While air conditioning systems these days are built to last, they’re not immune to occasional issues. When your AC stops working, you have two options: repair or replace. How do you decide which is best for you?
This blog will discuss scenarios when getting a replacement is a better option than getting repairs done and when repair will suffice. But before anything else, below is a list of troubleshooting tips for air conditioners that don’t kick on.
Troubleshooting an Air Conditioner That’s Not Working
If your air conditioner is not working, there are several potential causes. To troubleshoot the problem, start with the simplest explanations and work your way toward the more complex ones. Some of the causes are simple enough for you to handle, while others are quite complex and are better left to the hands of experts in AC repair in Chaska, MN.
1. Check the electrical connection.
When troubleshooting an air conditioner, the first thing to do is check the electrical connection. Make sure that the unit is plugged into an outlet. While this may seem like an obvious step, it’s often overlooked.
2. Check the circuit breaker.
If your air conditioner is not working, the next thing you should check is the electrical panel. If your air conditioner’s breaker has tripped, flip it back on. If the breaker trips again, this indicates a more serious problem, and you should call an electrician or an expert in AC repair in Chaska, MN so they can see whether or not there are other issues with your unit.
3. Check the thermostat’s battery.
When the thermostat stops working, the air conditioner won’t run. So if your unit doesn’t turn on, one of the things you should check is the thermostat. Is the display blank? If you’re lucky, the device just doesn’t receive power. For battery-powered thermostats, the problem may be fixed by simply replacing the dead batteries. For other types of thermostats, it may be best to hire an AC repair service in Chaska, MN.
4. Check your thermostat settings.
The first thing you should do when your air conditioner is not working is to check your thermostat settings. Ensure that the mode is set to “cool” and that the temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
5. Check the unit’s condensate overflow switch.
If your unit is not working, one potential cause is a tripped condensate overflow switch. This switch is designed to turn off the air conditioner when the condensate pan overflows to prevent water damage.
These issues are pretty easy to fix – no need for professional help. However, if you did everything you can or simply didn’t have the confidence to handle the issue, please don’t hesitate to call a reputable HVAC contractor offering AC repair in Chaska, MN.
When Should You Stick With AC Repair?
Air conditioning systems are costly, so, understandably, you would want to get a repair when your system stops working. It’s a viable option, usually for the following situations:
A warranty still covers your air conditioning system repair.
Warranties cover the cost of repairs and labor. However, don’t just assume your equipment provider will pay for your AC repair in Chaska, MN. Check the terms and conditions of it. If the problem with your air conditioner is covered, then there’s no question that repair is the best option.
The problem is minor and inexpensive.
If the issue with your AC unit is something that can be easily fixed, like a tripped circuit breaker or clogged air filter, then repair is the best way to go. These types of problems are usually inexpensive and don’t take long to fix.
When Should You Consider an AC Replacement?
Replacing an air conditioner costs a few thousand dollars. It’s not a small amount, especially for an everyday family. But there are certain cases when replacement is more economical than getting an AC repair in Chaska, MN:
Your unit is old.
The average lifespan of an AC unit is over ten years. If your unit is getting up there in age, it may make more sense to replace the unit when it suddenly stops working. Older units are also usually less energy-efficient, so a replacement will save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
The unit is too large for your room.
If your unit is too big for the room it’s cooling, the equipment will have to work harder to do its job. This puts unnecessary strain on the system and will shorten its lifespan. If you constantly have to repair your AC unit, it may be time to replace it with a smaller one.
Your unit needs frequent repairs.
If your air conditioner needs AC repair in Chaska, MN more and more often, it may be time to get a new one. Frequent repairs can end up costing you just as much as a replacement, if not more. Not to mention the hassle of having to constantly schedule repairs.
You’ve renovated your room and made it larger.
If you’ve added on to your house or knocked down walls to make a room larger, then your old AC unit may not be able to cool the new space adequately. Running your existing unit may result in various issues, such as uneven cooling and high energy bills. In this case, a replacement would be your best option.
If you’re having trouble with your AC unit and aren’t sure whether to repair or replace it, contact a professional.
Apply the $5000 Rule in Air Conditioner Repair
Still cannot make a call? Apply the $5000 rule.
It’s simple. You only have to multiply your total AC repair cost in Chaska, MN by the age of your air conditioning system. If the total exceeds $5,000, it may be more economical to replace the system.
The final decision will boil down to your specific requirements. If you’re having a hard time deciding, an expert AC technician could always help. At Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air, we have highly-trained technicians you can count on.
Why Choose Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air For Your AC Repair in Chaska, MN?
We know you’ve got many options when it comes to AC repair service in Chaska, MN. That’s exactly why our team goes above and beyond to make sure our service meets your expectations and needs. Here are a few reasons to trust Tiger Plumbing, Heat & Air:
We’re a locally owned and operated company
As a local HVAC contractor, we understand the struggles and expectations of HVAC customers in Chaska, MN and the surrounding areas. Additionally, we know the area like the back of our hands so we can get to you as soon as possible when your air conditioner breaks down.
Our technicians are NATE-certified
We only want the best for you, so we bring together people with the skill and knowledge to provide you with the top-notch service you deserve. Our HVAC technicians have NATE certification, which means they passed a rigorous test to prove their knowledge and expertise in the HVAC field.
We offer complete HVAC services and more!
Our technicians handle air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance. So in case your air conditioner is beyond repair, our team can help you install a brand new unit that fits your space and budget. You can also count on our team to keep your air conditioner in its best working condition. Additionally, we offer plumbing services so you don’t need to go through the hassles of hiring another contractor to handle your plumbing needs.
We are available around-the-clock
Air conditioners can break down at any time of the day (or night). If it happens during a heatwave, it can be unbearable. That’s why our team is available 24/7 to take your call and provide you with prompt AC repair service.
We stay transparent and honest with our pricing
Surprises are fun, except for surprise charges. With Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air, you won’t have to worry about that. We will provide you with an upfront pricing estimate on AC repair in Chaska, MN or replacement before we start working on your AC unit. We want to make sure you’re comfortable with the cost of the repair before we proceed.
We are licensed, bonded, and insured
You can rest assured that you’re in good hands when you choose Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured company so you can have peace of mind that we will get the job done right.
So if your air conditioner stops working and you’re looking for an HVAC contractor offering reliable AC repair in Chaska, MN, please do not look any further than Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air. Our technicians will diagnose the problem and recommend the best possible solution, not the solution that favors our business but your comfort and budget.
Contact us at 952-942-5748 to get an estimate or schedule an appointment. We’ll be delighted to get your space cool again.
