what to do when your air conditioner goes out

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Few things in life are every bit irritating as your air conditioner acting upwards on a hot summertime day. Simply before you option that phone upwards to spend difficult-earned money on a potentially-unnecessary service call, in that location are a few basic things you should do to see if you can solve or identify the problem yourself. Keep in listen, you lot will not be able to solve every potential problem. It's not prophylactic to mess around with your Ac'southward electrical wiring, and opening the Air-conditioning arrangement upwards may but make the trouble worse, and so don't hesitate to call for help if y'all need it.

1. 1

   Check the circuit breaker to see if information technology's been tripped. If you lot've got likewise many electronics plugged in and running, you may have overloaded the circuit. This is peculiarly likely if you've got a bunch of fans running during a hot summer day. Bank check your fuse box to come across if the circuit billow is ready in the off position and flip it back on.^[1]

   • If everything else shut downward at the same time, you lot may but be dealing with a power outage.

2. two

   Check the machine settings on your thermostat. If your air conditioner keeps kicking on and off in intervals, look at your thermostat to see if it'southward ready to "auto" or "automatic." If it is, this is why your Ac keeps shutting off. When it'southward gear up to auto, the AC system will but turn on after the temperature has risen by the number on your thermostat.^[ii]

   • It'south much more than efficient to keep the thermostat prepare to "auto" when you lot're heating or cooling your habitation. Still, if information technology isn't warm or cool plenty for you, feel complimentary to suit the thermostat!

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1. 1

   Change the air filter. Your filter needs to exist replaced every 3 months or so. During the hot season, yous may need to replace it every calendar month. If you've got a trouble with your Air-conditioning unit of measurement and y'all oasis't replaced the filter in a while, practice that first. If the problem resolves itself, yous don't need to call anyone. If the trouble persists, you'll probably need to call an HVAC technician.^[4]

   • On a fundamental AC system, the filter is unremarkably located in the duct on the return line, or on the furnace. In a ductless system, there'south a reusable filter on the condenser outside. For a window unit, the filter is unremarkably behind the grates on the forepart.^[5]

2. 2

   Check your vents and ducts for blockages. If at that place are any obstructions in front of the vents or ducts, this could disrupt your system's ability to function correctly. Take a stroll around your abode and make certain all of your vents and ducts are clear and open. If necessary, rearrange your furniture to make sure that everything is open.^[6]

   • If in that location is any droppings outside around your condenser unit, clear it away. This can occasionally be the source of the problem.

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1. 1

   Meet if the air filter is dirty and change information technology out. Swapping out your air filter may help. A muddy filter can mess with an Ac unit's power to accident out cool air, and then try this first to encounter the trouble resolves itself. If yous have a reusable filter, clean it thoroughly before replacing it.^[7]

2. 2

   Audit the refrigerant line. On a central or split system, go outside and look for the largest pipe leading into your AC's condenser. If your AC is on and this pipe has water ice on it, shut your system off and requite this pipe time to thaw before turning information technology back on. If this problem occurs once again, you may exist running low on refrigerant.^[eight]

3. 3

   Make clean off the condenser roll on the outside unit of measurement. Head outside and remove any garbage surrounding the condenser. If anything is stuck in the fins, remove it by manus or with a broom. And then, catch a hose and gently spray down your condenser unit. Keep rinsing it until the water runs clear. Dirty coils can occasionally disrupt the airflow and make information technology feel like your vents are blowing out warm air.^[9]

   • You lot can clean the coils on a window unit too, but y'all'll demand to take it outside to do this.

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1. 1

   Anything involving leaks or opening the AC unit up is risky. While it's perfectly fine to take a look to try and find a trouble, you really shouldn't mess around with your AC unit too much. You won't be able to diagnose anything going on inside of the condenser or furnace, and opening them upwards may void your warranty or make things worse.^[12]

   • Freon and other refrigerants can exist toxic, so don't mess around with any leaks or fluids in your AC system.^[13]

2. 2

   Messing with the electrical components is peculiarly unsafe. AC systems are typically high voltage, and information technology's dangerous to toy effectually or touch any live connections.^[14] In that location are a variety of problems that look like a blown fuse, only aren't. On top of that, you won't be able to fix whatever of these problems yourself, so information technology's just going to be more efficient and safe to have a professional take a look.^[15]

   • You can theoretically check the cartridge fuses on an Ac system with a multimeter, simply it won't necessarily tell you much and it's dangerous. A professional volition exist able to bank check the fuses in thirty seconds anyhow, and so in that location isn't a particularly skillful reason to check them yourself.

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• Question

  If I demand to go my AC serviced, how should I set up for the AC technician?

  

  Victor Belavus is an Air-conditioning Specialist and the Possessor of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor too specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.

  

  Ac Specialist

  Expert Answer

  

  Back up wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

  Try to remember your service history and allow the tech know if there are any pre-existing conditions with the system. As well, make sure you take provided adequate admission to both your indoor and outdoor units.

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• The average window unit will last roughly 8-10 years.^[xvi] A ductless split up organization will hold up around 15-xx years.^[17] Cardinal air systems typically need to be replaced afterward 12-17 years.^[xviii]

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Article Summary Ten

To check your air conditioner before calling for service, troubleshoot by noticing if it isn't running at all or if it but isn't bravado cool air. If it isn't working, check to make sure the unit of measurement is plugged in and the thermostat is set to cool. If those elements are set, check your circuit breakers and fuses to make certain they are in place and turned on. If your unit of measurement isn't blowing cool air, check the fan blower belt for harm or breakage and replace it if need exist. Additionally, clean the coils and filters of dust and debris to continue the unit working properly. For preventative maintenance tips, like how to wash condenser coils, read on!

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