Here are five simple AC repair checks that can be made by the homer owner before calling the AC service technician.
Check the AC and Heating breakers in your panel box. They should easily be marked. Turn the breaker to the off position, wait a second and turn it back on. If the breaker continues to trip, leave it off and call Able Heating and Air Conditioning of Baton Rouge at 225-275-9775 to set up a service call. If the breaker does not trip, wait three to five minutes to see if the AC system comes back on. If so you know you fixed your problem.
Check the batteries. Most AC systems have a digital thermostat; most digital thermostats have batteries. Pop the thermostat cover off and check for two AA or AAA batteries. Replace the batteries and put the cover back on the thermostat. There is a time delay on many thermostats so wait three to five minutes to see if the AC system comes back on. If the system comes back on you fixed your problem. If not, move on to the next AC repair check.
Check to see if you see any ice on the inside coils. If you see ice on the coils, change your filter then turn the system fan to on and let it run for a while. The fan should thaw that ice out. Turn the AC unit back on and if the coil still freezes up call Able AC at 225-275-9775 to have us come take a look at it for you.
Check your filter. Make sure the filter is clear and that you can see through it. If it is not, replace it.
Check if the drain line is backed up. You can flush the drain line out with a vacuum or you can blow the drain line out with a water hose. Systems with a float switch on the drain line should automatically reset themselves once the line is flushed. If the float switch is in the emergency pan, the pan will need to be suctioned before the system will operate.
Never use bleach on a condensate drain line. Concentrated bleach is too harsh on PVC pipes. And assuming you even got a sterilizing dose to start with, the chlorine will only last a few days but the high alkalinity from the lye will stay around, and high pH fosters microbial growth.
Clearing a clogged drain line can be messy, risky work; there is the potential of water damage to the ceiling and walls. Call Able AC at 225-275-9775 to have this AC repair work performed by a professional.
