No cool air
Is air coming out of your registers? If yes, go to step 8. If not, go to step 1.
1. Is the thermostat calling for cool? The temperature adjustment must be set lower than the actual room temperature. Set it at least 5 degrees lower for now. You can reset it later.
2. Is the system switch in the cool position? Not all thermostats have this switch. Some are designed for cooling only. Try setting your fan mode switch to the continuous (or on) position. If the furnace blower does come on and you have airflow but still no cooling, then go to step 8. If not then continue with step 3.
3. Is the furnace blower running but no air is coming out of the registers? If yes, then you may have an iced-up coil. Go to "coil icing" for more information.
4. Is the SSU switch in the on position? This switch is usually located somewhere on the outside of your furnace or on the wall or ceiling near your furnace. Some switches may not have the fuse holder on it or some may not have the switch lever, having a fuse holder only.
Is the fuse in the fuse holder good? The only sure way to tell is with an OHM meter. If you are unfamiliar with these--and many people are--than buy a new fuse at a local hardware store. Be sure to get the exact same style and amperage rating as the old one. CAUTION: It is best to turn the on/off switch off before removing and replacing a fuse as 110 volts may be present in the fuse holder. Install the new fuse in the fuse holder and then turn the switch back on.
5. Is the breaker on in your electrical breaker panel? Most furnaces have a dedicated circuit from the breaker panel. Be sure it is in the on position.
6. Is the furnace blower door panel installed correctly on your furnace? Most furnaces within the last 20 years or so have blower door interlock switches. If the door is not in place properly, then all power to the furnace is disconnected. Some filters are located in the blower compartment, so if you have recently changed a filter, double-check to see that the door is in place.
7. If there is airflow coming out of the registers, then you need to look at the outdoor condensing unit. If nothing is running then continue to step 8. If it is running, then we can assume there is power to the unit. Look for icing at the indoor coil and the outdoor condenser. If there is ice, go to "Coil Icing." If there is no ice at this point, please call a qualified technician.
8. Go to your electrical breaker panel and verify that the AC breakers (it should be a double breaker with two switches) are in the on position. To make sure that they did not trip turn them all the way off and reset them to the on position.
9. Check the disconnect switch and/or fuse which is normally located on the outside of the condenser or on the outside wall of your house. If there is a switch or breakers, be sure it is in the on position. If there are fuses, you can try to replace them with the exact same style and size. CAUTION!!!! THE DISCONNECT BOX CONTAINS 220 - 240 VOLTS OF ELECTRICITY. IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR ACTIONS, STOP AND CALL US!!!
If you still can't restore your cooling, then call us. We'll dispatch a technician promptly.
Not enough cool air?
Are some rooms colder or hotter then others? Here are some possible conditions to look at that may help you out.
Is the filter clogged?
A dirty filter can dramatically reduce airflow. A blower that has dirt caked on its blades will also have the same effect. You should be able to replace and clean your own filter but we do recommend that you call us to clean your blower and/or furnace. It's easy to damage the components or unknowingly impair the operation of your furnace.
Are the supply air registers open to their maximum capacity?
Sometimes registers get closed by rambunctious children or even pets. Registers can be closed down or shut completely to try and adjust airflow to certain rooms but this should be done with caution since closing too many may be detrimental to furnace operation.
Are your return air grills clear?
These are the larger grills usually located in the walls. They should have at least 2 inches of free space in front of them. It's easy to push furniture right up against them thus restricting the airflow into the duct system.
Is your thermostat set properly and, more importantly, is it accurate?
Some can and will become out of adjustment. Also every person's body chemistry is different. 78 degrees might be fine for you but may not be comfortable to your neighbor. Other things to look for are heat or cold producing items near the thermostat such as lights, refrigerators, stoves, TVs,and stereo systems. These items can fool the thermostat into shutting off or coming on when the rest of the house is not at the right temperature.
Are all the doors and windows shut tightly?
Fresh air is nice, but it reeks havoc on your comfort.
Is your house winterized?
An excellent investment in any home is upgrading insulation, windows, doors and caulking and sealing cracks and joints throughout your house.
Signs of trouble?
Does something not seem right to you? Here are some signs of trouble.
Are there signs of ice at either the indoor furnace and evaporator coil or the outdoor condenser? Go to AC Icing.
Do you notice any strange noises? Explosion sounds, bangs, or any other unusual sound can be a sign of potential or current problems.
Is your air conditioner cycling wrong? If it seems to be going on and off very quickly or staying on for a long period of time then there may be an adjustment problem somewhere.
Air Conditioning Icing
Possible icing locations
1. Evaporator coil - In order to see the coil itself an access panel may have to be removed.
2. Refrigerant piping - Look where the piping enters or leaves the coil or condenser.
3. Compressor - Some compressors may be visible without removing access panels.
4. Condenser coil - Once again a panel may have to be removed for inspection.
What to do if you do find an icing situation.
1. Shut off the air conditioner - turn thermostat system switch to off or set thermostat setting higher than room temperature. Set fan mode switch to auto.
2. Allow all ice to melt. This may take hours so proceed to step 3 while you are waiting.
3. Be sure all supply air registers and return air grills are open and clear.
4. Remove and clean or replace your filter in the furnace.
5. When running your AC do not attempt to cool the house below 72 degrees especially at night when the outdoor temperature is low. These conditions can contribute to icing.
6. After all ice is melted turn system back on.
7. Set thermostat at 75 - 80 degrees and allow system to run.
8. If icing reoccurs, call a qualified technician.
If you still have problems with your air conditioning unit, we're just one phone call away.
