The summer season is long this year. So the use of air conditioners has become essential. After a long day at work, we come home to sleep peacefully after switching on the air conditioner. But sometimes your air conditioner will not cool for some reason. It may make you feel anxious about the cost you need to spend on air conditioning repair. But do not worry, the sooner you repair it the less cost you have to spend. You can find out how to troubleshoot your air conditioner here. There are many DIY solution tips that will help you to troubleshoot Air Conditioner on your own.
Before that understand the anatomy of a central air conditioning system.
Therefore let’s start the process of DIY Air Conditioning Repair.
AC has Cooling Issues: Air conditioner Troubleshooting Tips for Beginners
If you are not acquainted with the technical terms used when troubleshooting AC then the tips below will help you. Sometimes we tend to call a technician for the issues that we can solve on our own. Therefore if your AC experiences any issues first check if it is an issue which you can repair ac on your own. Then without spending money you can troubleshoot the AC. So follow the tips here.
Ensure If Thermostat is Set Well
Sometimes when you set the thermostat well your air conditioner problem will get solved. It is as simple as that. Also if it is set incorrectly you have to set it to the air conditioning setting. When it is set in heat you will get only hot air. So set it in the correct settings.
Check If AC Remote is Working
We operate the AC with the AC remote. But sometimes this remote may not work properly. So we may be thinking that there is something wrong with the AC. Therefore check if there are any issues with it.
Change The Air Filter
If the filter gets very dirty then the AC will not give cool air. Therefore you have to change it soon. Today the modern air conditioners are very susceptible to get dirtier than the old ones. Therefore you have to keep it in check and clean it from time to time. Also sometimes you have to replace the air filter with a new one for the AC to work properly. This is one troubleshooting method you can do on your own.
Check The Air Vents
Ensure if all the air ducts and vents are clean. If they get clogged with dirt and debris then it will be hard for the AC to cool. So simply clean the vents by removing them from the AC and cleaning them. You can use soap and water to do it. Also you need not call a technician to do this job for you as this is an easy job to do.
Have A Look at Circuit Breaker
Check the circuit breaker also. If the connection between the AC and the circuit breaker has been tripped then the AC will not work. Therefore you can check if the connection is proper or not.
Also read: Ways of Fujitsu Air Conditioning Service to Improve Functionality and Energy Savings
DIY Air Conditioning Service Repair Tips
1. Cool air is not Coming out of AC Conditioner
If your AC system is not working properly then the air will not come out of it. Therefore for this, you have to check if all the vents of the AC are open or not. Also, check if the thermostat is set right. Then check the air filter if there are any clogs or debris. These can stifle the airflow from the AC. They may freeze the evaporator coils and then the ice and frost will not allow the air to flow.
You have to clean the filter with a brush, soap and water. So do this process every time you find dirt and debris in the filter. This will help your AC air to flow well. Further, this will ensure cool air flow out of your AC. There may also be problems with the motor of the air conditioner. But these cases require an HVAC repair technician. They are well-equipped for Air conditioning repair.
2. AC not Cooling Properly
First of all, you have to check if all vents are open. If one is closed then it can make it difficult for the AC to cool every part of your house. Also, this is one common problem experienced by AC users. Only in some parts of the room or house, the effect of the AC will be good. So all the vents must be open in AC otherwise the warm air in the room will mix with the cool air.
AC may also not cool properly if it is installed in the wrong area. Also if the AC size is improper for your home it may not give coolness to all parts of the room. That is why these cases are important when using an air conditioner. When an air conditioner is too small for your room it will be hard for it to cool properly. As a result, it will suffer many issues from time to time.
3. Water leaks from AC
Sometimes water can leak from your AC and it can ruin your home. This happens when the condensate drain line clogs up so the water will leak in your home. You have to call an HVAC repair technician to solve this problem. They will repair the damaged pumps to stop the leakage.
4. AC leaks Water after Switching Off
If your AC has a dirty filter, the system will freeze. Then, after you turn off the AC, the frozen water will melt and leak outside. So when it happens, remove any costly furniture or gadgets from the AC. They may get damaged because of water leakage. You can try cleaning the filter and placing it again. If the leak persists, then it is time to call the HVAC technician. There may be a blockage inside the AC. This can only cause AC water leakage.
5. AC not Turning On
If your AC is not turning, there may be a problem with the thermostat. Check the thermostat, and try turning it on again. But if it does not turn on, then call an HVAC repair technician. They will check the HVAC system, as it may have to be changed or repaired.
6. AC Fan not Working Inside
If the AC indoor fan is not working properly then your AC will not cool the room. Check if the breaker has not been tripped. Then if it is alright you have to check the air filter. If you find it blocked it is time to fix it. You can do it yourself by cleaning the filter. If there is ice on the evaporator line then allow it to melt. Then check if the fan is working or not. Sometimes the problem is due to the frozen coils. For this, you have to call the AC Repair technician.
Step by Step Tips to Solve Air Conditioner Issues
There are some steps you can follow to solve the air conditioner issues. But you have to know some basic things about the AC to do it otherwise it is best to call the technician. But some issues are easy to follow. Here are the steps you can do on your own to fix the AC.
1. Shut Off the Power
- First of all, you have to open the electrical box next to the condensing unit. Then pull the disconnect block out.
- Now check inside the box by using a voltage sniffer to check if the power is really off.
2. Cleaning the Condenser Coils
- You have to aim your garden nozzle in the condenser coil to remove the crud build-up.
- Then clean the crud around the coil. Now flush the debris under the coil fins with the nozzle.
- Now make the water flow gently out of the nozzle. Shoot water directly into the coils to remove the remaining dirt and debris.
3. Testing the Fuses
To examine the fuses in the disconnect block you have to set the multimeter to the low Ohms scale. Now touch the red and black leads that are on the opposite ends of the fuse.
- If you get a reading then the fuse is good.
- But if there is a zero, infinity symbol (∞) or minus then the fuse is blown.
4. Examining the Access Panel
- To discharge the dual start or run capacitor you have to take off the capacitor from the retaining bracket.
- Now touch the insulated screwdriver between the HERM and COMMON.
- Next, perform the same action between the FAN terminal and C terminal.
5. Replacing the Capacitor
- You have to take a photo of the wires before taking them off. So you will know how to put them back.
- Then discharge the energy from the old capacitor.
- Now make use of needle-nose pliers to take off one wire at a time from the old capacitor. Then you can snap them onto the new capacitor.
- Check if all the connectors are tight. If they are not you can remove the connector and bend the edges to make them tight.
- When you change all the wires you can secure a new capacitor.
6. Replacing AC contactor
- The price of an AC contactor is $25. It is a mechanical relay that utilises low voltage power from the thermostat. Then it offers 220-volt high-amperage current to the condenser fan and compressor.
- You can swap the old AC contactor with the new one.
- Now tighten the connectors.
- Place the new contactor in the AC unit.
Conclusion
These are some of the troubleshooting tips you can follow to solve the air conditioner not cooling problems. But there are only some things you can do to fix your AC. Also, others require the help of a good technician. So call a professional air conditioning repair agency for their assistance if your AC requires it.
Also read: 6 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacement or Repair
