Troubleshooting An Air Conditioner Problem

Black-Haak would like to share with you a number of ways to perform basic troubleshooting of an air conditioning system and how to properly ensure your home is cool and comfortable throughout the summer. Through proper use and care of your air conditioning system you can help to extend the life of the air conditioner and ensure your monthly or seasonal utility bills are reasonable.

  • Ensure the thermostat is set in the “cool” position.
  • Ensure the thermostat is set lower than the ambient indoor temperature.
  • Ensure the circuit breakers on the electrical panel are flipped to the “ON” position.
  • Ensure the outdoor unit’s “disconnect switch,” which is near the air conditioner, is set to the “ON” position.
  • Ensure the safety shut off switch (it looks like a light switch) located at or near the furnace is in the “ON” position.
  • Ensure the air filter has been replaced recently?
  • Ensure all return air grilles and supply registers are unobstructed by furniture and are blowing air.


The type of air conditioning system you select for your home plays an important role into the installation, maintenance and energy costs you will incur in the future. There are several options for air conditioning systems you can choose from which range from wall mounted solutions to central, packaged, split and mini split systems. The reason so many types of systems exist is due to the unique requirements each home or business may need to provide the appropriate amount of cool air. Black-Haak will help you choose the best size and type of air conditioning system for your environment.


The most common setting for air conditioning system tends to be 72°. If you are comfortable raising the temperature a few degrees you may find that over the course of an entire summer you are able to save a considerable amount of energy cost and perhaps lessen the load on the air conditioning system.


The more living space you have to cool, the harder your air conditioning system will have to work. You can significantly reduce the amount of space you need to cool by closing the doorways and vents within rooms you do not commonly enter or stay in for long periods of time. This can make it easier and more affordable to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.


If you properly maintain your air conditioner unit you can ensure your cooling system performs efficiently throughout the summer season. There are some smaller tasks you can take care of on your own, such as looking out for irregular noises and smells from the air conditioner or ensuring vents and blowers are free of dust and debris buildup. However, a more detailed and professional inspection should be performed annually by an expert HVAC technician. If your air conditioning system breaks down due to missed maintenance and inspection the result can be a more costly future repair of the system that results in downtime.