AC Repair in Kankakee, IL: How to Handle 3 Common Troubles

There can be a few explanations why your central AC system won’t run: an overloaded circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overfull condensate drain pan.

Your cooling won’t start when you have an overloaded breaker.

To check if one has gotten overloaded, locate your home’s main electrical panel. You can find this gray device on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

• Confirm your hands and feet aren’t wet before you work on the panel or breakers.
• Locate the breaker labeled “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s tripped the breaker will be in the middle or “off” spot.
• Quickly move the breaker back to the “on” location. If it instantaneously triggers again, leave it alone and reach us at 815-933-8213. A switch that keeps turning off might mean your home has an electrical problem.

If your thermostat isn’t signaling your system to run, it won’t switch on.

The first step is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning will probably not turn on. Or you may receive. heated air moving from vents because the furnace is running instead.

If you’re using a traditional thermostat:

• Put in new batteries if the readout is clear. If the monitor is displaying scrambled numbers, get a new thermostat.
• Check the right option is displaying. If you can’t change it, override it by dropping the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if the configuration is incorrect.
• Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat matches the space’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is adjusted accurately, you should receive chilled air quickly.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting. If you’re still having problems, reach us at 815-933-8213 for help.

Your cooling equipment probably has a shut-off switch by its outside unit. This device is commonly in a metal box hung on your house. If your AC has recently been worked on, the lever may have accidentally been placed in the “off” setting.

Condensate drain pans catch the additional condensation your AC pulls from the air. This pan can be found either under or within your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a clog or blocked drain, water can become concentrated and initiate a safety setting to turn off your unit.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the extra condensation with a formulated pan-cleaning tablet. You can buy these capsules at a home improvement or hardware retailer.

If your pan has a pump, locate the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you could need to replace the pump. Contact us at 815-933-8213 for assistance.

If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, its airflow could be congested. Or it might not have sufficient refrigerant.

Your system’s airflow can be decreased by a clogged air filter or filthy condenser.

A filthy filter can lead to a lot of problems, like:

• Lower cooling
• Frosted refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
• Uneven cooling
• Increased cooling expenses
• Leading your system to break down more quickly

We recommend changing flat filters once a month, and creased filters every three months.

If you can’t remember when you last replaced yours, shut off your equipment totally and pull out the filter. You can locate the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be located in an adjoining filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the light. If you can’t see any light you certainly should get a new one.

Brush, vegetation and leaves can obstruct your condensing equipment. This can limit its airflow, make it less energy efficient and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your unit operating well again.

1. Switch off the electrical current totally at the breaker or outside switch.
2. Get rid of yard rubbish around the unit. Once you’ve cleared bigger refuse within a two-foot range, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to gingerly remove dirt from the equipment’s fins. Misshapen fins can also hurt capability, so you can attempt to adjust them with a small knife.
3. Use a hose nozzle to carefully take off dirt on the fins from inside the unit. Don’t get liquid on the fan motor.
4. Put the top back on and restore the power.

When air conditioning equipment doesn’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from the air.

Here are a few indications that your system is losing refrigerant:

1. It takes an extended amount of time to lower the temperature in your rooms and you’re regularly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
2. Air blowing through the ducts isn’t as chilly as it should be.
3. You’re hearing hissing or gurgling sounds when cooling is on.
4. Your evaporator coil is icy because it’s having an issue taking on warmth.

Worried your system is seeping refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service specialist to take care of the leak and replenish the right amount of refrigerant in your equipment. Reach us at 815-933-8213 for support.

When it feels like you’re not getting enough cold air, there’s usually an obstruction or detachment somewhere in your air conditioning system.

• The first place is examining your air filter. Get a new one if it’s filthy.
• Then check the vents are open throughout your home.
• If you’re still not experiencing sufficient cold air, you should have your duct system inspected by a specialist like Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating. Your ducts could need to be fixed or relinked in difficult locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.