If your HVAC is not blowing cold air or is not turning on at all, there is no need to panic. It is possible that there is a simple fix. Take a look at our simple troubleshooting guide and find out if you can solve the problem yourself before picking up the phone to call an HVAC company in Knoxville.
There are a number of different reasons that could be behind your AC not cooling as it should. An HVAC system comprises multiple components, and when one isn't functioning properly, it can have a knock-on effect on the rest of the system. Here are some of the most common issues that you may encounter and tips for addressing them. If, after running through this list, your AC is still not working correctly, call a local HVAC company in Knoxville, like GENT Heating & Cooling, to arrange a service call.
Problem: AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air & Is Not Running
If the AC is not blowing cold air or running at all, then you are likely experiencing one or more of the following problems.
The outdoor unit's cooling coil is clogged - Debris can get stuck in the inlet of the cooling coil, so it is important to regularly check the outdoor unit and clear away long grass, leaves, twigs, and other debris that might have piled up. If this debris is blocking the coil, removing it may resolve your issues.
The indoor air handler coil is blocked - Just like the outdoor unit, the indoor one can be clogged by debris. Every day, household debris like dust, pollen, soot, and pet hair can accumulate on the coils. Make a point of wiping away any buildup on the coil. It is also worth checking if the fuse has blown or the circuit breaker has tripped.
The air filters are dirty or clogged with debris - One of the most common reasons for HVAC malfunctions is dirty or clogged air filters. These should be cleaned or replaced every 90 days at a minimum. If you have pets or family members with respiratory diseases or allergies, you may even need to change them more often. This is a task you should be able to handle on your own without assistance from an HVAC company in Knoxville.
The thermostat is not set properly - It seems like this is too simple, but you would be surprised how often HVAC issues can be resolved by resetting the thermostat! Turn the thermostat off completely for 30 seconds, then turn it back on and reset the temperature as desired. This may kick-start the AC.
The unit is low on refrigerant - When your AC does not blow cold air, it can be a sign that you have low refrigerant levels or a leak. If you believe this is the problem, you must immediately contact a licensed HVAC company in Knoxville to repair the leak and top up the refrigerant.
Problem: AC Will Not Turn On
If your AC will not turn on at all, the first step is to address the following potential problems to see if you can resolve them before contacting an HVAC company in Knoxville.
The Thermostat is Off or Needs Batteries - Is your thermostat turned off, or is the display blank? Try switching it on or putting a fresh set of batteries in to see if this resolves the problem.
The Circuit Breaker Has Tripped - It is fairly common for circuit breakers to trip, especially following power surges or storms. Check your electrical panel and flip the AC switch if it is currently off. If it trip again you need to contact an electrician to investigate.
The Condenser is Not Plugged In - It is also a good idea to check if the condenser unit is plugged in. If you do not see a power cable from the unit connecting to the panel on the side of your home, it may not be connected. These cables can accidentally be unplugged and can even be chewed through by wildlife!
The Drain Line is Blocked - If you have not kept on top of HVAC maintenance you may find that the drain line gets clogged with debris. You can avoid this by pouring around a cup of boiling water into the drain pipe once a month - make sure to turn off the power first! If it is clogged, contact an HVAC company in Knoxville for help unclogging it.
The Motor Has Failed - If the motor in your unit has failed, you will need to contact an HVAC company in Knoxville. They will discuss whether it is worth repairing or if it is more cost-effective to consider a new HVAC unit.
Problem: The AC is Running But Not Cooling The Space
You may find that your AC is running, but it is not able to cool the space to the temperature that you have set your thermostat to. Some of the issues that could be causing this problem include the following:
The thermostat is not set correctly - Make sure your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and is set to cool.
The condenser unit is blocked - When the condenser unit gets blocked, the fan cannot draw in air. You will need an HVAC company in Knoxville to clean the condenser and get the air flowing again professionally.
The AC unit is too small - Did you know that air conditioners vary in size depending on the size of the space in which they can cool? If you are not able to reach your desired temperature, your AC unit is not big enough for your home. Talk to an HVAC company in Knoxville about what size would be appropriate based on the square footage of your property.
These are a few of the things you can troubleshoot if your AC unit is not working. If none of these solutions makes a difference or you are unsure about what to do, you can call an HVAC company in Knoxville for a service call to get your AC back up and running.
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.