How To Troubleshoot Air Conditioner Problems

Have you ever noticed that your air conditioner often decides to malfunction at the worst possible time. Like for example would be during an extremely lengthy heatwave. You certainly would prefer that it not happen like that but if it does, there are some simple trouble shooting steps you can take. Below you will find a list of things to look for when trying to determine your air conditioning problem. This can go a long way in saving you some money on your air conditioning repairman.

Part One:Unit not working or not on...

1 - Make sure the thermostat is on (if its digital you will see something on the screen)
2 - If the Screen is blank, make sure the batteries are good. If not, install new ones. If they are good or the thermostat is not powered by batteries, go to step 3
3 - Check your breaker to see if it is tripped, if so reset breaker and see what happens (there is a reason it tripped and this is a time to call your service tech. if not got to step 4
4 - See if your disconnect or units are in the on position, if not turn them on, if they are on, you might want to see if the control fuse is bad.
5 - This might be something for a service tech to check, as there is always a reason for fuses to blow.

Part Two:Unit on and not cooling.

1 - Always make sure that your thermostat is on or reading. If not check the batteries.
2 - If your unit is on, check to see if the outdoor unit is on. Compressor located inside your outdoor unit and fan should be on.
3 - If the fan is turning it might be hard to hear the compressor. A good test to see if all is working is to put your hands on both the copper lines leaving the unit (Split Unit). The smaller line should be warm and the insulated larger line should be cold. If the larger line is not cold or sweating, you have a problem and a service tech is needed.
4 - If the smaller line is hot and the larger one is somewhat cold, turn off the unit and wash the outdoor unit condenser coil and restart. If this does not work, its time to call a service tech.

Part Three:Unit not cooling. Larger line iced up outside.

1 - If your unit is not cooling and you noticed the larger suction line (insulated) frozen all the way back.
2 - Turn your outdoor unit off and circulate the fan only to defrost the system.
3 - There is a reason it is iced up: Dirty Filters, Low on Refrigerant, Bad indoor fan motor.
4 - Dirty Filters: Replace filters and turn back on after all ice has been thawed from indoor coil.
5 - Low on Refrigerant: Call a service tech to leak check, repair leak (or replace leaking component and charge system up.
6 - Bad Fan motor: Call service tech to replace.

We hope this gives you a good idea of what to look for if your air conditioner starts to malfunction.