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HVAC
By Tom Moor
Home inspector, repairman, adjuster examines air conditioner units at a customer home.  He is using his digital tablet to record results.
Posted 8/1/23

Air conditioners are essential to keeping your home cool and comfortable, especially in the summer. When your AC breaks down, waiting for a professional to come to your home and fix it can take days or weeks, depending on scheduling and availability. Often, simply popping open a window or running a fan isn’t enough on a particularly hot summer day. The good news is that there a surprising number of instances in which you can diagnose and repair a broken AC on your own. This article reviews troubleshooting tips and highlights a few common issues and solutions so you can get your AC back up and running.

man checks hvac unit for repair
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Troubleshooting tips

When to contact an HVAC professional

While there are plenty of things you can do on your own to combat common problems with your air conditioner, there are several instances where you need to contact a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my AC running but not cooling?
If your AC is running but cold air is not coming out, you should check your filters and air vents. Clogged vents and filters will prevent cool air from flowing.
Why is my house AC not working?
Your best option is to contact a local HVAC professional to pinpoint the issue and resolve it, but there are a few things you can check on your own. Run through the list of AC troubleshooting tips above. If none of those help, it’s time to contact a professional to find out why your AC isn’t working.
What could be wrong with my AC?
Common issues include dirty filters, an unplugged power cord, and clogged vents. If your unit is still not running after working through the AC troubleshooting guide above, contact an HVAC professional for further assistance.