You may think that making A/C repairs yourself could help save you some money, but the truth is that amateur DIY repairs can end up costing you. With many complex parts and dangerous chemicals, the A/C system should only be repaired by trained HVAC technicians.

If your system is showing signs of a problem, here a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to determine if you need to call an HVAC repair technician.

Check the thermostat for power.

Check to see that the thermostat is turned on. If it doesn’t seem to turn on, you may need to replace the batteries. The batteries should be replaced at least once a year to help prevent leakage that could corrode and damage the thermostat.

View instructions for replacing thermostat batteries.

Ensure the thermostat is set to cooling mode.

Set the temperature a few degrees below the current room temperature. If the system doesn’t turn on, then move on to the next step.

Inspect the furnace filter.

A clogged filter restricts air flow and could cause the system to overheat, forcing safety controls to shut it off. If the filter is clogged, simply replace it. If the filter has a plastic frame, then that means it’s a reusable model that should be regularly cleaned with a vacuum and water, preferably outdoors. Let the filter dry before reinserting.

Check the electrical panel.

Check to make sure the fuse or breaker has not been tripped. This could signal an electrical hazard in the home that needs professional attention. A few potential causes of tripped breakers include an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, a ground fault, or an arc fault.

Reach out to Tucker Hill to find out if your A/C problem is being caused by an electrical issue.