AC Not Working Properly? Try These Tips before Calling for Service

The summer heat is here – is your cooling system up for the challenge?

If your central air conditioner doesn’t work – or doesn’t work the way it should – don’t worry: Bottini will be there for you. But before you contact us for A/C service, it pays to do a little troubleshooting first: sometimes you can handle the problem yourself without paying for a service call.

Here are a few things to check:

If your AC system doesn’t start at all:

1. Ensure that your thermostat is:
   • Set for “air conditioning,” “cool,” or “fan”
   • Set for at least 5 degrees cooler than your current room temperature.
2. Make sure your circuit breakers haven’t been tripped.
   • A circuit breaker shuts off (“trips”) to prevent circuit overload, which can cause a fire. Reset the breaker and try the system again.
3. Make sure all power switches that affect the air conditioner are turned on.
   • Find any switches inside and outside your home that might affect your A/C’s operation; make sure they’re in the “on” position.

If these three measures don’t work, contact Bottini for service.

If your AC system turns on but doesn’t blow cool air:

1. Make sure your thermostat is properly set (see #1 above)
2. Make sure your vents aren’t blocked by furniture, curtains, etc.
3. Check your outdoor unit (the condenser) to see if the fan is running. If it isn’t:
   • Check for a power switch (see #3 above).
   • Check circuit breakers (see #2 above).
   • Check for debris inside the condenser (WARNING: TURN OFF THE POWER FIRST!).
4. Check the indoor unit.
   • Make sure all power switches are on (see #3 above)
   • Check your air filters; if they’re clogged, clean or replace them according to manufacturer’s instructions, then try the air conditioner again.

If none of these measures work, contact Bottini for service.

Don’t worry – If your A/C doesn’t work, Bottini has you covered! Our emergency technicians will be ready with a truck full of parts ready to take on any cooling system.

And if it’s time to replace your A/C with a new, high-efficiency unit, we’ve got you covered there, too!