Your air conditioning system isn’t magic. However, as you turn down the temperature, it makes the heat and humidity of summer disappear. Ta-da! So, what do you do if your expected blast of arctic air doesn’t appear on command? As much as your local Carrier HVAC contractor would love to hear from you, taking a few minutes to troubleshoot before you pick up the phone might save you a service call. 

Check the thermostat

If the AC system fan is running but not blowing cold air, your thermostat might be set on constant fan instead of cooling. Check to see if it’s on “cool” or “auto” and adjust if needed. If you have a more sophisticated programmable thermostat, be sure it’s not on vacation mode or setback for warmer temperatures.

Check your air filter

A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. In more extreme cases it can cause the system to shut down completely. If the airflow is weaker than normal or just not as cool as it should be, locate your system’s air filter, turn the system off, inspect the filter and replace it if it’s dirty. 

Check the outdoor unit

If your air conditioner is running but not  cooling your home, one issue could be a dirty, clogged or obstructed outdoor unit. Dirt, grass, leaves and other airborne debris can accumulate on the unit’s coil leading to reduced cooling capacity or complete system shut down. Vacuum the coil with a brush attachment or rinse away the debris with a hose. If your system still isn’t cooling, it’s time to call a pro.

Check the indoor unit

Your central air conditioning system includes an indoor coil and air handler unit; typically either a furnace or a fan coil. Visually inspect the indoor unit for:

• Frost forming on the copper refrigerant tubing coming from the cabinet

• Excessive condensate drainage near the indoor unit

These are signs that your indoor coil may be frozen or excessively dirty and clogged and it’s time to contact an HVAC professional.

Undersized System

If your AC system keeps you comfortable under normal or moderate conditions but struggles when temperatures become more extreme, it may be undersized for your home. The best way to address sizing issues is to contact a qualified HVAC contractor for an accurate assessment of your home’s cooling needs.

Depending on the issue, you may not be able to solve your cooling conundrum yourself. However, understanding what to look for and doing a little troubleshooting on your own can help your Carrier dealer resolve the problem.

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) begins to have an increased impact on our communities, we feel it is important to share more about the steps we are taking across business & company vehicles to help keep you, our employees and our communities safe and healthy. 

Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected. The health and safety of our customers and employees both, has always been a top priority and this is a rapidly-evolving situation that we will continue to monitor. Our office & vehicles are now cleaned and sanitized daily as we have increased the frequency and extent to which we do so.  In addition we have added resources like hand sanitizer throughout the office & vehicles for our employees. We’re also ensuring our employees have the information they need to stay healthy or stay home if they aren’t feeling well. All of these practices and our business decisions are informed by guidance from the CDC, along with guidance from local and U.S. government and public health agencies. 

Based on the guidance we’ve received from these various health agencies, our own preparedness and the current state of our operations, we are confident our office is safe to remain open, and our employees remain eager and able to safely serve you and your residential and/or commercial heating + cooling needs.

As always our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations and we look forward to doing so! 

Thank you for giving us the chance to continue to serve you, 

Jason Johnston (Owner) & Kurt Wakefield (General Manager)