My Air Conditioner is not Working Right. Can I Diagnose it Myself?

There are many reasons why your air conditioner might not be working properly, and there a few things you can check for before calling a professional. Some of these tips on troubleshooting the issue could save you time, money and hassle in the hot summer.

Dirty Air Filter

As time passes, the air filter collects dust to keep from getting into the unit itself. The ability of air to pass over the coils and take the heat is a direct link to how effectively your AC can cool.

Some of the air conditioning problems caused by a dirty air filter include:

• low airflow
• refrigerant lines have ice
• the evaporator coil is frozen
• water leakage from the AC
• AC is struggling to reach a set temperature
• the energy bill is higher than normal
• equipment failure

Try changing out the air filter to see if it helps. Regular checks of the air filter can prevent total equipment failure. 

Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you actually control the temperature of your house. Sometimes, this could be the source of the problem. Check your programming and settings and make sure they are correct (and don’t be afraid to check your user manual). If the settings are correct and everything else looks right, know that old thermostats, faulty wiring, or dust inside the unit could all keep it from working properly. Make sure the thermostat is working correctly first by cleaning it, making sure it is reading the accurate temperature of the room and see if it can turn on the heat. 

Circuit Breakers

After verifying that the thermostat seems to be set correct, you may need to check the circuit breakers to see if the breaker has been tripped. If it’s not set to the ON position, then adjust the breaker and try running the AC again. If it repeats, there is most likely a deeper issue. The circuit breaker is a protection and detects any overload of power, which could result in a fire. For your safety, if this keeps happening, call a professional as it is not something to ignore.

WARNING! Never repeatedly reset a breaker that is continuously tripping. This is a major fire hazard! Your breaker is telling you that there is an overloading on the circuit and the breaker is tripping to prevent the wires from overheating.

Outdoor Unit

A dirty outdoor unit can also cause common AC problems such as higher than normal energy bills, warm air coming from the vents, not enough cooling, and frequent AC repairs. If there is a thin layer of dirt on your outside AC unit, gently remove it with a water hose. If there is a very thick layer of dirt, you may need to call in a professional to deep clean. 

Air Vents

Some of the following issues may occur from a blocked or closed air vent:

• AC is struggling to cool the home
• refrigerant lines have ice
• the evaporator coil is frozen
• water leakage from the AC
• compressor is damaged
• blower motor problems
• increased duct leakage and higher AC bill

If you have tried all of the above steps to troubleshoot the AC and are still having problems, it’s best to call a professional who will be able to diagnose the issues and provide the best course of action.

Forensic Engineering Specialists

Engineering Specialists Inc. has nearly 30 years of field experience in analyzing the damage to vehicles, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. We can work on any project in any state, nationwide. When you or your business needs to confirm the extent of damage or how to correct a problem, email us at office@esinationwide.com or call us, toll-free, at (877) 559-4010.