How to Troubleshoot Trane Commercial Air Conditioning Units

Trane has been in the air cooling and heating business since 1910. The company's products are efficient and durable, and are found in businesses and homes worldwide. The commercial units are designed to last for many years; however, as with most machinery, wear and tear can and does occur. Before calling a Trane service technician to service your units, run through a basic troubleshooting checklist. Problems can include lack of refrigerant, defective thermostats and wiring issues.

Instructions

1. Check the electrical panel, if the air conditioning unit will not operate at all. Look for breakers that have tripped and any blown fuses. Replace fuses and reset breakers as needed. You may need to flip the breaker off and on a few times before it clicks into place. Make sure any replacement fuses are the same amperage as the old ones.

2. Set the Trane's thermostat to a few degrees lower than the room temperature, if there is insufficient cooling. Turn the thermostat off for one to three hours if the indoor unit is running but the outdoor unit is not. This should reset the system. If the unit runs all the time it could be trying to reach a set point that is too extreme. Check to see if the thermostat is set too low in summer, or too high in winter. Readjust the thermostat accordingly.

3. Clean the air filter if there is little or no air flow. Gently knock the air filter on your hand to dislodge dirt or debris.You can also use a vacuum to clean the filter. Make sure to vacuum the area around which the filter is situated.

4. Ensure that the condenser is receiving outside air that's of a normal temperature, and that another unit is not blowing hot air into it. Inspect the supply and return ducts for leaks. They could be drawing in warm air from outside.

5. Verify that there is sufficient freon, or coolant, in the unit. Place your hand on the copper tubes beside the condenser. If the tubes are warm to the touch, the unit could be out of freon. Have a Trane service technician fill the unit with freon.

6. Inspect the wiring between the thermostat and the unit, if the thermostat is operating correctly but the Trane is still not cooling. Ensure that the wires to the condenser unit and fan relay are secure.

7. Remove the compressor terminal cover and check the terminals, if the compressor fails to operate. The terminals may have burned off. Have a Trane technician replace the burnt wires and terminals.

References

• Trane: Troubleshooting Your Heating and Air Conditioning System
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Guide: Air Conditioning Troubleshooting