How to Diagnose Central Air Conditioning Problems

The central air conditioner that has been installed in your home is designed to keep you and your family cool when temperatures rise during the summer months. However, as with all mechanical devices they sometimes break down or stop working properly which will require you to diagnose the problem. You can easily diagnose a problem with your central air conditioning system by following steps to find the cause.

Instructions

1. Check to make sure that you have not blown a fuse or tripped the circuit that is used for the air conditioning unit.

2. Look for a blown fuse on your fuse box or a tripped circuit. You may need to replace a fuse or reset the circuit breaker on the breaker box.

3. Check the fan blades in the unit if they are making a lot of noise. The fan blades must be clean and there should be no debris in the unit.

4. Look for frost build-up on the unit, especially around the evaporator coils. Turn off the air conditioner and allow the frost to melt if it starts to appear on the unit.

5. Clean your ducts if air does not seem to be circulating properly. The cold air return may have a lot of lint or dirt built up that prevents air from circulating.

6. Clean or replace the filter that is used with your air conditioner unit. A dirty filter will not allow enough air through the system to cool properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Frost can build up on the air conditioner if it continues to be used when temperatures outside begin to drop to around 60. Clean out the air conditioning unit every spring before you need to have air conditioning. Routine maintenance or cleaning will keep your unit functioning properly.

• Turn off the air conditioner before checking the blades on the unit. If you are uncertain as to the cause of the problem with your central air conditioner you may need to call a repair man to look at the unit.

References

• Understanding and Maintaining Your Central Air Conditioner
• Central Air Conditioner Problems