Ensuring your air conditioning system runs smoothly and efficiently is crucial, especially during the hot summers and chilly winters in Redding, CA. To troubleshoot common issues and maintain optimal performance, follow these simple steps. First, check your thermostat settings to ensure it’s set correctly for the season. Next, verify that all necessary components, such as the outdoor unit and circuit breaker, are turned on. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain proper airflow by regularly changing your air filter and keeping air registers unobstructed. If your AC is constantly turning on and off, known as short cycling, it could indicate a dirty filter or other issues that need attention. Regular filter maintenance is key to preventing reduced efficiency and potential compressor damage.

Is Your Thermostat Ready?

• Make sure your thermostat is set to COOL in summer or HEAT for winter heat pump operation.
• Ensure your outdoor air conditioner or heat pump is running.

Is Everything On?

• Check if your circuit breaker is tripped to the OFF position.
• Ensure the outdoor disconnect switch on your outdoor unit is in the ON position (this switch is usually a small metal gray box mounted on a wall near the outdoor unit).
• When your thermostat is activated, the blower motor in your furnace or air handler should run (make sure the switch is on the ON position first).

Is There Proper Airflow?

• Change your air filter because a blocked filter can cause your unit to shut down due to a lack of proper airflow.
• Ensure the air registers (supply or return ducts) are unobstructed.

Is Your AC Constantly Turning On and Off?

This process is called short cycling, and it happens when there’s a dirty air filter, evaporator, or clogged condenser unit. Short cycling can cause severe damage to your compressor. Worst case scenario, your air conditioner is too powerful for your home, and it can’t figure out when to turn on and off.

Is the Filter Dirty?

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, decreasing efficiency, and reducing the unit’s ability to cool the air effectively. Clean the filter in your window or portable air conditioner and check it periodically. For central AC systems, follow the filter manufacturer’s recommendation for when to swap in a new one. In CR’s tests, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) filters last three to 12 months.

Note: If your central air system is running constantly or if you have pets, you’ll need to change your filters more often.