Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner: Tips To Get Your System Going Again

The accumulation of wear and stress will cause your air conditioner to eventually have problems. When your cooling system isn’t working like it should, try some of the following troubleshooting suggestions to see if they can get your air conditioner going again.

Air conditioner won’t run at all

• Check to make sure the unit is plugged in and receiving power.
• Test the power outlet by plugging in another device to see if it works.
• Check to see if a fuse has been blown or a circuit breaker has been tripped. Replace the fuse or reset the breaker.

If the breakers continue to trip, there may be a dangerous electrical problem that needs immediate expert repair. If the problem is with system components such as the compressor, evaporator, thermostat, wiring or electronic controls, professional repair will also be necessary.

The fan is on but there’s no cool air

• Make sure the thermostat is placed on the proper setting; if the controls are set to fan only, for example, the air conditioner won’t produce cool air.
• Listen for the compressor to make sure it’s running. You should be able to hear it humming or making sound as it operates.
• If you have recently mowed or edged the grass around your outside unit you may have accidentally cut the small control wire feeding the outside unit.  This will cause the unit not to run.  You need a professional service tech to repair the wires and make sure they are connected and working properly.

This problem could be caused by issues with the compressor, evaporator or condenser. Bad or damaged wiring, malfunctioning thermostat or controls, and damaged capacitors could be the culprit. The system could also be low on refrigerant. Contact your trusted HVAC repair source for assistance.

Air isn’t cool enough

• Use a thermometer to check the difference in temperature between air going into and coming out of the inside unit. There should be no less than a 15-degree difference and no more than 20.
• Make sure no panels have come open on the inside equipment or openings to the outside drawing in hot attic air.
• Make sure the outside unit is free of obstructions and can breathe easily.  Shrubs, grass, or anything growing up and blocking the airflow around the unit can cost you in capacity and efficiency.

If the problem is with the unit’s compressor, contact a professional for repair.

You can count on CCAC, Inc. to provide quality HVAC services for your South Texas home. We serve homeowners in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend. Contact us today for more information on troubleshooting problems with your air conditioner and for expert repair service when you need it.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Mathews CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!