how do you know if your central air is broken

How to Know if Your Air Conditioner Is Broken

• Check the Power If your air conditioner isn't turning on, you might simply have a tripped circuit or a blown fuse. ...
• Turn on the Fan One way to determine whether or not your central air system is getting power is to turn on the fan. ...
• Thermostat Troubleshooting Central air conditioners run off of your home's thermostat. ...
• Other Troubleshooting Tips ...

Full Answer

How do I know if my air conditioning is broken?

The most obvious sign that your air conditioning is broken is that you’re starting to feel uncomfortable in your home as the vents start pumping out warm air. That’s a big, hot problem.

How do I know if my central air system is working?

Your furnace may have a fuse that's necessary to operate the blower. Locate and check that as well. You'll be able to tell it's burned out by a dark spot in the glass portion of the fuse. One way to determine whether or not your central air system is getting power is to turn on the fan. You'll find it right next to the "auto" switch.

How do I know if my air conditioner is out of Freon?

How To Know If AC Is Out of Freon AC is running, but the home isn’t cool You might feel warm air flowing through the vents, or you might notice that your AC is weaker than it used to be. If air flow seems fine, but the air coming up isn’t cool, then you likely have a refrigerant problem.

How do I know if my thermostat is broken?

The most common signs of a broken thermostat are: The thermostat display is off or is non-responsive when you try to adjust it. The display on the digital screen is faded or incomplete. The furnace or air conditioner does not respond when you adjust your thermostat. The heat or AC stays on without stopping once the desired temperature is reached.

What does it sound like when you have a central air conditioner?

How to tell if a blower is on or off?

Why does my air conditioner shut off?

How to check the voltage of a thermostat?

What to do if your air conditioner isn't working?

How to tell if a fuse is blown on a thermostat?

What to do if your central air conditioner quits?

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How can I tell if my central air is working?

Head out to your unit to investigate thoroughly but carefully. If your unit is outdoors, you should be able to hear and see if the fan is on. If you can see or hear the fan moving in your unit and you feel air at the top, your blower is working, and you can rule it out as the problem with your unit.

What to check if central air stops working?

If your air conditioning system just isn't turning on then we suggest you run through a few things before calling in an HVAC expert:Make sure the outdoor breaker fuse is positioned correctly.Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker.Confirm that your thermostat is switched on.Check for a clogged air filter.More items...•

How do you test a central air unit?

First, locate the closest supply air duct to your indoor AC unit. Then use a thermometer, even a refrigerator thermometer will work, and tape it just inside. Let your Air Conditioning run for about ten minutes then check and record the temperature.

What would cause central air to stop working?

Some of the most common reasons a central air system stops working include: coolant has run too low, the air filters are blocked or dirty, the coils are frozen over, or there is an electrical issue.

Why would AC suddenly stop working?

If your air conditioning unit has stopped working, there are many possible reasons that can explain why. It could be your thermostat, your air filter, a problem with the condenser or compressor, or it may just be time to replace the unit, especially if it's over 10 years old.

How do you reset a central air unit?

How do you reset your AC unit?Turn off your air conditioning system using the thermostat. ... Search for the breaker box. ... Shut off your AC unit at the breaker. ... Wait at least a full minute before switching the breaker back to the “on” position.Wait for 30 minutes before turning your unit back on at the thermostat.More items...•

What to check if AC is not cooling?

The following are a few things to check when your air conditioner is not cooling your space.Check and reset the thermostat. ... Replace the dirty filter. ... Clear the clogged condensation drain. ... Try to diagnose duct malfunctions. ... Clear the area around the compressor.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.

Is there a reset button for central air unit?

Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. These buttons tend to be red and quite small. If you're having a tough time finding it, consult your owner's manual.

How do you reset a central air unit?

How do you reset your AC unit?Turn off your air conditioning system using the thermostat. ... Search for the breaker box. ... Shut off your AC unit at the breaker. ... Wait at least a full minute before switching the breaker back to the “on” position.Wait for 30 minutes before turning your unit back on at the thermostat.More items...•

Where is the reset button on central air unit?

Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don't see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.

How do you diagnose AC problems?

The Issue: Your AC Turns on But Isn't CoolingCheck the thermostat to make sure it's working properly.Take a look at the condenser to see if it's dirty or blocked. ... Clean and/or change your filter (We recommend once a quarter.)See if any ice has formed on the coils. ... Check and/or clean the outdoor compressor.

What does it sound like when you have a central air conditioner?

If you have central air conditioning, you’re probably used to the comforting sound of it clicking on followed by a rush a cool air coming through the vents.

How to tell if a blower is on or off?

Check your thermostat to see if the fan is turned on. If the fan is turned off, try turning it on using your thermostat. If the air handler starts to run, you know the blower is still getting power. If the fan doesn’t turn on, you might have a blower problem.

Why does my air conditioner shut off?

Another reason your air conditioner may shut-off is due to high pressure. On an extremely hot day, the high-pressure switch of your air conditioner may trip, shutting off the compressor. You may be able to fix this problem by flipping the circuit breaker off, cooling the air conditioner compressor with water from a hose, and then switching the breaker back on. Some central air conditioners have two circuits: one for the outside (condensing) unit and one for the blower unit; make sure to check them both.

How to check the voltage of a thermostat?

Pull the thermostat off of the wall and check the wires with a multimeter to determine the voltage.

What to do if your air conditioner isn't working?

If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, the first thing to check is your thermostat. As a first step, make sure your thermostat is in cooling mode and set to a comfortable temperature.

How to tell if a fuse is blown on a thermostat?

Take off the face of the air handler. Inside, you should see a small box that’s screwed closed. Remove the screws to access the wires. Look for a 5 amp buss fuse. When this fuse goes out, it often causes your thermostat to go blank. If the fuse is blown, it simply needs to be replaced.

What to do if your central air conditioner quits?

If and when your central air conditioner decides to call it quits, be sure you are checking the power supporting your unit, the circuit breaker, and the inside components of your unit. Oftentimes the problem may just be a simple fix.

Why does my AC make a whirling noise?

AC units typically make the same whirling noise when they’re running. However, if you hear knocking, hissing or other strange sounds coming from your central cooling system or AC unit, this is another indication that something is wrong.

What does it mean when your utility bills spike?

A spike in your utility bills doesn’t always mean the appliance is operating inefficiently, as energy prices like electric and oil go up based on the market. However, if you’re seeing an abnormally high spike in cost, it’s worth looking into. Has the electric company simply risen their prices? Or are you using more energy than normal to remain comfortable? If you’ve checked with your energy company and the cost is not proportionate to what you’d normally pay, then you most likely need work done on the air conditioner.

Why is it important to maintain an HVAC unit?

With temperatures that often reach over 90-degrees, they are hot and they are humid. If you want to keep comfortable in these extreme temperatures, it’s so important to maintain your HVAC unit. Regular maintenance helps to prevent unexpected breakdowns and replacements.

What does it mean when the thermostat is turned down?

If you turn down the thermostat, but the temperature remains the same or even climbs, then you could potentially have a problem with your cooling system. It could mean power isn’t reaching the AC unit or the signal is getting lost from the thermostat to the unit.

How to tell if central air is getting power?

One way to determine whether or not your central air system is getting power is to turn on the fan. You'll find it right next to the "auto" switch. If you switch the fan to "on" and the fan starts, you know the blower is getting power. You may still have a thermostat problem or a more serious problem with the air conditioner itself. If the fan doesn't go on, you might have a blower problem.

How to tell if furnace blower is out?

Your furnace may have a fuse that's necessary to operate the blower. Locate and check that as well. You'll be able to tell it 's burned out by a dark spot in the glass portion of the fuse.

How to fix a clogged air conditioner?

If it's clogged, it might cause your air conditioner to malfunction. Try finding and removing the panel covering the condenser coils. If the coils are dirty or blocked, then a central or room air conditioner won't work efficiently. If a room air conditioner is dripping water, make sure the pan that directs the condensation through a drain tube and out the back of the unit is seated properly. Room air conditioners have a thermostat sensor behind the control panel. Make sure the sensor hasn't been knocked out of position or damaged. On central air units, if the air filter is clogged, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner is reduced. The air filter will be located near your furnace.

What does it mean when your air conditioner is not working?

But when air conditioning fails to work properly, it can mean several hot, sleepless night s waiting for a service call. While the cool air will be a welcome relief, ...

Where is the thermostat located on a room air conditioner?

Room air conditioners have a thermostat sensor behind the control panel. Make sure the sensor hasn't been knocked out of position or damaged. On central air units, if the air filter is clogged, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner is reduced. The air filter will be located near your furnace.

Do central air conditioners run off of thermostats?

Central air conditioners run off of your home's thermostat. Check the settings to make sure someone didn't inadvertently move it off "cool" or "auto.". Also, check the temperature to make sure it didn't get changed inadvertently. Modern, programmable thermostats run off of battery power.

Can you troubleshoot an air conditioner?

Troubleshooting your air conditioner while you're waiting or before you even make the call might get the cold air blowing again. Even if you need to call a technician, it will be good to have an understanding of what might be wrong with your air conditioner.

Most Common Problems

Central air conditioner not working? Use our troubleshooting guide to learn how to fix the problem yourself. Begin by entering the model number in the search box to see the parts causing the issue with your central ac. Then choose the symptom that best describes your issue and review the list of causes.

The Right Parts for the Job

We carry more than 4 million parts from over 175 major brands, so chances are, we've got the part you need.

What to do if you see ice on your refrigerant line?

Do not delay if you see this: it can cause severe damage to your unit. Call your local HVAC technician immediately if you see ice forming on the refrigerant line!

Why is my AC not cooling?

AC is running, but the home isn’t cool. You might feel warm air flowing through the vents, or you might notice that your AC is weaker than it used to be . If air flow seems fine, but the air coming up isn’t cool, then you likely have a refrigerant problem.

Why does my air conditioner run out of freon?

The only way an air conditioner runs out of freon is if there is a leak in the pipes that carry refrigerant from one part of the unit to the other. Freon is not used up: it simply changes state from gas to liquid. Freon should never escape the pipes.

Why does my refrigerant line freeze?

Ice buildup on refrigerant line. This happens because the evaporator coil cools down too much, causing cold refrigerant to flow back into the system. This creates low surface temperatures which causes condensed water vapor in the air to freeze. Do not delay if you see this: it can cause severe damage to your unit.

Why is my refrigerator leaking?

Oftentimes, it’s due to a compressor going out, or the motor slowing down, or a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks are one of the more serious problems, as this is not something you can fix on your own. You need a trained professional to address refrigerant leaks.

Why is an air conditioner important?

Without an air conditioner, your summer months would be spent in a hot, humid home. But sometimes, ACs stop working as well as they used to.

Can Freon escape copper pipes?

Freon should never escape the pipes. However, leaks happen.Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, however almost all of them are outside of your control. Formic acid: Formic acid is a corrosive acid that can wear on the copper tubing and cause pinhole leaks.

How long does an air conditioner last?

Even the nicest, most expensive unit won’t last forever. Your air conditioner should last 10 to 15 years, depending on the model/brand and proper maintenance. If you’re pushing that timeline, it might be time to buy a new unit soon.

Is a leak a good sign?

Leaks are never a good sign, whether with your plumbing or your A/C unit. Small amounts could be just condensation. A large pool or discoloration could indicate a more serious issue, like a refrigerant leak. 5 / 10.

Why does my AC keep going on?

The heat or AC stays on without stopping once the desired temperature is reached . This could be a problem in the wiring or faulty thermostat calibration.

Why is my thermostat still broken?

If your thermostat still seems broken, there’s a good chance it’s a bigger problem than you initially thought. It could be a wiring issue or a problem with the furnace or AC itself. Let Ambient Edge help you.

Why is my furnace not heating up?

A broken thermostat is more than an annoyance – it could quickly cause your house to get uncomfortably hot or cold, and it often leads to substantial energy waste as well.

How to clean a thermostat?

To clean, brush the inside gently with a dry, clean paintbrush or similar soft tool. (Compressed air also works, but follow all safety instructions on the can.)

Can you injure yourself with a thermostat?

Wiring safety: Newer, high-tech thermostats often have complex wiring setups. If you don’t have at least a passing knowledge of wiring and electricity, you could injure yourself or damage the thermostat.

Can a thermostat be installed incorrectly?

Potential for expensive errors: If your thermostat is installed incorrectly, it may not work reliably. It could cost you more, in the long run, to have a technician come out to repair and reinstall the thermostat than the initial installation would have required.

What does it sound like when you have a central air conditioner?

If you have central air conditioning, you’re probably used to the comforting sound of it clicking on followed by a rush a cool air coming through the vents.

How to tell if a blower is on or off?

Check your thermostat to see if the fan is turned on. If the fan is turned off, try turning it on using your thermostat. If the air handler starts to run, you know the blower is still getting power. If the fan doesn’t turn on, you might have a blower problem.

Why does my air conditioner shut off?

Another reason your air conditioner may shut-off is due to high pressure. On an extremely hot day, the high-pressure switch of your air conditioner may trip, shutting off the compressor. You may be able to fix this problem by flipping the circuit breaker off, cooling the air conditioner compressor with water from a hose, and then switching the breaker back on. Some central air conditioners have two circuits: one for the outside (condensing) unit and one for the blower unit; make sure to check them both.

How to check the voltage of a thermostat?

Pull the thermostat off of the wall and check the wires with a multimeter to determine the voltage.

What to do if your air conditioner isn't working?

If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, the first thing to check is your thermostat. As a first step, make sure your thermostat is in cooling mode and set to a comfortable temperature.

How to tell if a fuse is blown on a thermostat?

Take off the face of the air handler. Inside, you should see a small box that’s screwed closed. Remove the screws to access the wires. Look for a 5 amp buss fuse. When this fuse goes out, it often causes your thermostat to go blank. If the fuse is blown, it simply needs to be replaced.

What to do if your central air conditioner quits?

If and when your central air conditioner decides to call it quits, be sure you are checking the power supporting your unit, the circuit breaker, and the inside components of your unit. Oftentimes the problem may just be a simple fix.