Five safe checks
- Confirm the thermostat display is on, set to Cool, and set below room temperature
- Check the filter without opening a service panel
- Confirm vents and returns are open and unobstructed
- Look at the electrical panel for a visibly tripped breaker; do not repeatedly reset a breaker
- From a safe distance, observe whether the indoor fan and outdoor unit appear to run
Stop and escalate hazards
Do not troubleshoot smoke, sparking, burning odors, damaged wiring, standing water near electrical equipment, or repeated breaker trips. Turn equipment off if that can be done safely and seek appropriate emergency or professional help.
Prepare a useful request
- Record what runs, what does not, and when it changed
- Mention thermostat messages, ice, water, sounds, smells, and breaker behavior
- Provide the service ZIP code and whether anyone in the home has an urgent heat-related vulnerability