07/29/2025
🤯So your AC isn't working, NOW WHAT?!!!🤯
👇Here is a comprehensive list that Tech Amanda has made to help homeowners identify issues with their HVAC systems before calling the professionals!
🔹 STEP 1: Basic System Check
1.Is the system blowing any air at all from the vents?
* Stand near a ceiling, wall, or floor vent. Do you feel any airflow?
2. Is the air coming out cool, warm, or room temperature?
* Hold your hand over the vent to check the temperature.
3. Is the thermostat showing a display or is it blank?
* Check if the thermostat has a screen. If it's blank, it may need new batteries or a breaker reset.
4. What temperature is your thermostat set to?
* Make sure it’s set to “Cool” and a few degrees lower than the current room temperature.
5. Has the system been working at all recently, or did it stop suddenly?
* A sudden failure may point to an electrical or safety float switch issue.
🔹 STEP 2: Indoor Unit Check (Air Handler or Furnace)
6. Can you hear the indoor unit running (fan or blower)?
* Go near the unit (closet, attic, basement) and listen for airflow or a humming noise.
7.Do you know where your air filter is, and when it was last changed?
* Filters are typically located in return air grills or near the indoor unit. A dirty filter restricts airflow. CHANGE FILTERS MONTHLY!
8. Do you see water or moisture around your indoor unit or the drain pan?
* Look underneath the unit. Standing water may mean a clogged drain and tripped safety float switch.
9. Is there visible ice or frost on the copper pipes or evaporator coil?
* Shine a flashlight inside the unit or where copper pipes connect. Ice often means low refrigerant or poor airflow.
10. Do you hear any unusual noises from the indoor unit?
* Clicking, buzzing, or rattling can indicate electrical or mechanical problems.
🔹 STEP 3: Outdoor Unit Check (Condenser)
11. Is the outdoor unit running?
* Go outside and listen for a low hum or motor sound.
12.Is the fan on top of the outdoor unit spinning?
* Look through the top of the unit.
13. Do you hear a soft humming or buzzing even if the fan isn’t spinning?
* This could be the compressor trying to start or a failed capacitor.
14. Check the copper pipe covered with black foam insulation (lineset): Does it feel cool and wet?
* This pipe should feel cold and have condensation when the system is working. Touch it near where it enters the house or unit.
15. Do you see ice on the copper pipes or outdoor coil?
* Ice outside usually confirms low refrigerant or airflow issues.
16. Do you notice any strange smells or burning odors near the outdoor unit?
* Could indicate electrical component failure.
🔹 STEP 4: System History & Environment
17. Have you needed refrigerant before?
* Systems that need a recharge more than once usually have a leak.
18. When was your last HVAC maintenance or tune-up?
* Regular servicing helps prevent issues.
19.Have there been any recent power outages or breaker trips?
* Power events can damage capacitors or trip safety switches.
20. Have you checked the breakers?
* Look in your electrical panel. There may be two: one for the indoor unit and one for the outdoor unit.
21. Do you see any lights or blinking error codes on the thermostat or indoor unit?
* Take note of the color or number of blinks.
22. Have your utility bills increased noticeably?
* Indicates efficiency loss or a failing component.
23. Are some rooms much hotter or colder than others?
* This could point to a duct or zoning issue.
24. Have you recently made any changes to your home?
* New insulation, remodeling, or blocked vents may impact system performance.
25. What repairs has the system had that you know of? Anything recent?
*History helps us access what issues you may be having. If you haven't had a capacitor replacement in 5 to 10 years and your fan isn't running...that is the likely issue.
🛑If you still haven't found your issue, it's time to call in the professionals!!!
We have already helped you this far, trust us to help you finish the repair today.
☎️Call us Whittington HVAC for affordable, fast service!
