Image

McCutcheon Air Conditioning and Heating Blog

Did your Air Conditioner stop working?

ac-died

It’s fall and that means the leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping - for our friends up north.

Here in Sarasota, it’s still HOT (and the leaves are still green) and that means we still want the AC blowing COLD. On the Suncoast, we depend on our AC year-round and, if you’re like us, you have a trusted AC Company you can call at the first sign of trouble, but not every problem requires a pro.

This checklist can help you avoid an unnecessary (and possibly expensive) service call:

Check the Thermostat

Make sure the thermostat is set to the "COOL" position and that it is set to the desired temperature.

If your thermostat is battery operated (or if it has a battery backup in case of a power outage) a fresh battery could clear up some issues and/or restore connectivity between the AC unit and the thermostat. If you haven’t changed the battery in over a year – it might be time for a fresh battery.

Check the Breakers

Make sure all the circuit breakers in the box are set to the "ON" position. If there is a “tripped breaker” (at the neutral position) turning it off and then on will reset it.

Resetting the breaker that controls your thermostat and/or the air conditioning system can sometimes be enough to restart an unresponsive system
If your air conditioning system keeps tripping the breaker – DON’T TURN IT BACK ON.

Check the Filter

A clogged filter will make it hard for cold air to reach your living space. A clogged filter also makes your system work harder, which will result in higher electric bills and, if your filter is really clogged, it could be the reason the breaker keeps tripping. It’s a good idea to check your filter once/month (more or less depending on the type of filter and the conditions in your home) by taking it out and holding it up to the light – if you can’t see through it, it’s probably time for a new filter.

If after all that, your air conditioning system still isn’t working right, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating at 941-921-7208. We're always ready to help!

Continue reading
  16018 Hits
24 March 2025
AC Blog
You’ve probably seen advertisements for HVAC maintenance specials as low as $29. While this might seem like a great deal, it’s important to ask yourself—what are you really getting for that price? The reality is that no reputable company can send a q...
14 March 2025
AC Blog
Your home’s return vents play a crucial role in keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently. These vents pull air back into your system, allowing it to properly regulate temperature and airflow. However, if they’re blocked by furniture o...
12 March 2025
AC Blog
Our industry is constantly evolving to meet new regulations, and one of the latest changes is the transition to R-454B refrigerant. While we won’t dive deep into the legislation behind it, the key takeaway is that this change impacts air conditioning...
17 February 2025
AC Blog
At Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. (SMAC), we have extensive experience partnering with Sarasota-area property managers and community associations to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly and efficiently. Our team understands th...
25 October 2024
AC Blog
If your air conditioner is screaming or hissing at you, it probably isn’t full of ghosts, but it’s definitely trying to tell you something… If you live in Florida, you’re probably in a committed relationship with your AC, and you want that relationsh...
10 May 2015
AC Blog
A very common reason for calling an air conditioning technician is when an air conditioning drain line becomes clogged. This is easily fixed and an avoidable problem, but a clogged drain line can pote...
15 August 2017
AC Blog
Today most of us shop on the internet – it’s quick, easy, and usually cheaper than any store. However, sometimes attempting to save a few bucks can cost you plenty down the road. Avoid HVAC discount w...