The last thing you want to be dealing with during one of our Southern Ontario heat waves is an air conditioner that isn’t working properly…or at all! The good news is that some of the most common A/C issues can be fixed in a few simple steps.

At Bryan’s Fuel, we want to empower homeowners to have the confidence to troubleshoot common issues on their own. That said, we’re just a phone call away whenever professional help is needed.

Here’s how to fix the 5 most common A/C issues:

1. A/C Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioning unit unexpectedly shuts down with no warning, there are a few things you should check before calling us.

• Step #1: Check your thermostat batteries. An easy to forget household task is changing device batteries. If the batteries are dead, replace them.
• Step #2: Ensure the thermostat is set to “Cool” at your desired temperature and not “Heat” or “Off”.
• Step #3: Check that your air vents aren’t closed, covered or blocked

If these steps do not solve the problem and your A/C still won’t turn on, there may be more serious issues, such as faulty or damaged wiring. Give us a call at 519-941-240 for expert service.

2. A/C Is Blowing Warm Air

It’s a hot summer day and you’ve just discovered that your air conditioner is blowing warm air. Before doing anything else, check your thermostat. Make sure it hasn’t accidentally been set to “heat” or “off”. Switching the setting to “Cool” should fix the problem.

If your settings are correct, the next step is to check your air filter. Old, dirty, and clogged air filters are often to blame for A/C problems like lukewarm air. Replace your filter and set yourself a reminder to check it again in three months.

If the filter isn’t the problem, you could be low on refrigerant. At this stage, it’s best to give us a call. Refilling or repairing the refrigerant reservoir is a job for an HVAC professional.

3. Poor or Uneven Airflow

Poor or uneven airflow circulating throughout your home can be the result of several factors. The most common culprit is a dirty air filter. If you notice uneven airflow in your home, the first thing you want to do is replace your air filter.

The next step is to check all the vents to ensure they are set to an open position. Then, check the ductwork to make sure there are no disconnections where cold air may be leaking.

Finally, to help balance uneven temperature distribution throughout your home, use floor or ceiling fans and cover larger windows with sun-blocking curtains or blinds.

4. Frozen Coil

A frozen coil is one of the most common reasons why air conditioners won’t blow cold air. Usually, it is either caused by restricted airflow or because the unit is low on refrigerant.

Follow these steps to fix the issue:

• Step #1: Turn off your A/C and set the fan on your thermostat to “manual” in order to melt the ice around the coil.
• Step #2: Check the air filter and evaporator coil for dirt and debris. Clean it up and replace the filter.
• Step #3: Check the ductwork for obstructions or disconnections, and ensure that all registers are open.

If your A/C continues to freeze up, you might have low refrigerant due to a leak, or the refrigerant line could be damaged. At this point, you should contact us.

5. A/C is Noisy

You should be able to feel that your air conditioner is working, but you shouldn’t have to hear it. If your A/C sounds like it is struggling to keep you cool, chances are it is.

Overworked or under-serviced air conditioners tend to make louder and more distinct noises. Screeching and squealing could mean there are faulty bearings, while rattling sounds may point to problems with the fan, motor, or compressor.

Beyond checking your thermostat, clearing debris from around your outdoor unit, and changing the air filter, unusual noises are best looked after by a Bryan’s Fuel professional.

If you need some help with your A/C unit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. At Bryan’s Fuel, we offer annual maintenance plans to keep your A/C in optimal shape as well as 24/7 emergency services when you need us most.