Ah, summer in Georgia. The season where setting aside time to unwind is not only acceptable, but encouraged. For many, summer also means basking in the AC while outside temperatures rise well into the 90s. However, record-breaking heat and increased demand can quickly lead to an air conditioner breakdown. Having an AC that won’t turn on is not only inconvenient, it can be dangerous in the middle of a heatwave.
If you’re having AC troubles this summer, the experienced team at Anchor Heating & Air can help identify the problem and provide a reliable solution. We’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in Douglasville and throughout the Metro-Atlanta area since 1971. We’ve seen just about every AC issue out there.
DIY Troubleshooting Tips for Your AC
If your AC won’t turn on, the first thing to do is not panic. There are several troubleshooting steps you can take that often solve small problems without needing to call in a professional. Try these areas before giving our team a call.
- Thermostat
While it may seem obvious, thermostats often go overlooked in the event of an HVAC breakdown. For combined central systems, be sure that your thermostat is set to “cool”. If so, turn the temperature down 5-10 degrees to see if your unit will click on. For mini splits or systems with smart thermostats, check your owner’s manual for instructions.
- Electric Panel
Air conditioners can use significant amounts of energy, which means that power surges are not uncommon. Check your main electrical panel for any tripped circuits—either a fuse box in an older home or circuit panel in newer ones. Some air conditioners may come equipped with shutoff boxes, which a professional can check for you if you are unsure how to.
- Air Filter
If you’re not sure when the last time you cleaned your AC’s air filter was, there’s a good chance that it’s in need of either cleaning or outright replacement. Look for the unit’s return vent filter where air gets pulled into the AC and check to see if it’s dirty. A simple change of the filter may be all that the doctor ordered to get your air conditioner back into shape.
- Condensate Line
Finally, you may want to take a closer look at your AC’s condensate line. Air conditioners create condensation as they operate normally, which exits the home from a drain line. If the line gets clogged, a safety switch can be tripped that shuts the AC down. A condensate drain pump or even a wet/dry vacuum may be able to clear the clog and get your AC back into working order.
- Visible Ice
Poor airflow, low refrigerant, or several other issues can cause ice to build on your air conditioner. Accumulation on several parts of your system, both on inside units and outdoor compressors. If you see ice anywhere on your AC, turn off the system immediately to prevent further damage and reach out to Anchor for a professional assessment.
Expert Air Conditioning Repair in Atlanta
If the problem still persists with your AC after going through the checklist above, it’s time to call in for some help. Anchor Heating & Air works with all makes and models of both air conditioners and heat pumps, and have built an excellent reputation in the area for our services. If we can’t get your cooling system back up and running fast, no one can. We can solve issues including:
- Weird sounds & smells
- AC not dehumidifying
- Drainage issues
- Condenser coil cleaning
- Airflow issues
- And more!
Sometimes, however, a replacement AC is the most cost-effective solution, and in those cases we also offer industry-leading AC brands, like Trane air conditioners and heat pumps. We also provide high-performance AC maintenance services and EZ Pay maintenance agreements to bring you peace of mind.