Let’s face it—when your AC stops working, your whole house feels like a sauna. Instead of relaxing, you’re sitting in a puddle of sweat. You’re probably wondering, “Why is this happening?” Thankfully, this is where an air conditioning contractor Kingman steps in to save the day.
To get your cool air back, professionals don’t guess. Instead, they follow a step-by-step process to diagnose the problem. While the issue might be small, like a dirty filter, sometimes it could be something bigger, like a broken compressor. Either way, a skilled air conditioning contractor will find it fast.
Visual Inspection By The Air Conditioning Contractor
First of all, an air conditioning contractor always begins with a good old-fashioned look around. Right off the bat, they’ll examine the indoor and outdoor units.
Next, they’ll search for signs of damage, wear, or ice build-up. After that, they’ll check for disconnected ducts or leaking refrigerant lines. Then, they move on to obvious signs like:
- Dirty filters
- Rusted wires
- Pooling water
- Bent fins
Because this step is quick, yet effective, it helps the contractor form an early idea of what might be going wrong.
Quick Tip: If you spot water near the indoor unit, don’t wait. Instead, call a pro right away to prevent further damage.
Checking Thermostat Settings with the Heating Contractor Mindset
After inspecting the system, the contractor turns their attention to the thermostat. Since this small device controls everything, it’s a common cause of problems.
First, they check if the setting is on “cool.” Then, the heating contractor Kingman makes sure the temperature is lower than the room temperature. If it uses batteries, those get checked too. Otherwise, a wiring issue might be the culprit.
Fact: If your thermostat doesn’t respond or acts weird, it may need replacing.
Testing Airflow and Filters: A Key Job for the Air Conditioning Contractor
Once the thermostat is cleared, airflow comes next. Typically, an air conditioning contractor checks for strong, steady air coming from vents.
If airflow is weak, they check for blockages. As a result, they often find:
- Clogged filters
- Blocked ducts
- Closed dampers
- Dirty blower fans
While they test the air pressure, they listen for unusual sounds. Even a whistling noise could point to a problem. Moreover, this step helps prevent long-term issues like frozen coils.
Warning: Always change filters monthly during peak use. That way, you keep airflow clean and strong.
Refrigerant Checks: The Air Conditioning Contractor’s Most Common Fix
After airflow checks, it’s time to look at refrigerant levels. Without this “cooling juice,” your AC is basically useless.
Because refrigerant runs in a sealed loop, it shouldn’t run low. If it does, there’s likely a leak. For that reason, the air conditioning contractor Kingman uses gauges to check the pressure.
They’ll also inspect:
- Icy coils
- Copper tubing
- Hissing noises
- Past repair points
Although topping off refrigerant might seem like a fix, it’s not. Unless they patch the leak, it’ll just keep happening.
Danger: Only certified pros can handle refrigerants safely.
Electrical Component Testing
In addition to refrigerant, your system depends on electricity. Because of this, the contractor checks wires, capacitors, and relays.
First, they shut off the power for safety. Then, they test voltage and resistance. If a part fails, it could cause no cooling—or worse—a fire.
Interestingly, heating contractor Kingman also deals with electrical issues. That’s because furnaces and heat pumps share control boards and thermostats.
Info: Never attempt electrical repairs yourself. Instead, always call a professional to avoid shock risks.
Inspecting the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
After the electrical test, coils are next in line. Since these control the cooling and heat release, they must stay clean.
Contractors often find dirt, dust, or even mold. When that happens, your system can’t breathe properly. So, they use coil cleaners and brushes to restore performance.
Additionally, they’ll check for:
- Corrosion
- Icing
- Warped fins
- Blocked airflow
Suggestion: Clean coils once a year to save energy and keep your AC efficient.
Compressor & Fan Check: The Core of AC Troubleshooting
If everything else checks out, the issue might be the compressor. So, the air conditioning contractor heads outside to inspect the unit.
Once there, they listen for humming, buzzing, or silence. After that, they test the capacitor and motor.
To help you understand what they’re doing, here are some quick checks:
- Does the fan spin easily?
- Is the compressor silent or loud?
- Are any wires burnt or disconnected?
- Does the unit trip the breaker?
Because these parts are essential, replacing them might cost more—but it fixes the core issue.
Final System Test and Diagnostic Report
Finally, the contractor runs a full system test. Now that everything has been inspected, it’s time to make sure it all works.
So, they turn on the AC and measure the temperature change. If cold air flows smoothly, an air conditioning contractor Kingman knows the fix worked.
Then, they write up a report for you so that way, you’ll know exactly what was wrong—and what was fixed.
Sometimes, they’ll offer preventive advice, such as changing filters or scheduling tune-ups.
Fact: A complete final test ensures no surprises after the tech leaves.
| Step | What They Check | Why It Matters |
| Visual Inspection | Coils, wires, leaks | Finds obvious problems early |
| Thermostat Settings | Temperature, battery, wiring | Ensures correct commands to the system |
| Airflow & Filters | Pressure, vents, ducts | Prevents system strain & inefficiency |
| Refrigerant Level | PSI, leaks, frost | Vital for cooling performance |
| Electrical Components | Voltage, continuity, fuses | Critical for safe operation |
| Coil Conditions | Cleanliness, corrosion, icing | Impacts heat transfer efficiency |
| Compressor & Fan | Operation, noise, draw | Core to the cooling cycle |
Conclusion
So, how does an air conditioning contractor diagnose cooling problems? They check each part of your system step by step, catching the issue quickly and fixing it right. Meanwhile, an Air-Exx Heating Cooling and Ventilation LLC might help, too—especially if your thermostat, blower, or control board is shared between heating and cooling.
