Few things disrupt home comfort, such as expecting a blast of cool air on a hot and humid day, only to get a lukewarm breeze. It’s frustrating, uncomfortable, and often unexpected.
But don’t worry. If your Trane air conditioner isn’t cooling, pinpointing the root cause is the first step toward restoring that crisp, refreshing chill. Like any complex home system, your HVAC unit can experience hiccups that throw things off.
Before calling for professional help, here’s what you can do. A few simple troubleshooting steps could get your AC back on track and save you the cost and time of an unplanned service call.
Simple Checks You Can Perform Safely
Sometimes, what feels like a significant issue is a quick fix. Try these steps first:
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the command center of your home’s comfort. Surprisingly, incorrect settings are among the most common causes of cooling issues.
In Northeast Ohio, where the weather likes to keep us guessing, you may have set your thermostat to “Heat,” “Fan Only,” or even turned it off.” Make sure you have it on “Cool.” If this does the trick, you’re back in business—no tools required.
Also, confirm that the set temperature is lower than the current room temperature. If it is, try lowering the thermostat by enough degrees to get it below room temperature and wait a few minutes to see if the cold air kicks in.
2. Replace Thermostat Batteries
If your thermostat runs on batteries and the display is blank or shows a low-battery icon, it may not communicate properly with your system. Swapping out old batteries for fresh ones can quickly restore regular operation.
3. Review Smart Thermostat Schedules
Smart thermostats are convenient, but sometimes, a preset schedule or accidental override can prevent the system from cooling when you want it to. Open your app or settings to ensure your cooling preferences align with your current needs.
Airflow and Outdoor Unit Basics
4. Check the Air Filter
If your system has to work too hard to push air through a clogged filter, it won’t cool effectively.
Why it matters: Poor airflow reduces the amount of air passing over the evaporator coils, making the air from the vents feel warmer. It can even cause your coils to freeze up, making things worse.
What to do: Locate the air filter, usually domiciled in the return duct or air handler. If it looks dirty or has been 90–120 days since you changed it, it’s time for a new one. A simple replacement could solve your problem.
5. Inspect the Outdoor Condenser Unit
The outdoor condenser releases the heat your AC pulls from your indoor air. The condenser will struggle to cool effectively when leaves, dirt, tall grass, or other debris obstruct airflow.
Clear away anything blocking the unit and trim back any vegetation within at least two feet around it. Make sure the fins are clean and unobstructed.
Electrical Components Matter, Too
6. Check the Circuit Breaker
Find your home’s main electrical panel and check the breakers labeled “AC,” “Air Conditioner,” “Condenser,” or “Air Handler.” A tripped breaker is often in the “Off” position or stuck halfway between “On” and “Off.” If tripped, reset it by turning it off and back on.
Important: If the breaker trips again immediately or repeatedly, leave it off and call a professional. This issue could point to an underlying electrical concern that needs expert attention.
When to Call a Trane Comfort Specialist
If none of the above steps restore the chill, your issue may need professional repair. Here are some common problems that require trained eyes and hands:
- Low Refrigerant Levels: A refrigerant leak will reduce your system’s cooling power. A professional HVAC technician must locate the leak and recharge the system properly.
- Dirty Coils: Even if you regularly replace filters, indoor and outdoor coils can gather grime over time. Dirty coils reduce your system’s ability to remove heat, lowering efficiency and performance.
- Compressor Issues: The compressor is the heart of your system. If it malfunctions, the entire cooling cycle is compromised. A professional HVAC technician should diagnose, repair, or replace a compressor.
- Leaky or Disconnected Ductwork: Damaged or disconnected ducts could cause inefficiencies and loss of treated indoor air. A technician can inspect and seal your ductwork.
Trust Your Comfort to the Experts
While some AC issues are simple fixes, others require professional help to ensure your system operates optimally.
At Copperline Heating and Air Conditioning, our local Trane Comfort Specialists have the experience, tools, and training to service your equipment with genuine parts and get your home cool again without delay.
If your home feels warmer than it should and your basic checks haven’t solved the issue, call us for fast, friendly, and professional help.
