems, use this diagnostic list before contacting a heating and cooling repair expert like Verona HVAC.

Our specialists are here at 818-306-3387 when you need professional service. We offer emergency AC repair and repair most models of central air conditioners.

If you need an updated AC system, we also can do AC installation.

When you’re on the phone with us, consider a regular AC maintenance plan that could help you avoid potential malfunctions. We can tell you when you require air conditioner service.

Prepared to get started finding the problem with your air conditioner? Use our easy guide below. Many of these procedures don’t need any AC knowledge.

Air Conditioner Repair Checklist

1. AC Won’t Turn On

There can be several reasons why your air conditioner won’t run: an overloaded circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a turned off switch or a full condensate drain pan.

Overloaded Circuit Breaker

Your air conditioner won’t work when you have a blown breaker.

To determine if one has tripped, locate your house’s main electrical panel. You can spot this silver box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Ensure your hands and feet are dry before you work on the panel or breakers.
  • Locate the breaker marked “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s tripped the breaker will be in the middle of the panel or “off” location.
  • Quickly shift the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantly trips again, don’t touch it and contact us at 818-306-3387. A switch that keeps flipping could mean your residence has an electrical issue.

Wrong Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your AC to work, it won’t switch on.

The main point is checking it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC will probably not switch on. Or you could get. heated air coming from vents because the heat is running instead.

If you rely on a digital thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the readout is empty. If the screen is showing scrambled letters, buy a new thermostat.
  • Ensure the proper option is showing. If you can’t change it, cancel it by lowering the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is incorrect.
  • Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees lower than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat matches the room’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is adjusted accurately, you should receive cool air quickly.

If you have a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting. If it still won’t work, reach us at 818-306-3387 for assistance.

Shut-Down Switch

Your cooling equipment typically has a shut-off lever by its outside unit. This switch is typically in a metal box mounted on your house. If your air conditioner has recently been worked on, the switch may have accidentally been put in the “off” location.

Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans catch the additional water your equipment pulls from the air. This pan can be situated either beneath or in your furnace or air handler