On occasion, problems and malfunctions can occur that will keep your air conditioner from cooling properly. Here are some troubleshooting tips you can use to help locate the trouble. Some of these suggestions may allow you to avoid the expense of a service call.
- Check control settings: An error at the control panel could interfere with cooling operations. Make sure the air conditioner hasn’t been set to fan only, where it produces airflow but no cooling. Check the thermostat to ensure the temperature controls haven’t been set to a high temperature that prevents the unit from kicking on. See if circuit breakers at the main panel or on the unit have tripped and then reset them if they have.
- Listen for components to work: Listen for the sounds of internal components working. You should be able to hear the compressor turning off and on or making a humming sound at it operates. If there are no sounds coming from inside the air conditioner, some or all of the internal components may need professional attention.
- Provide adequate clearance: The air conditioner needs an unobstructed source of airflow to cool properly, and if this airflow is choked off, cooling will suffer. Clean debris and vegetation away from the outdoor unit. Trim trees, bushes, shrubs and other vegetation to provide at least two feet of clearance around the unit and at least five feet of open space above it.
- Check for refrigerant leaks: Your air conditioning system requires a manufacturer-specified amount of refrigerant to provide proper cooling. Refrigerant circulates through the system, capturing and releasing heat as it changes from liquid to gas and back again. Refrigerant maintenance will require a technician. Have the technician check the refrigerant lines and connections for leaks, seal any he finds, and then charge (refill) the refrigerant to the correct level.
More than 30 years of experience makes Ace Hardware Home Services Inc. one of the leading heating and cooling service providers in Dayton and the surrounding area. Contact us today for more information on air conditioner troubleshooting and for reliable, expert maintenance and repair services when you need them.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about troubleshooting tips and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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