The most common causes of central air conditioner service failures include a clogged air filter, a broken thermostat, ice build-up, and a lack of proper ventilation. To fix these issues, set your thermostat to AC mode and lower the temperature setting. If the furnace fan doesn’t run, try resetting the furnace circuit breaker. If the fan still doesn’t work, try resetting the furnace circuit breaker.
If your central air conditioner won’t turn on automatically when it’s not working, it may be as simple as replacing your air filter, spraying debris out of your exterior air box, and setting a proper temperature. Central air conditioners have two basic components: the evaporator and condenser. To repair your central air, follow these steps:
- Get a meter, tool bag, and gauges.
- Check the condenser coil for cleanliness.
- Verify the fan motor and/or capacitor.
- Clean the filters and evaporation coil.
- Check the blower motor belt.
It is essential to replace the filter if necessary. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, decreasing efficiency and reducing the unit’s ability to function properly.
To troubleshoot and fix common air conditioner problems at home, follow these steps:
- Set your thermostat to AC mode and lower the temperature setting.
- Check the charge of the condenser unit at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock.
- Remove any leaves or grass from the area around the compressor.
- Turn off power to the condenser unit at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock.
- Follow a DIY guide for central AC repair to learn how to fix common issues and identify signs of significant issues that need professional repair.
📹 #1 AC Problem With Central Air Conditioning Not Cooling
Is your central air conditioner blowing hot or warm air and not cooling down your house? There is one easy fix you can try that …
How do I reset my central AC not blowing cold air?
To fix an AC unit that is not functioning properly, follow these steps:
Shut off the power to the condenser, disconnect the unit from the power supply board, wait 30 minutes, and then plug it back in. Ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” and switch the breaker back on.
If the unit still doesn’t work, it may be due to a power supply issue or a dirty filter. Our technicians can help identify the problem and resolve it.
If the AC unit still doesn’t work after power is restored, try following these steps to see if it works. If the issue persists, contact our technicians for further assistance.
How often does a central air conditioner need to be recharged?
Recharging a home air conditioner is not a predetermined schedule, but most systems can get by with Freon replacement every two or five years. However, there is a significant exception when there is a leak in the air conditioning system, which decreases the amount of refrigerant in the AC unit over time. Therefore, you shouldn’t add Freon unless you’re repairing or replacing AC coolant. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out to Blue Valley Heating and Cooling.
They know how to check the refrigerant level in air conditioners, check the coolant in your HVAC, and add coolant to an AC unit. They will deal with any and all HVAC issues, leaving your system up and running again in no time.
How do I fix my air conditioner not working?
Troubleshooting a broken air conditioner can be a frustrating experience, especially on a warm day. To fix the issue, follow these troubleshooting tips:
Check your thermostat, air filter, emergency shut-off switch, inside unit’s power switch, drain pan and lines, reset button, and icy buildup.
The compressor is responsible for squeezing cooling fluid into a low-pressure gas, causing it to become tightly packed. This results in higher temperatures and energy production. The fluid exits the compressor as a high-pressure gas, moving to the condenser, which functions like a radiator, helping heat dissipate quickly.
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- If these methods don’t work, it may be time to consult an HVAC professional. If these methods don’t work, it may be time to seek professional help.
Why is my central AC running but not blowing air?
If your air handler is running but not blowing air, it’s likely due to a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making mechanical sounds, it’s likely a motor issue. If the motor is running but not moving air, it’s possible to check if the blower belt is broken. DIY savvy homeowners can tackle this, but it requires opening the air handler and replacing parts.
To check the exterior compressor, inspect the refrigerant coils around the condensing unit for dust, dirt, or ice buildup. If so, defrost or thoroughly clean them to remove the buildup. While many homeowners prefer a professional to handle this, DIY-inclined individuals can handle this with some research.
How do you service an air conditioner step by step?
When servicing your air conditioner, your technician will perform several steps, including switching power to the unit, cleaning and oiling the condenser fan motor, washing the condenser coils and fins, topping up the refrigerant, cleaning or changing the indoor filter, and servicing the AC ducts. DIY air conditioner servicing can save you money and stress by creating a preventative maintenance schedule and ensuring your unit runs efficiently all year round. However, it is best left to professionals with the necessary tools and experience. In Dubai, the different tools and techniques used by an AC maintenance technician include:
- Switching power to the unit: Switch power to the unit.
- Clean and oil the condenser fan motor: Clean and oil the fan motor.
- Washing the condenser coils and fins: Wash the coils and fins.
- Topping up the refrigerant: Top up the refrigerant.
- Clean or change the indoor filter: Clean or change the indoor filter.
- Service the AC ducts: Service the AC ducts.
Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling my house?
Dirty filters can cause air conditioning units to not cool effectively due to the accumulation of pollen, dust, and pet dander on them. Regular cleaning can resolve this issue, but if the unit still doesn’t cool after cleaning, it may be due to other issues. Chronic neglect of filter changes can lead to more serious issues. Low refrigerant levels can also cause the AC to not cool effectively, often due to leaks in the refrigerant lines. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help ensure the AC’s cooling capabilities.
How do you know if your central air is not working properly?
The air conditioning equipment is exhibiting a number of malfunctions, including weak or irregular airflow, anomalous noises, disagreeable odors, and the presence of moisture or puddles in the vicinity.
How to service a central air conditioner?
To maintain your HVAC system, turn off the power, clear debris, clean and replace filters, check and clean evaporator and condenser coils, straighten coil fins, unclog drain channels, verify proper airflow, level the unit, and hire a professional when necessary. If your unit blows warm air, makes unusual sounds, or leaks, it may be time for a tune-up. DIY methods can be used to clean individual components, and it’s important to determine when to call professionals. Split AC installation costs can range from $3, 700 to $11, 000.
How to fix a leak in a central air conditioner?
If your air conditioner is leaking, it’s usually a mechanical issue due to lack of maintenance. Dirt or debris can interfere with the air conditioner’s production and drainage, leading to leaking or flooding. To address this issue, turn off the unit before inspecting it, as it may not be safe to work on a unit that is actively running. Clean up any water that has leaked out of the air conditioner, as standing water can cause damage to the surrounding area.
If the air filter is dirty, it’s essential to replace it. Check refrigerant levels, unclog or replace the drain pan, and call an HVAC professional if necessary. This will help prevent further damage to the air conditioner and ensure safety during the repair process.
Why is my central AC not blowing cold air?
To ensure proper airflow in your air conditioner, check for dirt and debris in filters and coils. Run the air conditioner with the fan to melt ice accumulation. If the AC doesn’t blow cold air, it might be due to low refrigerant levels. As a COVID-19-aware company, we sanitize all materials and tools, and mandate masks for our technicians. We prioritize client comfort during this uncertain time and don’t “slap or swap in” HVAC systems. Our professional HVAC contractor team follows local and state codes, ensuring you get more than you pay for. We are licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure your home’s safety.
How do I fix my central air myself?
The article provides five steps to repair an air conditioning system:
Check all breakers and fuses. If the AC unit is not functioning, it may be due to a lack of power. If the circuit supplying the AC unit is not on, flipping the circuit breaker may resolve the issue.
Check for clogged or dirty filters. If the air filter is clogged or dirty, change it and try turning the AC system on again. If the issue persists, contact an AC company for repairs.
In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of taking five troubleshooting steps when an AC system stops working before contacting a professional. By following these steps, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your AC system is functioning properly.
📹 How To Fix An AC Unit That Is Not Turning ON! TOP 3 REASONS WHY! DIY
On this episode I’m going to show you How To Fix An AC Unit That Is Not Turning ON! I’ll show you the TOP 3 REASONS WHY!
❄ Other articles For Reference: Top 5 A/C Problems: youtu.be/GOXgdnRB840 Complete A/C Troubleshooting Guide: youtu.be/wzAA4dlp_70 How to Replace a Capacitor: youtu.be/9ZGfvC-PMWU How to Replace a Contactor: youtu.be/qHZc9wWAF4c How to Replace Condenser Fan Motor: youtu.be/gGFTd2dmgxg How to Replace A/C Control Board: youtu.be/hijUExXrcm8 How to Replace a Thermostat: youtu.be/1mJkjrwxdP4 How to Program a Thermostat: youtu.be/uun8HJhM3h4 How a Thermostat Works: youtu.be/Z4T9H-6VPtI How to Check Freon Level: youtu.be/dExFtP-nXTw How to Wire A/C Condenser Unit: youtu.be/KCanZEsLVEI How to Read A/C Wiring Diagram: youtu.be/I-sB4GIlbl4 How an Air Conditioner Works: youtu.be/cRnzYJ4qmWE When Should You Replace A/C: youtu.be/Z7vUOySOWbM 15 Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips: youtu.be/pBBnXHse-T0 Should You Get an A/C Inspection: youtu.be/JqNsEzb__qs
Heat index is 109 degrees out right now. Just got back home from a work trip and asked the wife if the AC feels like it’s not cooling. She said it felt fine this morning, but I knew something was off. Thermostat was set to 75 but inside temp was 80. This was the first article I came across. I did it exactly as you instructed. Kicked the breakers back on and BAM! Instant cold air coming into the house. Oh what a relief. Great article!
I can not thank you enough for this article. Today is 109 and yesterday I noticed the ac not blowing cool air and it was squeeling. We tuned it off and hosed down the outside (that was definitely clogged) It got down to 67 this AM and we bumped the thermostat up to 69 as it was a little too cool. It took a good 12 hours for it to cool the house from 79 to 67. You saved me!
I have a 3.5 years old boy . He’s your fan. Recently I discovered he watched some of your articles. And he just watch over and over. He’s so much into all kinds of electrical appliances, washers, dryers，dishwasher, ac, fans, hairdryers, etc. he wonders how does them work, different part’s name… often after he watched articles, he tries to tell or ask me or his dad tons stuff. A lot is really beyond me or his dad‘s knowledges. Maybe this boy has some kind of talent . I’m not sure. We live in Eustis fl. I was looking maybe engineering class for him. Unfortunately so far I didn’t find any yet. He’s too little for all kinds engineering class I have found on line. I post this hope there’s similar kids and maybe I can get more information from their parents.
Thank you! There are a lot of HVAC companies that do not have the competency to share what you have in your articles. So glad I found your website! It would do a lot for the HVAC industry if they required their contractors to watch your articles. I had a contractor make a repair and burn my outside unit up. I have a 5 yr old system now and just had a tune-up, now it is running poorly. He probably messed something up. I am afraid to call an HVAC company to look at it. I will trouble shoot following your tips. Thanks!
Hi Jay! Your articles have saved me tons of time and money! I love your explanations! Thank you so much for all you do!! Question: My A/C recently lost power. We had a tech come out and he told us it was a bad control board. He replaced that and we still had no power. I did some research and found out that we actually had a bad transformer. So I switched out the 24v transformer supplying power to the control board. Voila! We got it running again! Unfortunately, now it on works in the “ON” position and not on “AUTO”. Also if I run it in the on position, the blower fan will turn off after a few minutes. I’m hoping the “tech” that came out didn’t mess something up or wire the control board incorrectly. Could my thermostat be the problem? Any ideas?
I thank God I ran across this article.. I will be doing this for the 1st time and I will also be oiling the fan motor. I’m scared but your easy-going voice and your article explained in detail and showing me where everything is gives me much more confidence. I’m in San Antonio and it’s very hot and humid here. Plus I have a heart condition and I’ve been in my house with it 89 degrees for the past two days with no AC.
I have a 3 year old home and moved into it just 2 years ago. Did no maintenance on it but did do some cleaning of the outdoor unit. and I change the filter every 3 months. Recently I am having problems with cooling as the temperature is over 100F. I opened up to where the A coil was and noticed that it was frozen. The tray was full of water and it was not draining properly. I cleaned out the drain pipe and got it flowing and ran the fan which melted the ice and the flow seems fine now but I’m still not getting cool air from the registers and the unit will not cool the house enough to keep it even to 75. It will only go up and run all day and into the night with an increase up to about 79-80 degrees. I replaced the capacitor as I suspected the compressor is not starting all the way. I feel that the air above the fan on the outside unit is cool in places ( I understand this should be warm or hot air) and only warm in about 1/4 of the outflow. Will a hard start kit work for me? I will order one and see if you think this is a good fix. Thanks.
Solved the puzzle a totally different way, never paid attention to the times on the clocks, nor number of bananas…only determined what the clocks and bunch of bananas must be to =10, then went to work solving for unknowns. Perhaps I should have had on my readers. 😊. Anyway, thanks for the article. Will go check my unit’s condenser shortly.
Yesterday I accidentally dropped a screw for the electrical section cover on my York Stellar compressor unit inside the unit. I thought it wouldn’t be difficult to remove the fan and hang it somehow while I fished out the screw. However, I couldn’t figure how to hang the fan either over the side or on top without breaking the wires to the fan, bending the fan blades, or damaging the cooling fins. Any good advice would be appreciated.
Here is the issue. Compressor stops to run after several hours. Every time I call an HVAC guy compressor is running like it should. And since the problem is intermittent it’s hard to re-create while the HVAC is there. Do you think HVAC pressure switch is bad ? Why does it Randomly shut off for few minutes and cut back on?
This is out of context from this article but I’m having issues with my unit. Basically my unit stops dripping water after a while and blows air through the drain line which I have also noticed that the air that comes inside the house looses pressure. No the drain line isn’t clogged I cleaned it and I still have the same issue. I have to turn off the unit for about an hr. Then I’ll turn it back on works for about 1-2hrs and does it again. What could it be?? Your advice will be really appreciated!!!
Hi and thank you for the article. I have a vicious problem with my AC. I have one unit that is split between 1st and 2nd floor with a thermostat in each floor. If I turn both thermostats on, the AC works for a short time then stops. Then temperature starts rising without the unit kicking back on. When I turn one thermostat on, and the the 2nd one off, the AC works longer then stops and won’t turn on again, then temperature at the house will keep rising. What I do, I turn off the thermostat that was on and turn on the other thermostat upstairs that was initially off. The unit will start working again (sometimes not) works for sometimes, then it stops. Then temperature rises without the unit kicking back on. So, I turn it off then turn on the downstairs thermostat. This is a temp solution, but does not work all the time. I do not know what to do. The unit still works. The freon level is good. Have you had similar issues? Thank you for your help. Zak
When you didn’t have air and your apartment “fixed” it and it lasted 4 days so you’re trying to figure out y is this, even tho u changed the filter that’s been there for a few years, because they didn’t, and it’s still not working. I hope they can consider articles like these if they aren’t sure wat they’re doing.
JAY!! You got me again! I live not only for your articles, but for you puzzlers! I was CERTAIN I had this, but no…. 🙁 :::::: Great episode on cleaning the condenser. I don’t think most people undersrtand the function of the “fins.” To dissipate heat and a good part of the reason that they should not be slammed together. You might also mention the “fin combs” I’ve seen over the years. Nevertheless Jay, you’re a welcome sight on my computer monitor any time. God Bless and take care my friend. Best!
My answer to the puzzle is 241.15. So what is the answer? Unfortunately, I had already cleaned my condenser unit when it wasn’t cooling earlier last month. Fixed it. Did the Delta Test. Results were 24 differential. Enjoyed the cooling for 17 days, then one evening I noticed it was giving me any cool output. Now what?
Thanks for the article Jay! I have a weird thing going on with our ac unit. 99% it works/sounds fine but sometimes and only after it has been running for hours continuously. Sometimes we hear a thump and then a much louder buzing noise afterwards. It seems still to be working but I typically just shut it off and back on in 30 minutes and it then sounds normal again. It looks like it’s coming from the outside unit. And maybe the compressor? I know the blower fan looks fine when this has occurred.
I can’t find the right article and wish you could answer. I leave my ac on auto cool and when it reaches set temp it just keeps running it doesn’t stop, turn off and on, just stays on. Is it a bad thermostat. You already helped me once before it be crazy awesome if you knew a common problem for this. Thanks!! I love you’re website, learning alot.
I cleaned my unit, replaced new filters and even replaced the capacitor because the fan wasn’t spinning. It worked great for a whole season. Now it doesn’t blow cold air. Cleaned again. Do you think it’s low on freon? Unit is 15 years old, but my neighbors still have their original unit so trying to squeeze a few more years. If it’s the freon is this something I can try? BTW I learned from you articles. Thank you.
My Frigidaire has the reverse problem. The compressor? won’t stop blowing cool air. Even when I turn up the thermostat to 90. Even when I turn the a/c off, the compressor stays on drawing power from the outlet. I have to unplug it to turn off the compressor, which turns off the a/c. I suspect that there’s something wrong with the thermostat or worse. I bought this casement a/c in 2013, so it’s not new or very old. My a/c has no reset button.
Excellent article as always. I have a Rheem unit in an apartment. I changed the 40mfd capacitor today, the compressor seems to be running fine. however couple of strange things I noticed: compressor is blowing cold air out instead of hot air and the the temprature on thermostat is not coming down. Local guy tech guy told us to use to do a hard start using 500% Suppco SPP6. I still have tried that option. I changed the filter too. Can you please let me know what could I check and why the compressor is blowing cold air out?
Jay I was able to check the temperature before the Evaporator and after with a digital thermometer and after a while at each side I got 71.1 before and 41.1 after evaporator. Thats 30 degrees difference. Could this be right? Now the problem I am getting is when I set thermostat to 74 it drops temp but doesn’t turn off, at 75 it turns off and turns on by itself. What could it be? Thanks Mark
One of the biggest scams in HVAC are capacitors…The power cell which jump starts your Compressor. They last at best 2 seasons. They cost about $20. The smiley service people will charge you ten times that to replace one (in about 10 mins). Lesson here is to wathc this article to see how you replace one…then have a spare at your building for when it does fail. You get a warning its failing if its been 2 yrs and you start to notice less efficiency from your unit. Just go ahead and swap out the old for the new. The fan motors on the unit also have these capacitors…so have those skus available as well. Warning signs the fan motor caps are going is less airflow. There ya go saved you hundreds of even thousands of $$ you can use to pay the plumber.
I see it’s one of top comments. About discharging the capacitor. Watched your article and found it very helpful. I had to watch another article to figure out microfarads on my multimeter. In doing so I learned that these capacitors, if working properly, will hold a charge and you want to discharge them before messing with them. I found your article very well done but don’t recall if this was mentioned. Figured I’d say something, maybe you can add this if it’s not already in your article.
Wow!! Excellent tutorial! Before I remove that safety panel, do I need to make sure my fuse box a/c circuit breaker is turned OFF? Do I also need to make sure the thermostat inside is set to OFF (not cool or heat) too? FYI My thermostat clicks as if it wants to turn on, but the unit outside seems to not be getting ANY power (no sound at all, blades not turning… really quiet). Also a week ago my A/C made a loud grinding noise for about about 20 minutes when it came on… something was DEF awry😬… wondering if an iguana got up in there🤔
I called a professional and the first thing they tried selling me was a membership. Then they quoted me the job for $4k and that was with the warranty. I chatted with my parts person at work and she was able to point me in the right direction. She concluded that it was the capacitor with all the information I gave her. The vendor quoted me items that did not need to be replaced because there weren’t any leaks, what a rip off! Thankfully I watched the mechanic when they came to troubleshoot and learned from that. However, this article has given me the confidence to do the work myself, now I just need to find the parts, since I would like the OEM parts for this unit, if I can’t find them, then I’ll go with the article’s suggestions. Thank you for your article!!!
I wish you lived in my state. There are so many HVAC folks that really don’t care about cheating a person by overcharging. My HVAC was almost new and they purposely cheated me from the beginning. One came out from the company that installed the unit, he went outside to the unit, I asked where are your diagnostic tools. He said we don’t use anything like that, as if I was retarded. You explain things concise and easy to understand.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I live in Las Vegas. I have two units. I replaced one for the upstairs 2 yrs ago and it stopped working. After perusal your article I ordered capacitor from Amazon…1st ordered 330 when I needed a 440. Same day delivery corrected that. And my son installed. We both learned from you and you saved me $$$. THANK YOU!
My fan isn’t blowing at all. No power to the unit at all from what we see. It was working days ago. Heat was working..ac wasn’t. Someone replaced the thermostat..ac worked. Seemed to fix it. . Woke up today, now nothing is working. Nothing blowing. Unit isnt on. Nothing… Circuit breaker fine….we reset it to be sure. replaced fuses to be sure. Checked the heat pump circuit breaker as well. Have no idea what’s going on. 😢
You have given me hope. My a/c will cool, but the outside fan does not turn on. Now that I know what the capacitor looks like I will see what it will cost. The estimate to repair from the company that installed the unit was $500-1500. I was stunned that the capacitor alone would cost over $500. I so appreciate this article. I decided to look for solutions after I cancelled the service call, because I didn’t have the money for repair. I will check the circuit breaker, and will get info off of the capacitor now that I know what to look for. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
If your capacitor is not good will that cause your furnace not to function as well?! All of a sudden my ac our furnace won’t turn on. I hear my thermostat clicking on by nothing no air nothing. I checked from my furnace jumping r and y blower comes on and from r to g fan comes on, I gagged 24 volts to the furnace. I pushed in the contact at the condenser fan and compressor comes on. I’m not getting any reading when I’m checking the capacitor like you showed breakers and fuse? I have a duel systems.
Good article, except You didn’t warn people about not touching multiple prongs on the capacitor so that they do not get electrocuted or how to short it out, and you also should be real careful about what looked like a brown recluse spider on the top of that capacitor and exterminate for any more- especially with that child helping out. 👍👍👍👍
I have an issue 4 techs have been unable to fix. New compressor, new capacitors, drains well, filter clean, has coolant, etc…however… Outdoor unit runs for most of the day, but by the time we get home it’s shit down and the indoor unit is still running. Been doing this for WEEKS and every day I have to reset the unit by tripping the breaker off/on (the unit itself isn’t tripping the breaker). It seems that the two units aren’t in sync so one tech replaced the capacitor on the indoor unit, thinking it wasn’t kickstarting the outdoor unit. So, the outdoor unit feeds coolant to the indoor unit and the indoor unit might not be on, see the coils probably freeze, etc. NO one knows why one or the other works, but not both at the same time…