How to Troubleshoot a Central Air Conditioner that is Not Cooling?

Disclaimer: All content on this website is intended for informational purposes only. We discourage anyone from attempting to repair, replace, or maintain HVAC systems without the help of a licensed, insured HVAC technician.

In order to keep homes comfortable, central air conditioning systems are essential, especially during the hot summer months. When the system suddenly stops cooling, however, this can be quite frustrating. Your air conditioner could be affected by a number of issues, so troubleshooting the system yourself can be a tempting solution. Air conditioning systems, however, are complex and dangerous if not handled by a licensed professional, so be sure to hire a professional to troubleshoot your unit and perform the necessary repairs. 

Hire a Licensed Air Conditioning Service

A professional air conditioning service with licensed technicians will be able to check your system and run diagnostics safely and efficiently. To troubleshoot your air conditioner, the technician may: 

Check the Thermostat: The technician will check the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is set to cool and the fan is set to auto. If the thermostat is not working correctly, it may not signal the system to start. The technician may test this by lowering the temperature to see if the system starts.

Inspect the Air Filter: A dirty air filter could be the cause of an inefficient air conditioning system. If the filter is dirty, airflow through the system is restricted, making it harder for the system to cool the home or building. A clogged filter can also freeze the system, causing the air conditioner to malfunction.

Check the Circuit Breaker: A tripped circuit breaker may affect the air conditioner. The technician will check the electrical panel and ensure that the breaker is in the on position. If the breaker is tripped, it will be reset and the system will turn back on.

Examine the Outdoor Unit: A central air conditioning system’s outdoor unit is an essential component, and if it is functioning improperly, its cooling capabilities may be compromised. The technician will clean the outdoor unit and check for any obstructions like leaves or other debris. The system’s airflow may be affected and overheated if the unit is dirty.

Test the Compressor: The compressor is the heart of a central air conditioning system, and if it isn’t working, the house won’t be cooled. The technician will make sure the compressor is powered and look for any damage, like loose wires. Additionally, they will test the compressor by spinning the fan blades, removing the access panel, and turning off the system’s power. If turning the blades is difficult, the compressor may have been damaged, necessitating repair or replacement.

Check the Refrigerant: The central air conditioning system’s refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air. The system won’t be able to cool the house as effectively if it has low or leaking refrigerant. Using a gauge to measure the system’s pressure, the technician will measure the levels of the refrigerant. You may have a refrigerant leak that needs to be fixed if the pressure is too low.

Get in Touch with Kyzar Air Conditioning

It is essential to hire a professional service in order to complete the task safely because troubleshooting a central air conditioning system that is not cooling requires specific skills and knowledge of the system’s components.

Kyzar Air Conditioning’s qualified technicians have years of experience in air installation, maintenance, and repairs. 

Call us now at 561-640-1000 for more about our services.