Edit ArticleHow to Check Your Air Conditioner Before Calling for Service Two Methods:TroubleshootingPreventative MaintenanceCommunity Q&A Of course, it would be the hottest day of the year that your air conditioner stops working! Check out these steps that can possibly save some money, and help you keep your cool at the same time! It's not working at all: the condenser (for an outdoor unit) or air handler/furnace (indoor unit) are not running. Make sure it's plugged in. Whether kids, dogs, or an accidental tap with the vacuum cleaner, the plug could be partially or completely dislodged. Check the circuit breakers and fuses. Circuits, especially with older homes, are easily overloaded if the air conditioner shares a circuit with appliances such as irons, refrigerators, or microwaves. Check your thermostat (cooling control) and make sure it is set to cool at the current temperature, and working properly. As with plugs, sometimes settings can change by accident.

Check your fan blower belt for excessive slack, damage, or breakage. This can cause low air flow which allows ice to form, and thus causes low cooling performance. Repair or replace the blower belt. Allow the ice to melt before restarting the AC unit. Check the coils and filter. Wash your condenser coil once a season, or as needed. Clean or change your filter regularly. This simple step alone can increase the efficiency of your air conditioner. It will also run less, increasing the life span of your equipment. A good sign that your filter needs changing is the fact of ice forming inside your inside cooling unit (evaporator section). This may be difficult to see as the unit is sealed, but touch the outside metal and feel for a noticeable temperature difference. You may also see ice on the large line going to the outside unit (suction line). If ice is forming, it is possible that your air filter is severely dirty and restricting your normal air flow.

This allows ice to form due to the fact that not enough heat is being introduced to your cooling section. Keep your air conditioner clean for optimal performance and reliability. Maintaining your air conditioner and having it serviced regularly increases the efficiency of your unit, reduces energy usage, and prevents wear and tear on your equipment. Do not attempt to diagnose any electrical problem unless you have been properly trained and/or are licensed. Do not attempt any repair work unless you are a licensed heating and air conditioning technician. Most states require a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor to perform any repair work. Do not bend the "fins" on the outside of the condenser. Make certain to wash the coils in an "up/down" fashion. Do not immediately assume that if your air conditioner is not working that the thermostat is at fault. Tampering with the thermostat or is related wiring can cause more problems than you initially started with.

If nothing is happening with the thermostat set, immediately call for service.energy lab air handling unit Do not attempt to add or remove refrigerant from your system unless you are licensed by the EPA. average cost of a 3 ton ac unitFines and penalties await those who tamper with or release refrigerant in an unsafe or unapproved fashion.ac package unit wiring diagram When in doubt, stop. Immediately call a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor. While the air conditioning unit cools the air, your system’s fan or air handler moves it through the house. Check to make sure that the air conditioner is on and operational, and if you’re not getting air flow, check out our air handler troubleshooting guide.

conditioner does not seem to be functioning at all, check for a There are a few potential causes if air is moving through your home, but not cooling down. Dust and debris could build up on the evaporator, making heat exchange less efficient. conditioner maintenance guide for tips on how to clean theCheck to make sure both the inside and outside units are working, and that the thermostat is set at the desired temperature. the problem still isn’t clear, contact a Trane Comfort Specialist. The drain pan below your interior air conditioning unit collects condensation, and an electric pump usually moves the water to a nearbyIf the pan is overflowing, check for a kink or block in the drainage line, and make sure that the pump is plugged in and working. If your air conditioner seems to be running constantly, your thermostat could be set too high. Reset your thermostat, then adjust the temperature to a comfortable level. If the unit is still running

continuously, contact a Trane Comfort Specialist. Contact an air conditioner troubleshooting pro If the issue can’t be determined based on this guide, contact your local Trane Comfort Specialist. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your air conditioner running properly, so you and your family stay cool and comfortable. Your email address*Your Friends email address*Comment Inevitably, air conditioners seem to fail at the most inconvenient times: when it’s hot and you have to wait for the repairmen. While professional repair is usually necessary and recommended to ensure that your air conditioning unit works efficiently and effectively over the long run, there are some issues that can be quickly and easily fixed, enabling you to bypass the long, hot wait. Here are some of the most common AC problems people experience and some tips for air conditioning troubleshooting. The air conditioner isn’t cooling: If the unit is running but your home isn’t cooling as it normally does, the first thing to do is to lower the thermostat five degrees and give it some time to see if this fixes the problem.

Keep in mind that if the temperature outside is particularly high, your air conditioner may not be able to achieve your desired internal temperature regardless, particularly if you have a lot of windows bringing in heat. Inadequate air cooling may also be due to a dirty evaporator or dirty or blocked condenser, which unless you know what you are doing should probably be looked at by a certified technician. A faulty compressor may also be the cause, which will definitely require professional repair. The AC unit is blowing warm air: The most common reason that an air conditioning system blows warm air is due to dirty filters. Essentially, in this case the system is producing cold air but that air is not able to flow through the ductwork. So if this issue occurs, the first thing you should do is check the filters. Other easy things to check is whether leaves and other debris are not obstructing the airflow. If everything looks clear, then you will need to wait for a repairperson, as the problem is most likely due to insufficient refrigerant, which only licensed repair technicians are able to replace.

The unit shuts on and off repeatedly: In most cases, this problem is caused by a dirty or blocked condenser unit, or a dirty evaporator. Most of the time, having the unit thoroughly cleaned, with all obstructions removed, with solve the problem. The air conditioning unit is making strange noises: While some noise coming from the unit while it is running is normal, if you are hearing strong vibration or loud rattling noises then something may be wrong and a professional should probably look at the unit. If you hear a squealing noise, then the unit should be shut off and a professional called at once, as it could be that the belt connecting the blower to the motor has slipped, and you don’t want to end up damaging the motor. Keep in mind that cleaning your air condition, while doable, should only be performed if you have a basic understanding of the parts of the unit. Also, any time the coolant is involved, you will definitely need the help of a professional HVAC contractor.