Air conditioners every now and then can break down. Most air conditioning systems usually fail during the hottest time of the day in the middle of summer when you need them the most. Air conditioning systems can break down due to a variety of different reasons. Below is a troubleshooting checklist with 5 tips to help you get your air conditioning system running again.

1. Clean The Return Air Filter - A dirty filter can either reduce the output of an air conditioner or even damage the system if it becomes very blocked. A simple clean of the filter can easily get your system up and running again. You should aim to clean your filter every few weeks or as needed.

2. Examine The Controller - Owner error is the main reason an air conditioning controller can cause the system problems. Some things to check are to see if the controller has batteries, check the temperature set on the controller and check to see if heating or cooling is chosen. All these things can cause an air conditioner to not work correctly. Also be wary of adding timers and programs unless you know how to use and set your controller. If you are at all unsure about the controllers operation, speak with the company that installed your system.

3. Outdoor Compressor - A quick look at the compressor can save you from an expensive callout. Listen to the compressor for any irregular noise and look for any obvious obstructions. Both the fan motor and the coil should be free from obstructions so the air can flow from the system freely.

4. Reset The Power - Try restarting the unit to fix an air conditioner that has stopped working. Simply turn the unit off at the meter box for about a minute and then restart. This quick and simple trick has been known to restart a system many times.

5. Check Ducts - If you have a central air conditioning system (or a ducted system) check the ducts in the roof. Look for any ducts that may have come lose and look to make sure the ducts have nice smooth turns so the air can flow easily.

Hopefully these 5 troubleshooting hvac tips will get your air conditioning system up and running again. If you are still having problems with your hvac system after trying the above points, it is time to call in a qualified air conditioning contractor.