AC Repair in Mission Viejo, CA: How to Fix 3 Common Issues

There can be several reasons why your central AC system won’t work: a blown circuit breaker, wrong thermostat settings, a switched off switch or an overfull condensate drain pan.

Your cooling won’t start when you have a tripped breaker.

To find out if one has tripped, locate your home’s main electrical panel. You can locate this silver fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

• Make sure your hands and feet are free of moisture before you touch the panel or breakers.
• Look for the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s overloaded the switch will be in the in between or “off” location.
• Steadily transfer the lever back to the “on” position. If it instantly triggers again, leave it alone and get in touch with us at 949-204-0859. A breaker that keeps flipping may mean your home has an electrical issue.

If your thermostat isn’t signaling your air conditioner to work, it won’t switch on.

The main step is checking it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not turn on. Or you might receive. warm air moving from vents because the heater is running instead.

If you rely on a regular thermostat:

• Replace the batteries if the readout is clear. If the screen is displaying jumbled characters, buy a new thermostat.
• Make sure the right program is showing. If you can’t alter it, override it by decreasing the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is wrong.
• Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat matches the house’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is set correctly, you should receive refreshing air promptly.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, like one produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get it to work, contact us at 949-204-0859 for support.

Your AC probably has a shut-off lever by its outdoor unit. This switch is commonly in a metal box attached to your home. If your unit has recently been serviced, the lever may have accidentally been placed in the “off” location.

Condensate drain pans hold the additional liquid your system pulls from the air. This pan is located either under or within your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a clog or blocked drain, water can build up and initiate a safety setting to switch off your unit.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus water with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can purchase these tablets at a home improvement or hardware shop.

If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you might have to replace the pump. Contact us at 949-204-0859 for help.

If your system is going but not cooling, its airflow may be blocked. Or it could not have enough refrigerant.

Your system’s airflow can be limited by a clogged air filter or filthy condenser.

A dirty filter can create numerous troubles, such as:

• Reduced cooling
• Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
• Inconsistent cooling
• Increased energy bills
• Leading your system to stop working sooner

We suggest replacing flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.

If you can’t remember when you last changed yours, turn off your AC fully and take out the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be located in a connected filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.

Angle the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it you need to replace it.

Weeds, grass and sticks can obstruct your condensing equipment. This may reduce its airflow, make it less energy efficient and change your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your equipment running properly again.

1. Shut off power completely at the breaker or external switch.
2. Remove yard waste around the AC. Once you’ve cleared bigger refuse within a two-foot radius, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to gingerly remove dirt from the condenser fins. Deformed fins can also hurt capability, so you can attempt to straighten them with a small knife.
3. Use a hose nozzle to slowly remove gunk off the fins from inside the unit. Make sure to avoid getting liquid on the fan motor.
4. Put the top back on and turn the power back on.

When cooling units don’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from your home.

Here are a couple of signs that your equipment is losing refrigerant:

1. It takes a long time to lower the temperature in your residence and you’re constantly lowering the thermostat.
2. Cooling moving through the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
3. You’re hearing hissing or gurgling sounds when the AC works.
4. Your evaporator coil is frozen on account of having trouble absorbing heat.

Think your equipment is losing refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service professional to repair the leak and restore the right amount of refrigerant in your equipment. Get in touch with us at 949-204-0859 for assistance.

When it seems like you’re not having adequate amounts of cold air, there’s usually a clog or detachment within your air conditioning equipment.

• The first place is checking your air filter. Replace it if it’s soiled.
• Then ensure the registers are clear throughout your home.
• If you’re still not getting sufficient cold air, you should have your ductwork inspected by a specialist like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. Your ductwork might need to be repaired or hooked up again in tricky locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.