Cool Your Future: Ace the 2026 ETI Air Conditioning Repair Certification Test!

The first step in troubleshooting an air conditioning system often involves inspecting the thermostat settings because the thermostat controls the operation of the HVAC system. If the thermostat is not set correctly, the system may not respond as expected, leading to a variety of perceived issues, such as the AC not turning on or failing to reach the desired temperature. Ensuring that the thermostat is set to the appropriate mode (cool, heat, off) and that the temperature setting is correct can quickly determine if the issue lies with the thermostat or if further investigation is required.

While checking refrigerant levels, observing energy bills, and cleaning air ducts are important aspects of maintenance and troubleshooting, they usually come after confirming that the thermostat is functioning properly. If the thermostat is improperly configured, the system will not operate, making it a logical starting point in any troubleshooting process.