As homeowners/tenants, if your unit stops working or is not working correctly, you can take a couple of steps before calling for help. Here are a few:
Issues with the thermostat
Check to see if it takes batteries. Check the programming; it may have reverted to the factory setting.
Checking your air filter regularly
We recommend checking or changing your filter monthly. If you have a 4" filter, it can last up to 6 months, but please check it monthly to determine if it needs to be changed. If you have a 1" filter, it should be changed monthly.
Breaker flipped
We recommend resetting a flipped breaker only once, as a recurring flipped breaker indicates a problem with your system that needs to be addressed. You could do more damage to your system resetting a flipped breaker more than once.
The unit is blowing hot air
Check to see if there is ice on the outside line running from the home to the condenser. If you see ice, check your filter. If the filter is clean, turn the unit off and the fan on, and then call your service professional.
The house is getting hotter
If the temperature in the home continues to rise, please refrain from turning the thermostat down. There are a couple of things regarding this topic:
- The unit could be frozen or a component not working correctly, which could cause more damage. Please check to see if your filter is clean or if there is ice on the outside line. Please turn the unit off and call your service professional.
- It is possible to see a couple of degrees' difference between what the thermostat is set to and what it is reading during the afternoon or evening, especially in extreme heat. Example: set to 72 and reading 74-76. Your unit can run continuously, depending on the thermostat setting (see below) and the age of the home, HVAC unit, windows, and insulation in the attic. Once the sun goes down, it should reach the desired temperature overnight; if not, please call your service professional.
- In general an AC system can only cool the air 20-25 degrees. If it is 100 outside that means the system is working if it can only cool the house to 80F.
Water is leaking from the pipe outside
Check to see if your drain pan under the unit has water; if so, you may have a clogged drain.
Thermostat settings for Texas heat
If you are away during the day or traveling, we recommend setting the thermostat to 80 instead of completely turning the unit off. The higher you put it, the longer it takes to cool off, and the harder the system has to work.
If you are home during the day, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., please do not set your thermostat below 70°F (74°F preferred). The lower you set the thermostat, the longer the unit will run, and the more the system will have to work to maintain the desired temperature which puts more wear and tear on your unit and drives up your electricity costs. Using curtains, blinds, or ceiling fans can help reduce the heat.
