When the hot summer days start to roll in, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner.
A broken central air conditioner can make your home uncomfortable and even cause health issues.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.
In this step by step guide, we will cover how to check the thermostat, replace the air filter, clean the outdoor unit, troubleshoot further issues, inspect electrical connections, check refrigerant levels, and when to call a professional.
Read on to learn how to get your central air conditioner running again!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To fix a central air conditioner, first check to make sure that the condenser unit outside of the home is clean and not clogged with debris.
Make sure that the power supply is connected correctly and that the thermostat is set correctly.
If the unit is still not functioning properly, inspect the evaporator and condenser coils to make sure they are both clean and free of debris.
If the coils are dirty, clean them with a soft brush or vacuum.
If the problem persists, check the capacitors and contactors for any signs of damage.
If necessary, contact a professional for repair services.
Checking the Thermostat
When it comes to fixing a central air conditioner, one of the first steps you should take is to check the thermostat.
It is important to make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature, as this can have a huge impact on the performance of your air conditioner.
Additionally, you should also make sure that the fan is set to the auto setting, as this will ensure that the air conditioning system is running at its maximum efficiency.
If these settings are not correct, you may find that your air conditioner is not working as efficiently as it should be.
If these settings are correct, proceed to the next step.
Replacing the Air Filter
Replacing the air filter is an important step in fixing a central air conditioner.
This should always be done if the air filter is dirty or clogged.
An air filter is responsible for capturing dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air that passes through it, so when it becomes clogged, the air conditioner will not be able to work efficiently.
To replace the air filter, start by switching off the power to the air conditioner.
Then, locate the air filter, which is usually located in the return air duct or filter grille.
Carefully remove the old filter and then insert the new filter.
Make sure the filter is inserted correctly and that the arrows on the filter are pointing in the right direction.
Finally, switch the power back on and check if the air conditioner is working properly.
Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
Cleaning the outdoor unit is an important step in troubleshooting any air conditioning issue.
Not only will it help ensure your system is working efficiently, but it can also help prevent any major issues from arising in the future.
To clean the outdoor unit, begin by turning off the power to the AC unit.
Then remove any debris that may be around the unit, such as leaves, dirt, or other material.
Next, use a garden hose to spray the unit in order to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated.
Finally, use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or debris.
This will help ensure that the unit is running as efficiently as possible, and can help avoid any major issues down the line.
Troubleshooting Further Issues
If none of the previously mentioned steps have fixed your central air conditioner issue, it may be time to troubleshoot further.
The first thing to do is to check the condenser unit.
This is the outdoor unit that helps transfer the heat from inside the house to the outside.
Check to make sure the fan is running properly and that there is no debris blocking the fan or the condenser coils.
If the fan is not running, then it may need to be replaced or cleaned.
Next, check your air handler.
This is the part of the system that circulates the air and is usually located in your attic or basement.
Make sure that the fan is running properly and that the filter is clean.
If the filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.
If these steps do not fix the issue, it may be time to call in a professional.
A professional can diagnose the issue and determine what needs to be done to fix your central air conditioner.
They may recommend replacing the unit, cleaning the coils, or repairing any electrical connections.
In any case, it is best to contact a professional for help if you are not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself.
Inspecting Electrical Connections
When it comes to troubleshooting central air conditioners, its important to inspect the electrical connections.
This can be done by checking for loose wires, burnt out fuses, or by testing the voltage of the connections.
If any of these issues are present, they need to be addressed immediately to ensure that the air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.
To inspect the electrical connections, you’ll need to first turn off the power to the unit.
Once the power is off, you can locate the electrical panel and inspect the connections for any signs of wear or damage.
If you find any loose connections, they can be re-tightened using a wrench.
Additionally, you can check the fuses for any signs of burning.
If any of the fuses appear to be burnt out, they should be replaced with a new one.
Once you have inspected and tightened the electrical connections, its important to test the voltage of the connections.
This can be done with the help of a multimeter.
To use a multimeter, youll first need to select the voltage setting.
Once the setting is selected, you can touch the positive and negative leads to the two wires you are testing.
If the voltage is not within the appropriate range, it is best to contact a professional to replace the unit.
Inspecting the electrical connections of your central air conditioner is essential for ensuring that it is running as efficiently as possible.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily troubleshoot any issues that might be present with the unit.
If any of the steps are beyond your capabilities, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.
Checking Refrigerant Levels
If none of the basic troubleshooting steps outlined above have solved the problem with your central air conditioner, it may be time to check the refrigerant levels.
Refrigerant is the substance that helps cool the air in your system, and if it is not at the right levels, your AC wont be functioning properly.
Checking the refrigerant levels is a job best left to a professional, as it involves taking apart the system and checking for leaks.
If there are no leaks, the technician can add more refrigerant to the system, which should fix the issue.
If there are leaks, they must be repaired before any more refrigerant can be added.
After a technician has checked and replenished the refrigerant, the system should be running properly again.
Calling a Professional
When it comes to fixing a central air conditioner, it is often best to call a professional for help.
Not only will a professional be able to accurately diagnose the problem and provide an effective solution, but they will also be able to do so in a timely manner.
A professional will be able to quickly assess the issue and determine the best course of action to take, whether it be repairing the unit or replacing it entirely.
Additionally, they will have access to the proper tools and parts to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Furthermore, a professional will be able to provide advice on how to maintain and care for the unit, ensuring it runs properly for years to come.
By calling a professional to fix the central air conditioner, you can rest assured knowing that the job will be done right the first time.
Final Thoughts
Fixing your central air conditioner does not have to be a daunting task.
By following these simple steps, you can make sure your air conditioner is running efficiently and effectively.
Start by checking the thermostat and air filter, then move on to cleaning the outdoor unit and troubleshooting further issues.
If all else fails, call a professional to inspect the electrical connections, check the refrigerant levels, and help you make the necessary repairs.
With this step by step guide, you can make sure your air conditioner is up and running in no time.
