If something’s wrong with your air conditioner, is it anything you can repair yourself? Frankly, the list of DIY fixes for central A/C problems is extremely limited. High voltage and toxic refrigerant pose safety issues and exacting technology incorporated in today’s units requires the specialized expertise of a qualified HVAC service technician.
Still, sharpening your A/C troubleshooting skills can help isolate a problem and, most importantly, accurately communicate it to the field technician. Here are some common issues you might notice, as well as the typical causes a qualified service person will want to investigate.
Unit Doesn’t Turn On
Make sure your HVAC thermostat is switched to the “on” position and set to cooling mode. The temperature setting should be at least 5 degrees below present room temperature. If the system still doesn’t cycle on, check for any tripped circuit breakers in your main electrical panel. If you find one, point it out to the arriving HVAC technician.
Insufficient Airflow
If you’re getting cool air — just not enough of it — check the air filter. If it appears dusty and dirty, here’s your one and only opportunity for a do-it-yourself solution: Try installing a new filter. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, call for professional help and mention that you’ve already replaced the filter.
Air Not Cool Enough
If the outdoor temperature’s over 100 degrees, you may be getting all the coolness your A/C can deliver. All units have a finite capacity for heat removal. Close curtains and utilize ceiling fans to assist the air conditioner. If the temperature outside’s not that extreme, poor cooling performance may be due to low refrigerant level or dirty coils — issues that require professional diagnosis and repair.
Water Leakage
Water on the floor around the indoor air handler unit usually indicates an overflowing condensate drip pan. An air conditioner produces gallons of condensate per day. To prevent significant water damage, turn off the unit and call your HVAC contractor immediately to unclog the condensate drain system.
Paitson Bros. opened doors in Terre Haute in 1922. We’re still here today with qualified HVAC service whenever you call.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties in Florida about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C troubleshooting and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 772-207-1658.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922