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COOLING SERVICES

1. Common air conditioner problems

2. Your air conditioner is not working

3. AC unit turns on but the house is hot

4. Fixing a broken air conditioner

5. How to find a local cooling specialist near me

6. How to spot a scam company

7. 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland

Did you know that Willis Carrier invented the first electric air conditioner in 1902 and that it wasn't even for its cooling comfort? Interestingly, Mr Carrier created it for his publishing house.

He invented it to solve a problem he was having with the ink and to prevent the paper from contracting and expanding with the humidity. He had no idea how his invention would change lives.

Since then, air conditioning units have provided coolness and comfort, especially during the sometimes harsh and humid summer months. It is a luxury that is often taken for granted. That is until your air conditioner is not working.

There are many reasons why your air conditioning unit may stop working properly or stop working altogether. You must know the reason why your unit isn't working before attempting to fix it. An experienced heating/cooling contractor can usually easily identify AC problems and repair them. Here are a few problems you may encounter:

• Thermostat issues including dead batteries

• The indoor or outdoor disconnect switch is 'off'

• A tripped circuit breaker

• A blown fuse or transformer

• Issues with the starting components or damaged components

• Dirty coils or filter

• Frozen evaporator coil

• Dirty evaporator or condenser

• Dirty, clogged, or leaking air ducts

• Drainage issues

• Damaged or broken cooling fans

• Issues with the refrigerant

• Faulty compressor, motor or wiring

Sometimes issues may crop up if the unit is too small to cool the room, or the unit may have simply run its course. Most well-maintained units last for seven to ten years.

Your unit may not work optimally due to external factors. It may simply be too hot outside. An air conditioning unit will not function properly if the temperature outside is more than 100°F.

This shouldn't be an issue in Oregon as the average high temperature in summer ranges from 64°F to 68°F on the west coast and 81°F to 94°F on the eastern side of the state.

However, Portland has hit its highest recorded temperature of 107°F three times. The first was in 1965 and then twice in 1981. So anything is possible.

Your Air Conditioner Is Not Working

So, it's not 100°F or more outside but your air conditioning unit is not turning on. There may be a few reasons why.

1. It's Not Plugged In

You may take it for granted, but one of the first things you should check if your air conditioner is not turning on is whether it is plugged in or not. It may have been unplugged in error, maybe while a project or cleaning was being done near the unit.

2. Thermostat Issues

Check your thermostat batteries if your thermostat display is not working. They may simply be dead. The thermostat usually requires AAA batteries, simply change them out and then check to see if your thermostat display starts working again.

If this does not solve the problem, then it may be a calibration issue. Proper calibration of the thermostat allows your AC unit to turn on when your house is at a certain temperature.

If even after calibration the unit is not working, ensure it is at the lowest possible temperature. If this doesn't start the unit, then you should call an air conditioning service company.

3. Indoor or Outdoor Disconnect Switch

Disconnect switches on both the indoor and outdoor units are a requirement of the building code regulations. Switching off either of these will result in the air conditioning unit not working.

They may become disconnected unintentionally, especially depending on their location. The switch might be located where someone can easily bump into it. Check both switches and reset if necessary.

4. Tripped Circuit Breaker

Check your breaker box for tripped breakers. Then try switching the AC unit on after resetting the breaker. An overloaded circuit can cause the problem to keep occurring. Consider shutting off other equipment while the AC is running.

It may also be a wiring issue. Call an AC professional if you're not sure why the circuit keeps tripping.

5. Blown Fuse or Transformer

If the fuse connected to your thermostat has blown, have it replaced by calling an AC company.

If the problem is a blown transformer, the AC will only work if the transformer is replaced. A bad connector in the outside AC unit can also cause your transformer to blow. You may need to have the connector changed as well.

Again, this is a situation where you should check your wiring to make sure a 'short' in your electrical system isn't causing the problem.

These are just some issues that may cause your AC unit to stop working. Contact an AC servicing company to troubleshoot the problem.

1-800-Plumber +Air is one of the strongest brands in the industry. They can be found across the country and in Portland as well. They have well-trained technicians who work with integrity, honesty, and a high level of professionalism.

They provide various services including plumbing, heating, cooling, and emergency services. They can handle all your AC needs. They provide:

• Air Conditioning Installation and Replacement

• Air Conditioning Maintenance

• Air Conditioning Repair

• Thermostats

• Indoor Air Quality

• Ductless Mini Splits

They have the experience and expertise to solve any of your AC issues.

Make the Right Cooling Choice

Issues with your air conditioning units may be inevitable, due to their constant usage and age. One way to avoid the more common issues is to have your units serviced regularly.

If your air conditioner is not working, you should choose a company that can provide you with high-quality service at a reasonable cost. 1-800-Plumber +Air has the expertise you require for all your AC service needs. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you.