AC not cooling? 7 things to check before you call a technician

When the AC stops cooling the room, it is easy to think the worst. Often the cause is small. Go through this list first. It takes about ten minutes and needs no tools.

Quick checks you can do safely

• Mode and temperature. Make sure the remote is on Cool (not Fan or Dry), the temperature is set well below the room temperature, and the remote batteries are working.
• Dirty filter. Dust blocks the air. Switch the AC off, pull out the filter, wash it with plain water, let it dry fully and put it back.
• Outdoor unit. Check that the fan is spinning and that nothing is blocking the unit, such as leaves, dust, boxes or a wall too close to it.
• Ice on the indoor unit or pipe. If you see ice, turn the cooling off and run the Fan mode for a few hours to melt it. Ice that comes back usually means low gas or poor airflow.
• Room conditions. Open doors, direct afternoon sun and a kitchen next to the room all make the AC work harder.
• Power supply. Check that the breaker has not tripped. Low voltage can stop the compressor from starting properly.
• Noise or smell. A burning smell, loud rattling or a clicking sound from the outdoor unit means you should switch the AC off.

When to call a technician

Call us if the ice returns, water drips inside the room, the outdoor fan or compressor does not start, or you hear unusual noise. Low gas, electrical faults and compressor problems must be handled by a trained technician. Please do not open the indoor or outdoor unit yourself.

Our technician will check the AC at your home and explain the fault and the price before any work starts.