5 Things To Try BEFORE Calling for AC Service
Kevin Allen
Co-Founder & Service Lead
If your air conditioner is acting up, your first instinct might be to call in an expert for AC service; however, before picking up the phone, you might be able to handle the problem on your own – saving you time AND money on an appointment.To that end, the team at AirWorks Heating Air Plumbing is here with these five things to try before calling for AC service.
1. Check Your Thermostat
First, make sure your thermostat is at the right settings. Turn the thermostat to “AUTO” and lower the temperature by a few degrees. If that doesn’t make any difference, check the sensor plates to see if they are dirty and not reading the temperature correctly.
2. Check the Fan Belt
If you notice loud noises coming from your vents, check the fan belt in the outdoor unit. It may have come loose during operation and is scraping against the motor rotor. If the fan belt is stretched or worn, you’ll need to replace it.
3. Check Your Filters
Air filters get clogged over time and can unnecessarily restrict airflow and decrease indoor air quality. Changing your air filter can improve system performance and get airflow back to optimal levels. Dirty filters can also start to grow mold and algae, both of which pose a health hazard.
4. Check Condenser Unit
You should also check your outdoor condenser unit. If the vents are clogged, remove any leaves or grass clippings. You should also cut any weeds or grass within 6 inches of the unit to stop future coil and compressor clogs.
5. Check Refrigerant Levels
If all else fails, check your refrigerant levels. You can test refrigerant levels through the high-pressure and low-pressure gauges underneath the access panel. If coolant levels are low, you will need to call an expert to top off your levels and fix coolant line leaks.
AC Service FAQ
If you have performed these five things to try before calling for AC service and nothing works, below are some answers to some additional questions you may have.
How Do I Know I Need AC Service?
If you notice any of the following signs, consider calling an HVAC contractor to schedule service.
- High cooling bills
- Low or no airflow
- Uneven cooling
- Loud noises coming from the unit
- Smoking or burning smell from vents
- Frequent shutdowns
- AC trips circuit breaker
How Often Should I Get AC Service?
You should schedule a professional AC maintenance appointment at least once every year, or ideally once every six months.
Can I Make DIY AC Repairs?
Yes! You can make small DIY AC repairs, such as changing filters or tightening connectors, on your own. However, you should leave more complex ventilation and electrical work to an air conditioning repair professional.
Ventura County’s Leading Heating and Cooling Experts
If you attempt these five things and fall short, it’s time to bring in an expert to handle the job.Contact AirWorks Heating Air Plumbing online or reach out to us today at (805) 312-9539 to schedule an appointment!
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I have never had such an amazing experience with plumbing, most honest, reliable , friendly , knowledgeable and professional people. I had a leak in my house and their diagnostics was to the point and as they promised they show up next day with top of the line parts that needed to get change and on time . The membership they offered is totally worth it . Very competitive price .
Art was amazing! He called prior to arrival, got to work right away, and was super helpful and informative. He was done before I even knew what happened, showed me how everything works, and was on his way to his next lucky customer. A true professional and great human being. Highly recommend!
Sam was wonderful! He addressed the issue and fixed it. He was really kind, communicative, and tidy. I appreciated AirWorks working with our tight schedule when we were leaving out of town the next day, and had a leak! Thanks guys!
Julian Duncan, plumber, was great! He was knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. He installed Moen leak detection device in a timely manner, helped me set up the beginning stages of the app., and answered my questions about the set up when I didn’t know what to do. I would recommend him. Thank you Julian! I really appreciated your help and expertise. A real Pro!
Outstanding service by Nick and Sam. They are professional, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. They took great care in going through my HVAC system, keeping me informed of everything they were doing every step of the way. I am delighted with the service AirWorks provides. Do not hesitate in calling them for any of your HVAC needs.
Nick was fantastic. He arrived on time, diagnosed the issue quickly, and will have the repair of the AC running smoothly in no time. He was professional, courteous, and left the work area clean. Highly recommend!
Nick text ahead of time to let me know his arrival and was here right on time. He was knowledgeable about the equipment and made valuable recommendations. We were able to enroll in the family plan so that we can continue to receive such valuable service from a wonderful company.
Nick was friendly, on time, and diagnosed the issue quickly! He spent time answering all my questions and I left with working air conditioning! Thank you again!
Mike arrived on time and was professional and courteous. He kept us advised while he performed his work and wrapped up with a thorough explanation of his findings. An excellent experience and would highly recommend Air Works.
Excellent company! The staff is highly professional and quick to respond to client needs. From our very first interaction, I had a strong sense of honesty and trustworthiness. As someone in the real estate industry, it's rare to find vendors who operate with this level of integrity. I highly recommend them.
About the Author
Kevin Allen
Co-Founder & Service Lead
Co-founded AirWorks in 2010 and has worked in Ventura County HVAC since 2002. Leads the service and installation crews — and the fix-what's-actually-broken ethic the company was built on.
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