Chas Roberts and other A/C service and repair companies are working overtime to keep Phoenicians cool this summer. Whether it’s broken thermostats, malfunctioning units, or low airflow, no homeowner wants to encounter HVAC system problems. Before calling for service on your HVAC system, it can be useful to do a little bit of troubleshooting. After all, you may find that the problem is minor, or a quick fix, and doesn’t warrant a service call, which can potentially save time and money.
Damon Bromagem, V.P. of Residential Sales and Service at Chas Roberts says a monsoon storm can actually be the first thing to trip up your A/C system. “The first step in investigating your HVAC problem involves making sure it’s being powered in the first place. Check your home’s circuit box for a tripped breaker. It’s possible that a loss of electricity could have occurred, particularly if there was a recent storm or power outage in the area,” said Bromagem. “Oftentimes, your air conditioning and heating can stop working for no reason other than a tripped breaker, and the only action necessary is resetting the power. If your air starts working again, then no HVAC service call is needed,” he continued.
A programmable thermostat can also be the source of your A/C woes. If the programmable thermostat’s screen appears blank, with no options for your input, the problem is likely a loss of power caused by batteries. Dead or dying thermostat batteries can create a situation where your air conditioning and heating may not function properly.
Dirty or blocked air filters are also a common cause of an A/C system turning on and off repeatedly and keep the home from reaching a comfortable temperature. Make sure to change the air filter if it is dirty and the system isn’t working properly. This may fix the issue.
If your HVAC system isn’t working, it can be useful to go right to the source by inspecting the outside unit. Check for any obstacles or debris that may be preventing airflow. This could include plants, dirt, or dust. Particularly in the Phoenix desert, large amounts of dust are a common problem that leads to the loss of airflow.
If fixing these minor issues don’t cool your home to your expectations, or you notice that your air conditioner isn’t blowing enough air to begin with, it may be necessary to call a professional. Additionally, if the air conditioner isn’t functioning at all, it’s best to call for emergency repairs.
