Quarterly Maintenance News
It’s hot in here: what’s wrong with the A/C?
Spring time is here and the weather is starting to get warmer. You are on top of things this year and decide to check out the air conditioning before you need it. You go to the thermostat, switch it to the A/C mode and NOTHING happens. Now what? Let us help you go through the troubleshooting basics to hopefully save your company a service call:
Step 1: Ask yourself, what did we do to winterize the A/C last fall? Check and see if the circuit breakers are turned on at the inside electrical panel.
Step 2: Check and see if the disconnect (on/off switch) is turned on at the condensing unit (the part that sits outside).
If all of the above seem to be in proper order and the unit still will not run, keep in mind some equipment has a safety switch that will not allow the compressor to run when it is cold outside. This is to prevent the compressor from being damaged by certain conditions that can occur below 50 degrees or so. If you have a roof top unit, it may have an economizer installed on it. This device brings in cold air for free cooling when it’s below 60 degrees or so. You may not hear the compressors running with this device in place.
Step 3: Look at the thermostat next, is it in the cooling mode or auto mode? What is the temperature that is being requested? Turn the thermostat down a few degrees below the ambient temperature. Most modern thermostats have a time delay built into them to prevent the compressor from short cycling, so it may not start for up to 5 minutes.
Step 4: While you are waiting for 5 minutes, check if there is a battery icon flashing in the display. If so, change the battery.
If you have tried all of the above, and you still have no A/C, it may be time to call the professionals.
A qualified Service technician should be checking a number of things. He will first verify the above checklist. He will then go on to check things such as refrigerant charge, air filters, drain lines, and cleanliness of the condenser coil. He should check and tighten electrical connections and the operating characteristics of the entire system. Hopefully, your problem is straightforward, and the technician will get your unit in operational order. In some cases, the problems are bigger. Pleune Service can offer a quote to repair or replace your unit.
Thank you for your business. Please call if you have any HVAC, mechanical, electrical or plumbing issues or questions that Pleune Service Company can assist you with. If you are a first time Pleune site visitor, WELCOME! Come back and visit us frequently for other service recommendations.
Toby Sweeney
Service Manager