AC Trouble in July? Here’s What to Check Before You Panic (and What Not to Touch!)

Don’t Freak Out About Your July AC Problems Just Yet!

Try These Simple Fixes Before You Call (But Know When to Call, Too)

You walk into your house after a long day. It’s hotter inside than outside. You check the thermostat. It’s set to 72°. The temperature reads 81° and climbing.

Is your AC broken? What is this going to cost? How soon can you get someone out? When will you stop sweating?

Before you hit the panic button, let’s walk through a few simple checks you can do yourself to rule out minor issues — and know when it’s time to call in the pros.

Start Here: Your Step-by-Step July AC Triage Checklist

Take these first steps yourself. They might just save your AC, your time, money, and unnecessary stress!

1. Check the Thermostat Settings

It sounds basic, but it’s the most common “non-problem” we encounter often relates to the few items listed below.

• Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and not “off” or “heat.”
• Double-check the temperature setting. Someone may have bumped it.
• Replace the batteries if your thermostat runs on them. Dead batteries mean no AC control.

2. Look at the Air Filter

When was the last time you replaced your air filter? Or when was the last time you even thought about it?

• If it’s coated in dust, hair, or who-knows-what, replace it immediately.
• A clogged filter can choke airflow and cause your system to freeze, overheat, or shut down.
• Is it the right size? Often times people think one size fits all, but this can cause more issues down the road. Not sure what size? Ask!

Pro tip: Mark your calendar to check it monthly during peak use.

3. Check the Circuit Breaker

Sometimes, a power surge or momentary overload trips the breaker.

• Locate your home’s electrical panel.
• Look for any tripped breakers — especially ones labeled “A/C” or “HVAC.”
• Flip it back on if necessary, but only once.
• If it trips again, Don’t Touch It! — when a breaker trips more than once, that means something’s is wrong and will need professionals to take a look.

4. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

This is one of the biggest DIY tricks you can try to remedy common AC concerns. Your AC’s condenser unit sits outside your home and needs proper airflow to operate. Head outside and check for:

• Debris like leaves, sticks, weeds, or grass clippings coating, covering or around your AC unit.
• Anything blocking the air vents or fan blades. 
• Listen for unusual noises, such as grinding, clicking, buzzing, clanking or squeaks. This is a major sign and contact an HVAC pro immediately!

5. Examine the Vents Inside

Walk around the interior of your home and put your hand near each vent.

• Are some blowing cold air while others aren’t?
• Are any vents blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains?
• Is the air coming out weak or warm?

Low airflow could mean a frozen coil, a failing blower motor, or dirty ductwork.

When Your July AC Concerns Require a to Call the Pros

If you’ve done the items listed above and things still aren’t right, it’s time to bring in the backup. Here are the warning signs that signal a real issue:

• Your system is running but NOT cooling.
• There’s no air coming out of the vents.
• The outdoor unit is making strange noises or not running at all.
• You notice water pooling around your system.
• You see ice buildup on the refrigerant line or unit.
• You smell something burning or musty.

In any of these cases, shut off your system and call (651) 318-0913. We'll send someone out to diagnose the issue and walk you through your options.

What You Should NEVER Attempt To Your Own AC Unit

• Don’t try to fix any electrical components yourself. Electrocution is nothing to joke about and should always be left to the professionals.
• Don’t keep flipping the breaker — that can cause permanent damage.
• Don’t open the system and poke around “just to see.”
• Don’t ignore the issue and hope it gets better — it won’t.

Your AC is a precision machine. If something’s off, it’s better to let a licensed HVAC tech take a look.

Want to Avoid AC Breakdowns Next Year?

This is where the Bob Boldt HVAC Customer Club comes in.

Join for just $28/month and get all of the following top-tier service and exclusive offers. This is a no-obligation service offered to those who want hassle-free HVAC maintenance. You can cancel at anytime, no hoops, hidden fees or hassle!

• Annual Heating & Cooling System Maintenance (catch issues early)
• Guaranteed Emergency Service Within 24 Hours
• Priority Scheduling & Service
• 15% Off Repairs
• 10% Off New Equipment
• No Trip Charges
• 1-Year Parts Warranty
• Peace of Mind All Year Long

We take care of your system before problems start — and if they do? You get priority, not panic.

Customer Case Study: The Forgotten AC Destroyer

Last summer, a customer out in Lakeville called in thinking their system had died. Weak airflow, warm air, and an outside unit that seemed to be running constantly.

Turns out? The air filter hadn’t been changed in over a year.
We swapped it out, unfroze the coils, and had the system back to normal within hours.

No expensive parts. No replacement. Just simple maintenance.

Don’t Panic - Just Call Bob Boldt.

If your system is acting up and you're not sure what's going on, take a breath. Try the checklist above. Then call us if you need help.

We’ll walk you through it, schedule a fast visit, and make sure your home is cool and comfortable again — without the guesswork or the games.

Call (651) 318-0913 — and let us take it from here.