Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting

You can troubleshoot several common air conditioning problems on your own.

Nothing is worse than a busted air conditioner in the middle of a hot summer. Sometimes the air conditioner is on, but won't blow cold air. Other problems include a quickly changing temperature, a severe drop in temperature, leaks, noises or a unit that simply refuses to power on. A series of routine checks can solve most of these problems, but if none of these suggestions work, you'll probably need to hire a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Owner's manual
• Soft brush
• Vacuum
• Screwdriver
• Wire
• Lubricant

Instructions

1. Turn off the unit and pull the air conditioner's main switch on your breaker. Remove any debris that could be clogging your outdoor condenser, such as scraggly bushes or loose leaves. Unscrew the grille from the compressor, avoiding any wires behind the grille. Clean the fins on the fan with a soft brush. Vacuum the fins using the brush attachment. Use a hose with a trigger grip attached to gently spray any dirt or dust from the fins. Cover inside wiring with a plastic garbage bag.

2. Lubricate the motor if your owner's manual calls for the action. Reassemble the grille and turn your thermostat to the "off" position. Reset the switch on the breaker and turn on the unit. Feel the pipes that connect the air conditioner to ensure that one is warm and the other is cool.

3. Check for a switched breaker or blown fuse if your air conditioner won't turn on and reset the fuse. Check the furnace power switch and the outdoor condenser's power switch to make sure they are still intact. Take off the thermostat cover and unscrew the Y terminal wire. Turn the power back on and hold the wire by the insulation. Touch the exposed end to the R terminal and wait a couple minutes. Call a technician whether or not the compressor kicks on because this is a wiring problem.

4. Check all the tubes leading from the air conditioner if you are finding leaks around your air conditioning unit. Replace any leaky tubes. Check the pump to ensure that it is plugged in and working properly. Ensure that the pump is emptying the water pan. Replace the pump if there are any issues. Open the discharge tube by unscrewing the valve. Move the ball inside to check for any obstructions. Remove any blockages. Use a wire to remove any ice or algae that may be blocking the tube.

5. Examine ducts and belts in your system if you hear strange noises. Replace any loose flaps or belts. If the sound is coming from the motor in the unit, it must be replaced by a technician. Call a technician if none of these methods fix your air conditioner.

References

• Home Tips: Central Air Conditioner Repairs
• HVAC for Beginners: Air Conditioner Troubleshooting --- Before You Call the Repairman...