AC Repair in Greater Richmond, VA: How to Fix 3 Typical Problems

There can be several explanations why your central AC system won’t start: a triggered circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.

Your cooling won’t start when you have a blown breaker.

To see if one has tripped, find your residence’s main electrical panel. You can find this silver fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

• Confirm your hands and feet are dry before you work on the panel or breakers.
• Look for the breaker labeled “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s triggered the switch will be in the middle or “off” position.
• Firmly transfer the switch back to the “on” position. If it immediately flips again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 804-302-6657. A fuse that keeps tripping may indicate your residence has an electrical problem.

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

The main point is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning might not start running. Or you could receive. heated air blowing from vents because the heat is on instead.

If you rely on a digital thermostat:

• Replace the batteries if the readout is empty. If the monitor is showing jumbled letters, get a new thermostat.
• Ensure the right mode is showing. If you can’t alter it, override it by lowering the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if programming is wrong.
• Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees below the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is identical to the space’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is set properly, you should receive chilled air promptly.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for help. If you’re still having problems, contact us at 804-302-6657 for support.

Your air conditioner probably has a power-cutting switch by its outdoor unit. This device is generally in a metal box hung on your residence. If your unit has recently been repaired, the lever may have inadvertently been positioned in the “off” setting.

Condensate drain pans keep the surplus liquid your equipment pulls from the air. This pan is located either under or in your furnace or air handler.

When there’s an obstruction or backed up drain, water can accumulate and initiate a safety control to stop your air conditioner.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus liquid with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can get these capsules at a home improvement or hardware shop.

If your pan includes a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you may need to replace the pump. Reach us at 804-302-6657 for help.

If your system is going but not providing cold air, its airflow could be blocked. Or it may not have enough refrigerant.

Your equipment’s airflow can be decreased by a blocked air filter or dirty condenser.

A dirty filter can lead to numerous troubles, like:

• Limited comfort
• Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
• Uneven cooling
• Higher cooling expenses
• Leading your system to break down faster

We propose replacing flat filters monthly, and creased filters every three months.

If you aren’t sure when you last replaced yours, switch off your unit completely and pull out the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be situated in an adjoining filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see any light you certainly should buy a new filter.

Weeds, vegetation and sticks can block your condensing system. This may reduce its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and change your comfort. Here’s how you can get your equipment running properly again.

1. Switch off power completely at the breaker or outdoor switch.
2. Clear yard debris around the equipment. Once you’ve gotten rid of bigger clutter within a two-foot area, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to slowly clean the condenser fins. Deformed fins can also impact effectiveness, so you can attempt to correct them with a small knife.
3. Use a hose nozzle to carefully clean the fins from inside the system. Don’t get water on the fan motor.
4. Put the top back on and turn the power back on.

When air conditioning units don’t have enough refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your residence.

Here are several indications that your system is seeping refrigerant:

1. It takes too long to refresh your house and you’re regularly turning down the thermostat.
2. Air moving through the vents isn’t as chilled as it should be.
3. You’re hearing fizzing or bubbling noises when cooling runs.
4. Your evaporator coil is icy as a result of having trouble taking on humidity.

Think your equipment is losing refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service expert to fix the leak and replenish the right level of refrigerant in your system. Get in touch with us at 804-302-6657 for assistance.

When it feels like you’re not getting enough chilled air, there’s potentially an obstruction or separation within your AC system.

• The initial place is examining your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s soiled.
• Then make sure the vents are free throughout your home.
• If you’re still not experiencing adequate chilled air, you should have your ducts checked by a professional like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Your ductwork could need to be serviced or reconnected in difficult locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.