Even the best air conditioners may have problems. It’s not ideal to wait in a hothouse while a technician fixes your AC. Our troubleshooting guide will help you identify common air conditioner problems. We help you distinguish between AC problems and cooling issues. If you encounter any of these, don’t hesitate to get air conditioning repair service immediately.
Our troubleshooting guide is applicable to all types of AC systems, whether they are central, mini-splits, ductless or heat pumps. Before calling an HVAC contractor, try these things first if your air conditioner is not working:
- Check that the outdoor fuse is correctly positioned
- Check the electrical panel to see if there is a tripped breaker
- Verify that your thermostat is on
- Check your air filter for obstructions
- Condensate pumps should be checked for proper operation
- You can also try other AC solutions if you have checked that everything is fine.
Why is my air conditioner not cooling the house?
It is not unusual to have uneven temperatures in your home. There are some common causes for higher energy bills or different temperatures in your rooms.
You have not set your thermostat properly
Checking your thermostat is one of the easiest things you can do. Your AC will not work if your thermostat is incorrectly set. Make sure that it’s not set on heat or too high.
Your air filter is dirty
A dirty air filter can block the airflow and cause all sorts of problems. When your air conditioner cycles on and off in short bursts, it does not complete a cooling cycle. Filters that are clogged make your AC unit work harder. This results in higher energy bills, and uneven cooling of your home. This can even lead to your air conditioner not working. You can avoid future problems by regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter.
Blocked vents reduce air flow
Blockage of supply vents is another possible reason why your AC unit doesn’t produce enough cold air. Make sure that there are no dirt or dust accumulations in your vents. This could be blocking airflow. Furniture, toys, and closed dampers could also be causing the problem. Rearrange your furniture to keep it away from the registers. Also, check for any obstructions that have accidentally fallen into your ducts.
Why is my air conditioning fan not working?
Why is my air conditioning fan not working?It could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or it could be more complex. Your HVAC system will not cool your house if your air conditioner fan stops working.
Burnt out Condenser Motor
The motor of an air conditioner is not a complicated part, but it is essential to keep your home cool. The fan is subjected to heavy wear and tear, which can result in a burnt-out motor. A motor problem can be indicated by intermittently running fans, blades that turn slowly, or a non-turning fan. You will need to contact an HVAC technician at this time. Regular maintenance, as well as reducing dust and dirt in your system and the surrounding area can help prevent AC fan motor failure.
Capacitor Failing
The capacitor is not a device that can travel in time. The start and run capacitors send energy to the motor fan and power the AC unit when needed. These tiny but powerful workhorses ensure that your AC unit does not grind to a halt. You may hear your AC humming without it starting. This is your start cap telling you that it’s time to call an HVAC professional. Your run capacitor may be failing if your AC system is intermittent, shuts off randomly, or delays AC. This is not something that you can do yourself. You can call an HVAC technician.
Condensate pump is failing
It is easy to check the condensate pumps yourself. Condensate pump lifespans are usually shorter than those of air conditioners or furnaces, as they can be used for cooling and heating. They usually come with a test button. Press the test button and make sure that there is water in the basin. The furnace will stop running if the condensate pumps are not working properly. A pool of water may form wherever the furnace is located (e.g. basement or attic). Basement or even worse, attic.
Why is my air conditioner making noise?
When they’re working properly, air conditioners are relatively quiet. When they finish a cycle, they can make a little noise, but if suddenly they start hissing or squealing – or clicking, or rattling – it’s time to investigate. If you hear rattling, banging or clicking it could be that something is loose. Buzzing can indicate an electrical problem. Your air conditioner is screaming for help if it makes any kind of noise. Call an HVAC technician to assess the system and turn off your AC.
Why is my air conditioner not turning off?
Why is my air conditioner not turning off?It is also possible that your air conditioner will not turn off, but not come on. This can be a sign. Your system will be under a lot of strain if your air conditioner is always blowing. This can lead to higher energy bills and shorter lifespan. Other things may be causing the problem, such as a thermostat set too high.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
It could indicate that there is a leak of refrigerant. Your AC system will continue to run indefinitely if it can’t reach the ideal temperature for your home. It is important to deal with this problem immediately. Call an AC repair expert immediately after you turn off your system.
Condenser Coil Dirt
Yep. This dirt can wreak havoc on your entire system. The condenser coil is responsible for dispersing heat outside of your home. Heat will build up inside your air conditioner if dirt is present. This heat will keep the system running until it reaches the cooling temperature that your thermostat calls for.
Can I Reset My AC?
Professionally installed ACs do not usually have reset buttons. While power surges or outages are rare in the Pacific Northwest they can cause your AC to stop working. However, as long as there is power, it will usually come back on.
It’s still a good idea, however, to check both your AC and furnace circuit breakers after a power failure. It’s vital to check your AC and furnace circuit breakers. If the thermostat is blank then the furnace may not be working.
Reset your circuit breakers and turn your AC off using the thermostat. Wait 30 minutes before you turn it back on. Call in a professional air conditioning contractor in Knoxville TN if you’re still having problems.
When to call an HVAC professional
Safety should always be the top priority. If you’ve hit a brick wall with your troubleshooting, it’s time to call a professional. If you “limp on” your system, it could cause more damage and increase the cost of repair. When in doubt, shut down your HVAC system and call an HVAC contractor immediately.
If you need help troubleshooting an air conditioner, J.C.’s Heating and Air can inspect your system to determine the repairs that are needed. We can help you avoid costly breakdowns and save money by performing air conditioning maintenance. Schedule your next tune-up to eliminate the hassle and stress of maintaining your system. We’re available to help you with any issue.
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