At Supreme Service Today, we know at the end of the summer, the last thing you want to do is pay for a service call on your air conditioner. With that in mind, our service team came up with this list of troubleshooting tips to hopefully help you fix it yourself without having to call the professionals. Of course, we’re just a phone call away if you do need us.
In July, we gave you tips on what to do when your AC freezes up, but there are other problems your air conditioner can have that we’ll cover here. Follow these step-by-step directions for what to do when your AC won’t turn on, your AC runs, but won’t blow air, or your AC blows warm air.
Problem: Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
Step 1 – Check that the filter is clean. In newer air conditioners, if the filter is dirty, it can cause the whole system to shut down. Clean or replace the filter if it is dirty. We recommend that you change your filter every month for best performance.
Step 2 – Check the thermostat first. Make sure it is set on cool. If it is set on heat or off, your air conditioner won’t kick on. Also check that the temperature hasn’t accidentally been bumped up to a point that the air conditioner thinks it doesn’t need to turn on. Lastly, check the thermostat batteries and try replacing them with fresh batteries.
Step 3 – Check your electrical panel. Make sure the breaker hasn’t been tripped. If it has, reset it. If this fixes the problem, know that it’s only temporarily, and you still need to call a professional. Your air conditioner may be overheating or short circuiting which are serious problems.
Step 4 – Check your AC’s power switch to make sure it’s on. There’s usually a switch in your attic, closet, or crawl space near your air conditioner that can shut off power to the unit.
Step 5 – Check the power switch on the outdoor (condenser) unit to make sure it’s on. Most air conditioners have a shut-off switch near the outside unit. It’s usually a metal box that’s hanging on your house.
If these steps do not get the AC running again, it’s time to call for help.
Problem: Your AC Runs But It Doesn’t Blow Air
Step 1 – Look for a broken belt. If the motor is running but the fan doesn’t move, the belt that connects the motor and the fan is probably broken. Turn off the unit, remove the door and look for a broken belt.
Step 2 – Lubricate the fan. Some fans and their motors need oiling, while others have sealed bearings. Check your maintenance manual, and if recommended, oil the bearings.
If these tips don’t seem to fix the problem, call a professional air conditioner technician like the technicians at Supreme Service Today.
Problem: Your AC Runs But Blows Warm Air
Step 1 – Remove the door on the front of your unit and look for ice. If you see ice, turn the fan on only and let it thaw. It may take an hour or two to thaw and it may freeze again after running. If it freezes up again, you’ll have to call a professional.
Step 2 – Check the condensate drain. This is a plastic drain pipe that comes out of the side of your air conditioning unit. It drains the condensation away from your indoor unit to the outside of your house. Because it is filled with water, mold and bacteria can build up and the water can back up into your home. The blockage will cause the AC to fail. You can clean the condensate drain with a shop vacuum.
Step 3 – Make sure the outdoor compressor is working. Turn the AC on and listen for the compressor to kick on. Check to make sure the fan is turning. Look for an override button or reset switch (not all models have them). Clean the outdoor compressor. Use a stick or screwdriver to try to spin the fan clockwise. It should spin freely. Sometimes nudging it will give it enough of a boost to get it running. If that’s all it took, you have a bad capacitor and a technician will have to replace it.
If none of these steps worked, you probably have a refrigerant leak and you’ll need to get a refill from a professional to get your air cool.
We hope these tips will save you a service call. If you have any questions, give Supreme Service Today a call at (410) 846-6751.
