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AC not cooling? Check these first
Many "broken" air conditioners have a simple cause. These checks are safe for any homeowner. Anything beyond them is a job for a licensed technician.
- Thermostat: set to Cool and below room temperature? Replace the batteries if the screen is blank.
- Breaker: reset a tripped AC breaker once. If it trips again, stop and call a pro.
- Filter: a clogged filter can cut cooling sharply. Replace it.
- Frozen coil: ice on the copper lines? Turn the system off, set the fan to On for a few hours to thaw, replace the filter.
- Outdoor unit: clear debris from around it.
- Drain line: some systems shut off when the drain backs up. Water in the drain pan means the line needs clearing.
Turn it off and call a licensed pro if
- The breaker trips more than once
- You smell burning
- The outdoor unit hums but the fan won't spin
- Ice keeps coming back
- You hear grinding or screeching
Never open the electrical panel on the outdoor unit. Capacitors hold a dangerous charge even with the power off, and spiders often nest inside.