When your air conditioner stops cooling during a hot Indiana summer, it’s easy to panic and call for immediate help. While professional service is sometimes necessary—and we’re always happy to help with air conditioning repair in West Lafayette, IN—there are a few simple checks you can do yourself first. You might be surprised how often a small issue is the cause of poor cooling performance. Before picking up the phone, try these four troubleshooting tips.
1. Check the Thermostat Settings
It might sound too obvious, but the first place to look is your thermostat. Is it set to “cool”? Is the temperature set below the current room temperature? Has someone accidentally adjusted the settings?
Make sure it’s on “cool,” not just “fan” or “auto,” and lower the temperature a few degrees to see if the unit kicks on. Also, if your thermostat is battery-powered, try replacing the batteries. A weak or dying battery can cause intermittent or erratic thermostat performance.
2. Inspect the Air Filter
A clogged air filter can cause major airflow problems, restricting your system’s ability to cool the air efficiently. When airflow is blocked, your A/C may run but not deliver cool air into your home.
Locate your system’s air filter (typically behind a vent grille or in the air handler), and check if it’s dirty or clogged. If it hasn’t been changed in more than 1–2 months during peak usage, it’s time for a new one. Clean air filters help your system perform better, keep your air cleaner, and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
3. Check the Outdoor Unit
Your A/C’s outdoor condenser unit plays a crucial role in removing heat from your home. If it’s blocked, dirty, or covered in debris like grass, leaves, or trash, it may struggle to expel heat, meaning your system can’t cool your home effectively.
Make sure the area around the outdoor unit is clear for at least two feet in all directions. Turn off the power and gently hose off any dirt or grime on the coils (without bending them). Regular maintenance of your outdoor unit helps it function at peak efficiency.
4. Examine Circuit Breakers and Power Switches
Sometimes, the A/C isn’t cooling simply because it’s not running at all, and you may not realize it. Check your home’s circuit breaker panel and look for any tripped breakers related to your HVAC system. If a breaker has flipped off, reset it once and see if the system starts up. Also, check the power switch near your indoor air handler—it may have been turned off accidentally.
If breakers continue to trip or the system won’t power on, that’s a sign you’ll need professional service.
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve run through these four steps and your A/C still isn’t cooling, it’s time to call in expert help. Whether it’s a refrigerant issue, a faulty capacitor, or a malfunctioning compressor, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to diagnose the issue and get your home cool and comfortable again, fast and efficiently. Don’t sweat it: give us a call today!
Reach out to our expert team today! Contact Camflo Heating and Cooling today. We make it easy!
