How to Troubleshoot Your AC System in Springfield, MO

Experiencing a non-cooling air conditioner in the middle of a hot Springfield, MO summer can be quite frustrating. There's nothing worse than your AC system failing to emit cool air or not turning on at all when you need it most. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you identify and address common AC issues, potentially saving both time and money. Our aim is to help you restore your home to its optimal comfort level.

Why is Your AC Not Cooling Your Home?

Your AC system is a complex machine with numerous components working in harmony to maintain your home's comfort. If even one part is compromised, it can impact the entire system. Common reasons for an AC not cooling a home include clogged filters, leaking or insufficient refrigerant, or dirty or frozen coils.

If you're a Springfield, MO resident facing issues with your AC system, the following tips could help you pinpoint common problems and potential solutions. However, if these tips fail to resolve your issue, it's time to contact the professionally trained technicians at SS&B Heating & Cooling for expert AC repair or replacement services.

What if Your AC is Not Blowing Cold Air or Running?

If your AC isn't blowing cold air or operating as it should, you might be dealing with one or more of the following problems: a blocked outdoor evaporator coil, a blocked indoor evaporator coil, clogged or dirty filters, incorrectly set thermostat controls or low or leaking refrigerant.

Tips for Troubleshooting Common Issues

Blocked Outdoor Cooling Coil: Inspect the inlet side of the cooling coil in your unit for debris. Remove any obstructions like tall grass, sticks, or leaves around your outdoor unit.
Blocked or Non-functional Indoor evaporator Coil: Regular household dust, soot, or pollen can clog the indoor air handler coils. Clean away any dust accumulation on the coil and change the air filter regularly.
Blown Fuse or Open Circuit Breaker: Reset the circuit breaker or replace the burned-out fuse. Also, inspect return grills for obstructions that could impede air circulation in the system.
Dirty or Clogged Filters: With the AC turned off and the breakers supplying power to the AC also turned off, clean or replace the filters. If you're unsure where the filters are located, reach out to the professionals at SS&B Heating & Cooling.
Incorrectly Set Thermostat Controls: Turn off and then on the thermostat. Reset it to the desired temperature to see if it resolves the issue.
Leaking or Low Refrigerant: If your AC isn't blowing cold air, it might be low on refrigerant due to a leak. Leaks can cause other issues, such as increased humidity levels in the home. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it's time to call in the professionals at SS&B Heating & Cooling.

What if Your AC is Not Turning On?

Your AC might not turn on due to a variety of issues: the thermostat not being on or having dead batteries, a tripped circuit breaker, an unplugged condenser unit, a clogged air filter, a blocked AC drain line, or motor failure.

More Troubleshooting Steps to Follow

Thermostat Off or Dead Batteries: If your thermostat is off or showing a blank display, try switching it on. If it still doesn't turn on, replace the batteries.
Tripped Circuit Breaker: If the AC switch in your electrical panel is in the "OFF" position, switch it "ON." If the circuit continues to trip, contact a professional electrician to prevent potential electrical hazards.
Unplugged Condenser Unit: Check if your AC is plugged in. Sometimes, wires may become unplugged or chewed through by animals. Look for a cord from your AC connected to a panel on your home's side.
Clogged or Dirty Air Filter: With the AC and its power supply turned off, clean or replace the filters. If you're unsure where the filters are located, the professionally trained technicians at SS&B Heating & Cooling can assist.
Clogged AC Drain Line: Some units are installed with a wet switch to protect against water overflow. Regular maintenance can prevent the AC drain line from clogging with debris. To maintain a clean condensate drain line, pour a cup of boiling water down the drain pipe every month. Remember to turn off the air conditioner and power supply to the unit before doing this. If you're having trouble unclogging the AC drain line, the professionally trained technicians at SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO are there to help.
AC Motor Failure: If your AC fails to turn on, a faulty capacitor might be causing the motor to malfunction. The skilled technicians at SS&B Heating & Cooling can help you diagnose if this is the problem.

Always remember, it's best to have a professionally trained technician from SS&B Heating & Cooling assist you when your AC fails to turn on. Servicing an AC system can be hazardous, and technicians are trained to handle these systems safely.

What if Your AC is Running but Not Lowering the Thermostat Temperature?

If your AC is running or won't turn off, but it's not lowering the indoor temperature, it could be due to an incorrect thermostat setting, a dirty air filter, a blocked condenser unit, an undersized AC unit, or leaking refrigerant.

Final Tips for Troubleshooting

Incorrect Thermostat Setting: Check your thermostat setting to ensure it's correct. If your AC is still not cooling your home, try resetting the thermostat to a lower temperature.
Dirty Air Filter: A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and make your system work harder than it needs to, which can lead to other issues. Make sure to clean or replace your air filters regularly.
Blocked Condenser Unit: The outdoor condenser unit needs to be clear of debris and obstructions for the AC to function correctly. Make sure the area around the unit is clean and free from any obstructions.
Undersized AC Unit: If your AC unit is too small for your home, it might run continuously but still not cool your home to the desired temperature. Consult with a professional at SS&B Heating & Cooling to determine if this might be the issue.
Leaking Refrigerant: If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. A professional from SS&B Heating & Cooling can check for leaks and recharge your system if necessary.

While there are many problems that you might be able to troubleshoot yourself, some issues require professional attention. If your AC system still isn't working correctly after following this guide, it's time to call in the experts. The professionally trained technicians at SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, are always ready to help you maintain your home's comfort level.

It's worth mentioning that prevention is better than cure. SS&B Heating & Cooling offers preventive maintenance plans starting at a low price of $19.92 a month. These plans are designed to keep your system running efficiently and effectively, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements. Don't wait until there's an issue with your system; get peace of mind with a preventive maintenance plan today.