AC Troubleshooting

AC Troubleshooting & Expert Repair in Moscow, Lewiston, & Lapwai, ID

Is your air conditioner blowing warm air, making strange noises, or not turning on at all? When your home comfort is on the line, you need reliable answers fast. Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc provides comprehensive AC troubleshooting and expert repair services throughout the greater Moscow area, including Lewiston and Lapwai.

While some minor AC issues might have simple solutions you can check yourself, many problems require the skill and knowledge of a certified HVAC technician. We're here to help you understand what might be going wrong and provide the professional service you need to get your cool air flowing again.

Common AC Problems and What You Can Check

Before calling for professional help, there are a few basic checks you can perform safely to help diagnose the issue.

• AC Not Turning On:
  • Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set to "Cool" and the temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature. Check if the batteries need replacing if it's a digital thermostat.
  • Check the Power Switch: There's usually a power switch near the indoor air handler/furnace and often one outside near the condenser unit. Make sure both are turned ON.
  • Check the Circuit Breaker: Go to your electrical panel. Look for a tripped breaker labeled for your air conditioner (it might be partially between ON and OFF or fully OFF). IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: Do not touch wiring or attempt electrical repairs yourself. If the breaker trips repeatedly after resetting, there's a serious electrical issue that requires a professional.
• AC Running But Not Cooling:
  • Check the Air Filter: A clogged air filter is a very common culprit. Check your filter and replace it if it's dirty. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which can cause various problems, including poor cooling and freezing. Learn more about AC Maintenance and filter changes.
  • Check Vents: Ensure all supply vents inside your home are open and not blocked by furniture or curtains.
  • Check the Outdoor Unit: Make sure the area around the outdoor condenser unit is clear of debris, grass clippings, or plants that could restrict airflow.
• Strange Noises:
  • Listen carefully to where the noise is coming from (indoor unit or outdoor unit) and what it sounds like (hissing, grinding, rattling, squealing, banging).
  • Hissing could indicate a refrigerant leak (Call a Pro!).
  • Grinding, banging, or squealing often indicates a mechanical issue with a motor or fan (Call a Pro!).
  • Rattling might be loose panels or debris, but check cautiously and call if unsure.
• Strange Smells:
  • A musty smell could indicate mold or mildew in the ductwork or indoor coil (often linked to moisture issues).
  • A burning smell could indicate an electrical problem (Turn the unit OFF immediately and call a Pro!).
  • A strong chemical smell could indicate a refrigerant leak (Call a Pro!).
• AC Freezing Up (Ice on Coils):
  • This is usually caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked vents) or low refrigerant levels.
  • If you see ice, turn the unit OFF and let it thaw. Replace the filter if dirty and check vents. If the problem persists, it's likely low refrigerant or another underlying issue requiring a professional.

When It's Time to Call a Professional AC Technician

While the checks above can help identify simple issues, most AC problems require expert diagnosis and repair. Do NOT attempt to fix the following issues yourself:

• Electrical Problems: Beyond simply resetting a tripped breaker that stays reset, any flickering lights, burning smells, or repeatedly tripping breakers indicate a dangerous electrical fault.
• Refrigerant Leaks: Refrigerant is a hazardous chemical that requires specialized tools and training to handle, locate leaks, repair them, and recharge the system. Low refrigerant is a common cause of poor cooling and freezing.
• Major Component Failure: Issues with the compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, fan motors, or control board require professional expertise to diagnose and replace.
• Persistent Freezing: If your unit continues to freeze up after checking and changing the filter and ensuring airflow, it's likely a refrigerant issue or a more complex mechanical problem.
• Loud or Unusual Mechanical Noises: Grinding, banging, or high-pitched squealing sounds often indicate worn-out or damaged internal components.
• Unit Won't Start After Basic Checks: If checking the thermostat, power switches, and circuit breaker doesn't get the unit running, the problem is internal and needs professional attention.
• Any problem you are uncomfortable or unsafe addressing.

Trying to fix complex AC issues yourself can be dangerous and potentially cause more damage to your system, leading to more expensive repairs down the line.

Why Choose Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc for AC Troubleshooting & Repair?

When your AC needs professional attention in Moscow, Lewiston, or Lapwai, you need a local team you can trust. Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc offers:

• Local Expertise: We understand the specific cooling needs and challenges of the Moscow, Lewiston, and Lapwai areas.
• Experienced & Certified Technicians: Our technicians have years of experience diagnosing and repairing all makes and models of air conditioners. They are trained to quickly identify the root cause of the problem.
• Prompt & Reliable Service: We prioritize getting your AC fixed quickly and efficiently to restore your home's comfort.
• Thorough Diagnostic Process: We don't guess; we use advanced tools and our expertise to accurately diagnose the issue.
• Upfront Pricing: You'll receive clear, upfront pricing before any repair work begins, so there are no surprises.
• Comprehensive AC Repair Services: We handle everything from minor fixes to major component replacements. Learn more about our AC Repair capabilities.

Our AC Troubleshooting & Repair Process

When you call Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc for AC help, here's generally what happens:

1. Schedule Your Appointment: Contact us to schedule a convenient time for a technician to visit your home.
2. Expert Diagnosis: Our technician will arrive on time, listen to your description of the problem, and perform a thorough inspection and diagnostic checks on your AC system.
3. Clear Explanation & Options: We'll explain what the problem is in simple terms, show you the issue if possible, and provide you with repair options and upfront pricing.
4. Efficient Repair: Once you approve the work, we'll perform the necessary repairs using quality parts.
5. System Testing: We test the system to ensure it's working correctly and cooling your home effectively.
6. Clean-Up: We clean up the work area before we leave.

Service Areas

We are proud to offer AC troubleshooting and repair services in:

• Lapwai, ID
• Lewiston, ID
• Moscow, ID

Get Your AC Back on Track

Don't sweat it out with a malfunctioning AC. Whether you've done some initial troubleshooting or need a professional to figure out what's wrong, Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc is ready to help. Our expert technicians will accurately diagnose the problem and provide the reliable repair needed to restore your home's comfort.

Ready to get expert help with your AC issue?

Request Service : Contact Us Today!

You can also call us directly at 208-596-7757.