Troubleshooting an Unresponsive Air Conditioning System
When your air conditioning is not working, it can be a frustrating and uncomfortable situation. However, before calling a professional HVAC repair person, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem yourself. This guide will walk you through the basic steps to take when your AC is not working, helping you determine whether you can handle the issue or need to call in a professional.
Step 1: Clean the Necessary Components
Before diving into potential electrical or mechanical issues, start by cleaning the air filter, the outdoor condenser coil, and the indoor evaporator coil if they are clogged with lint or debris. Similarly, clean the indoor blower wheel to ensure optimal airflow. Check for any blockages in the air vent registers and clear them if necessary. If the cleaned system still obstructs its airflow by freezing the evaporator coil, consult a professional for a refrigerant fill level or other issues.
Step 2: Check Electrical Components and Thermostat
Begin by checking the fuses or circuit breaker to see if they are tripped or blown. If not, consider that the breaker or fuse may have tripped due to a simple reason such as a dirty condensing coil. Next, check the circuit breaker emergency on/off switch and the thermostat battery. If you need to be more technical, use a volt ohm meter and knowledge of your specific HVAC system to further diagnose electrical issues. In such cases, it is best to call an HVAC technician.
Step 3: Verify System Connections and Drains
Check the circuit breaker, disconnect, and ensure the thermostat is set correctly. Verify the condensate drain float switch. If all these components check out and the issue persists, it's time to call an HVAC service company. As an owner, you've done everything reasonable you can do to fix the problem on your own.
What If It’s Just Too Hot?
Before jumping to a solution, consider factors that might be contributing to the high temperature. For example, while it might be 100% humidity outside, the temperature might still be quite bearable. Remember, as the temperature increases, the air's capacity to hold moisture decreases, so the perceived heat may not be as intense as you think. However, if it's truly too hot and your AC is not working, you may need to call a professional HVAC repair person.
DIY Fixes and Professional Help
Often, your AC malfunction can be due to simple reasons like a clogged furnace filter or an unclean outdoor unit. Neglecting to change the filter for a year, or not cleaning the outdoor unit for multiple years, can cause significant issues. If you're up for the challenge, clean the filters and the outdoor unit yourself. However, if the task seems daunting or you find yourself in over your head, it's best to hire a professional. Cleaning the outdoor unit thoroughly can be a messy and time-consuming task, involving numerous screws and the need to reattach various parts correctly, which can be quite challenging even with a helper.
In deeper issues such as a failed circuit breaker, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty capacitor, professional help is undoubtedly necessary. If the issue turns out to be a simple fix, take note of the technician's advice and ensure you maintain the system through regular maintenance to avoid future problems.