{"id":5647,"date":"2026-06-22T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/?p=5647"},"modified":"2026-06-21T17:47:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T22:47:33","slug":"troubleshooting-common-a-c-problems-before-calling-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/troubleshooting-common-a-c-problems-before-calling-a-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Troubleshooting Common AC Problems Before Calling a Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When your air conditioner stops working properly, it’s easy to assume the worst. However, many common cooling problems can be traced back to simple issues that homeowners can safely check themselves before scheduling professional service. If you think you may need air conditioning repair in Des Moines, IA<\/a>, a few quick troubleshooting steps could save you time and help restore comfort faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Start With the Thermostat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may sound obvious, but thermostat issues<\/a> are one of the most common causes of cooling complaints. First, make sure the thermostat is set to “Cool” and that the temperature setting is lower than the current indoor temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them. Weak batteries can cause erratic operation or prevent the system from running altogether. For smart thermostats, verify that schedules and settings haven’t been changed accidentally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the Circuit Breaker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your system won’t turn on at all, head to your electrical panel and inspect the breakers. Air conditioners typically have dedicated breakers for the indoor and outdoor components. If one has tripped, reset it once and see if the system starts normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the breaker trips again shortly afterward, stop resetting it and call a professional. Repeated breaker trips often indicate an electrical problem that requires expert attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect the Air Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A dirty air filter can create a surprising number of problems. Restricted airflow forces your system to work harder, reduces cooling performance, and can even cause the evaporator coil to freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your filter and replace it if it’s dirty. During the summer, many homeowners benefit from checking filters monthly, especially if they have pets or high household traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You See Ice, Turn the System Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ice on the indoor coil, refrigerant lines, or outdoor unit is a sign that airflow has been restricted or another issue is affecting the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice ice, turn the cooling system off and switch the fan to the “On” position. This allows warm air to circulate and helps the ice melt more quickly. Running the system while it’s frozen can cause additional damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the ice has melted, install a clean filter and see if normal operation returns. If the system freezes again, professional service is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean the Outdoor Unit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the outdoor unit, reducing efficiency. Remove leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris from around the unit. Maintaining at least two feet of open space around the condenser helps promote proper airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eliminate Musty Odors From the Drain System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you notice mildew or bacterial odors coming from your vents, the condensate pan or drain line may be the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After turning off the power to the system, inspect the drain pan and clean out any visible buildup. Pouring a small amount of vinegar through the condensate drain can help discourage mildew and bacterial growth that causes unpleasant smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re Available 24\/7 When You Need Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While these troubleshooting steps can solve some common AC problems, not every issue has a simple fix. If your system still isn’t cooling properly, won’t start, keeps freezing up, or you’re simply unsure what to do next, our experienced technicians are available 24\/7 to diagnose the problem and get your home comfortable again. When cooling troubles strike, we’re always ready to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! <\/strong>Contact us today<\/strong><\/a> for air conditioning repair in Des Moines, IA!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you think you may need air conditioning repair in Des Moines, IA, a few quick troubleshooting steps could save you time and help restore comfort faster.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[70,408],"tags":[146,410],"class_list":["post-5647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-air-conditioning-service","category-des-moines","tag-air-conditioning-repair","tag-des-moines"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5647"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5679,"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5647\/revisions\/5679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}