Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Checklist

Every spring and summer, Link Mechanical Services, Inc. receives many calls each year from New Britain CT and West Hartford CT homeowners who are having problems with their cooling system. Some problems with air conditioning systems can be solved quickly without intervention, and some will require a visit from one of our fully licensed technicians.

If your New Britain CT ac system isn't producing enough cold air, any air at all, or it is not operating as it should, follow this air conditioning troubleshooting checklist before you call us for a repair:

Air Conditioners:

• Verify the system air filter is clean. We recommend changing your filter every 30 to 60 days to ensure proper airflow is reaching your system.
• Ensure that the thermostat is set in the cooling mode and that the temperature is set below the room temperature (3-5 degrees).
• If your thermostat is battery operated, check your batteries, and replace them if needed.
• Check the service switches for both the indoor and outdoor units. They should be in the ON position.
• Check to see if any of your circuit breakers are tripped in the electrical panel. Reset if needed.
• Make sure all vents and return air ducts are open and not blocked.
• Verify that the indoor blower is operating, and cool air is coming out of the vents.
• Verify the outdoor unit is operating, and it is blowing warm or hot air from the fan.
• Verify the outdoor unit is not blocked, and that it has at least 15 inches of free space between it and landscaping.
• JUST CALL LINK for service if this does not get your system running.

Current Offers

Heat Pumps (Heating/Cooling):

• Set your thermostat below the current temperature in the room (about 3-5 degrees) to call for cold air from your system.
• If your thermostat is battery-operated, check and replace your batteries if needed.
• Ensure that your filter is clean. We recommend changing your furnace filter every 30 to 60 days.
• Check the outdoor unit power supply. The outdoor system's power disconnect switch will most likely be installed on the outside of your home, close to the heat pump. Make sure it is in the “ON” position.
• Check the indoor unit power supply. The indoor unit has a power switch usually found on the unit itself. It will look like a light switch and should be in the “ON” position.
• Check for tripped circuit breakers. In most cases, the outdoor system will be on a different breaker than the indoor system. Reset if needed.
• Ensure adequate airflow. A heat pump exchanges air from the outside to the inside. Ensure grass, leaves, or other types of debris are not building up on or around on the outdoor unit.
• JUST CALL LINK for service if this does not get your system running.

Current Offers

Ductless Mini Splits:

• Check the power supply. Typically, indoor mini splits get their power supply from the outdoor unit, make sure the outdoor unit service switch is in the “ON” position.
• Check your remote batteries and swap them out for new ones, if needed.
• Verify the system air filter and vents are clean. We recommend cleaning your filter every 30 to 45 days to ensure proper airflow.
• Check to see if any of your circuit breakers are tripped in the electrical panel. Reset if needed.
• Clean the drain line (also known as the condensate line). According to HVAC experts, you can use a vinegar solution to keep the drain line clear by pouring small amount down the drain line a few times each season.
• Verify the outdoor unit is not blocked, and that it has at least 15 inches of free space between it and landscaping.
• JUST CALL LINK for service if this does not get your system running.

Current Offers

$50 OFF

AC Repair*

*Valid on minimum purchase of $400. Cannot be combined with other offers or be applied to Discount Comfort Club or previous offers. March, 2025.

Schedule Service

If Your Air Conditioning System is Having any of the Following Problems, Call for Service Right Away:

• You notice fluid or water leaking from the unit.
• You see a build-up of ice on the unit.
• Your system is making strange noises or is noisier than usual.
• Your system has a hard time starting up, or you notice your lights dim when it starts.
• Your system runs continually.

If your ac system has had multiple repairs over the years, here’s a few things to consider between repairing or replacing your system. We offer complimentary No-Cost, No-Obligation Quotes in New Britain CT and West Hartford CT that will provide the information you need to make an informed decision. Ask about our current specials and financing options when you call!