A service tech with a local heating and cooling company in Lafayette addresses the common problems he sees with air conditioning units that are not working properly.

Thursday was easily one of the hottest days of 2011 so far. It would not be the day you would want your air conditioner to stop working.



According to M&M Heating and Cooling, that was the case for many of their customers: no A/C during the most intense heat wave in 16 years.

"Very busy. A lot of service calls," said M&M service technician Sean Lewsader.

With the heat wave, our air conditioners are working more than normal.

"You get there and they say, well, just my luck... the hottest week of the year," said Lewsader about his customers' reactions.

NewsChannel 18 tagged along with Lewsader Thursday as he serviced a home in Monticello. While on the job, he told us about the most common problems customers are running into.

Some of those problems are easy fixes, like making sure the power is turned on to the unit. You will also first want to make sure your thermostat is set correctly.

Next, check your air filter. It may be time to replace it.

If you still aren't getting cool air, clear any dirt or debris around the outside unit that could be preventing air from getting in.

"If all those things check out fine, then it probably wouldn't hurt to give somebody a call and have them come out and look at it," said Lewsader.

Lewsader said a diagnostic check to find out what's wrong can cost around $55. Repairs can go up from there and he added that they do get expensive. He suggests getting on a regular maintenance plan for scheduled tune-ups to prevent a problem.

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