Ds3 Air Con Not Working? Top Answer Update

AC Won’t Blow Cold Air: 5 Reasons Why It Happens

AC Won’t Blow Cold Air: 5 Reasons Why It Happens

Is your air conditioner not blowing cold air? The last thing you want to do is wake up or come home to find your air conditioner isn’t working properly. Not only is this very uncomfortable, but it can also pose health risks to you, your family, and any pets you may have in the household.

As soon as you realize there is a problem, you should act immediately. Don’t wait for the heat to become unbearable. When in doubt, always consult a professional for an HVAC service.

There are several reasons that can cause your air conditioner to stop circulating cold air. Some are easy and can be done right away, while others require expert help.

Here are some things to look out for if your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, and how to fix the problem.

How does a central AC system work?

To better understand what can be causing your air conditioner to not work properly, it helps to know how it works.

Your air conditioner uses a liquid refrigerant. This liquid flows over the indoor evaporator coils to absorb the heat in your home. The absorption of heat turns this liquid into an icy gas. The air conditioning fan blows across these refrigerant-cooled coils, forcing cold air through the duct system to circulate into the home.

The gaseous form of the refrigerant carries the heat back to the outdoor condensing unit where it turns into a liquid after releasing the heat to the outside air. This cycle repeats itself over and over again to cool your home. With so many steps, there are several things that can cause a problem.

Let’s take a look at the top 5.

1. Leaking or low refrigerant

The refrigerant, typically Puron or R410A, is the chemical that powers the entire process.

If your central air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit may be low and additional refrigerant may be needed.

The most likely cause of this is a leak. Not only does a leak prevent the air conditioner from cooling properly, but it can also cause other problems in the home. For example, if it’s not cool enough, the humidity in your home can rise, making it feel warmer than it is inside.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you should contact an HVAC professional immediately. Unless the leak is large, these can be difficult to diagnose and fix properly.

2. The filter is dirty or clogged

Another common problem with air conditioners is dirty or clogged filters. All year round, these filters work overtime, trapping hair, lint, dust and pollen. They don’t take long to fill up if they’re not changed regularly.

When this happens, air can’t flow properly into the house and your air conditioner may shut down because it’s not getting enough air. When the air conditioner is not working properly, the indoor temperature rises. Left too long, clogged filters can also cause parts to wear out faster than they should. It can even affect the evaporator coil and condenser causing a much bigger problem.

In addition to routine cleaning, filters should be changed every three months. If you have pets, you may need to change it more often.

You should be able to easily replace indoor air filters yourself. However, if you are unsure of which filter to use, an AC technician can help.

3. There is a problem with the evaporator coil or condenser

The filters mentioned above do their best to keep the coils clean and running at peak performance, but even the coils will wear out over time.

Because of the constant humidity, your indoor evaporator coil can be prone to mold and even mildew problems. (UV light can protect against this and keep your air cleaner.) Coils can also freeze if the system is running low on refrigerant.

Problems with the coils cause major problems in the air conditioning system and should be investigated by an HVAC professional as soon as possible.

The capacitor can also wear out over time. If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air and no other reason is found, have that checked as well.

4. Blocked or clogged registers

Just like clogged air filters restricting airflow, a blocked or clogged register (or vent) can do the same thing. A return air register draws air into the system and supply air vents blow conditioned air into the house. Blockages in both cause problems.

The ventilation system runs throughout the house and if something causes a clog or leak in the duct system, it will affect the cooling. A crack or hole in the duct system could mean your cold air is escaping your attic. Rodents like mice or rats settling in your attic can mess up a lot of plumbing and cause leaks that affect your system’s cooling.

If something is restricting the air near the vent itself, maybe just the room with that vent feels warmer than the rest of the house. This is a good indication that there may be a ventilation problem in the ducts that deliver conditioned air in your home or office.

It’s also worth noting that occasionally a vent will accidentally shut off. If only one room is particularly warm, check that the intake vent is fully open.

There will come a time when repairing your HVAC unit will become increasingly expensive. If so, it may be time to consider replacing your system.

5. Air conditioner not blowing cold air – Problem with the thermostat

The whole action begins at the thermostat. The air conditioner will not turn on until the air temperature in the room rises above the control setting. The first step is to make sure the thermostat setting has not been changed. Make sure it’s set to Auto or Cool. Occasionally a thermostat will be set to heat instead of cool, causing the problem.

If it’s set correctly and the A/C still won’t turn on, the fault may be with the thermostat itself. If batteries are needed, check and replace if necessary. If this still doesn’t solve the problem, a call to an AC expert is in order.

Proper maintenance will prevent the air conditioner from blowing cold air

Like any machine, your central air conditioner needs regular maintenance. Filters need to be changed and all other working components need to be checked by a professional.

The standard recommendation is to have an HVAC service twice a year. This should happen in spring and autumn. The technician can check your HVAC system and make any necessary adjustments or repairs before the weather turns hot or cold.

Not only does this keep your device running efficiently, but it also helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and later expensive problems.

Beat the heat with expert HVAC service

When the weather is hot, your air conditioner or heat pump is definitely running in top shape. If you have a problem with your air conditioner not blowing cold air, it won’t be long before the inside of your home is miserably hot.

There are many reasons that can cause this problem and they range from very easy to fix to quite extensive. If you’re not entirely sure what the problem is, you owe it to yourself and your family to have an HVAC professional come and assess the situation.

Contact the friendly professionals at Terry’s A/C & Heating for a professional repair in the Richmond, Katy and Fulshear, Texas area. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and service all makes and models of residential and light commercial air conditioners.

We also offer a scheduled maintenance plan so you can take care of your HVAC investment with peace of mind. For more information on how we can help you get the cold air moving in your home again, please contact us. We’d love to earn your business.

Citroen C3: usability and comfort / climate control

The air conditioning works when the engine is running, but the ventilation and its controls are accessible when the ignition is on.

The operation of the air conditioning and the regulation of temperature, air flow and air distribution in the passenger compartment are automatic.

Press the climate menu button to access the control panel.

Temperature adjustment Air flow adjustment Air distribution adjustment Automatic comfort program on/off Air conditioning on/off Air intake/recirculation Access to the secondary side

temperature setting

Press one of the 1 buttons to increase (red) or decrease (blue) the value.

The displayed value corresponds to comfort and not to an exact temperature.

Automatic comfort program

Activation/Deactivation

Press button 4 to activate or deactivate automatic climate control mode.

The air conditioning works automatically: depending on the selected comfort level, the system optimizes the temperature, air flow and air distribution in the passenger compartment.

Automatic setting of the program mode

Go to the secondary page by pressing button 7 to adjust the automatic comfort program by selecting one of the available settings.

“Soft”: Provides smooth and quiet operation by restricting airflow.

“Normal”: offers the best compromise between a comfortable temperature and quiet operation (default setting).

“Fast”: Provides a strong and effective airflow.

To change the settings, press the button several times:

The setting is associated only with AUTO mode. However, deactivating AUTO mode keeps the previous selection.

Changing the setting will not re-enable AUTO mode if it was off.

In cold weather and when the engine is cold, the airflow is gradually increased until the comfort setting is reached to limit the flow of cold air into the passenger compartment.

If, when entering the vehicle, the interior temperature is much colder or warmer than the desired comfort setting, the displayed value does not need to be changed to achieve the desired comfort more quickly.

The system automatically corrects the temperature difference as quickly as possible.

Manual control

The air flow and air distribution can be adjusted manually.

The automatic comfort program is deactivated when a setting is changed.

Press button 4 to reactivate the automatic comfort program.

Airflow adjustment

Press one of the buttons 2 (- or +) to increase or decrease the airflow.

The air flow symbol (a fan) is filled in according to the requirement.

When airflow is reduced to a minimum, ventilation stops.

“OFF” is displayed next to the fan.

Adjusting the air distribution

Press buttons 3 to adjust the airflow distribution in the passenger compartment.

windshield.

Central and side air vents.

footwells.

Each press of the button activates or deactivates the function.

All three buttons can be activated 3 at the same time. In this case, the air flows from the central and side air vents and from the passenger footwells have priority.

Air conditioning on/off

The air conditioning is designed to work effectively in all seasons with the windows closed.

It allows you:

lower the temperature, in summer,

increase the effectiveness of defogging in winter above 3°C.

Press button 5 to switch the air conditioning on/off.

The air conditioner cannot be operated when the airflow setting is set to OFF.

Circulation of indoor air

Drawing in outside air helps prevent and eliminate windshield and side window fogging.

Circulating interior air isolates the passenger compartment from outside odors and fumes.

If necessary, this function also enables the air in the passenger compartment to be heated or cooled more quickly.

Press button 6 to circulate the inside air or to suck in outside air.

Avoid prolonged use of indoor air recirculation (due to risk of fogging and air quality deterioration).

Ventilation function when the ignition is switched on

When the ignition is switched on, you can use the ventilation system to adjust the airflow settings and the air distribution in the passenger compartment for a period dependent on the battery charge level.

This function does not control the air conditioning.

Heater/manual air conditioning The heater operates only when the engine is running. The manual air conditioning operates when the engine is running. Circulation of the interior air Temperature setting Air distribution setting Air flow setting Air conditioning on/off Temperature setting Turn rotary knob 2 from blue (cold) to red (hot)… The heater only works when the engine is running. The manual air conditioning operates when the engine is running. Indoor air circulation Temperature adjustment Air distribution adjustment Airflow adjustment Air conditioning On/Off adjustment Temperature adjustment Turn knob 2 from blue (cold) to red (hot)…

Front defrost – defrost These markings on the control panels indicate the operating positions for quick defrosting or defrosting of the windshield and side windows. In winter, direct the side air vents towards the side windows to optimize their demisting and defrosting… These markings on the control panels indicate the control positions for quick defrosting or defrosting of the windshield and side windows. In winter, direct the side vents towards the side windows to optimize demisting and defrosting…

Resetting your air conditioner might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry, at Express Air we’ll break it down for you into six easy-to-follow steps.

Why should you reset your AC device?

There are a few reasons, but the main reason is a tripped breaker. Like most electrical appliances, an air conditioner has its own circuit breaker. Two to be exact. One operates outside and one operates inside.

In general, a circuit breaker is a safety switch that protects your device by turning it off immediately when an overload is detected. This prevents fires and explosions.

Once your power is restored after a power outage, the sudden increase in electrical voltage can cause an overload in your device’s circuitry. This is when a circuit breaker steps in.

However, sometimes after tripping a circuit breaker, your AC device may not work as well as it did before. If you’ve set it to a cool temperature but are only feeling warm air, sometimes a quick reset is all you need.

How do you reset your AC unit?

1. Turn off your air conditioner with the thermostat. You don’t want it calling your air conditioner to cool until you’ve completed the reset.

2. Locate the breaker box. Look for either a metal plate or a metal box that sits flush against a wall. Sometimes it’s painted to blend into your home, but usually it’s a plain metallic color. It can be found in any of these areas:

garage

basement

cabinets

laundry room

crawlspaces

The outside part of your home

3. Turn off your AC device at the breaker. Locate the circuit breaker that goes to your central heating and air conditioning. Switch it to the off position.

4. Wait at least a full minute before turning the circuit breaker back to the “on” position.

5. Wait 30 minutes before turning your device back on at the thermostat. This gives your system a chance to reset its internal circuit breaker.

6. When the 30 minutes is up, carefully turn your thermostat back to ‘cold’. To really know if everything is working properly, make sure the thermostat is set at least five degrees below the current room temperature.

Easy right? It gets even easier if you have a reset button on your AC unit that does this entire process for you. To check if your system has this button, you need to look for it on your outdoor unit. It’s usually a big, red button. If you don’t see it or find it difficult to get to, your best bet is to get a professional to check your device for you.

When Should You Call an HVAC Technician?

If your AC device still doesn’t work, or if you notice your circuit breaker keeps tripping, don’t try to reset your device back-to-back! Some other possible causes that we observed at Express Air are:

Clogged air filter

Faulty wiring

Problems with the fan motor

compressor failure

Whether it’s a circuit breaker issue, finding the reset button on your outdoor unit, or more complex issues like those listed above, Express Air is here to help! Contact us or give us a call to arrange Express Air for all your air conditioning and heating needs!

Q: I just turned on the air conditioning for the summer, but I just can’t get comfortable. The device circulates air but does not blow out cold air. Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling? More importantly, how can I fix it?

A: That’s the last thing you want on a hot summer day – central air conditioning not blowing cold air. While your first reaction might be to contact an HVAC professional, a little troubleshooting of your own can fix the problem and save yourself a costly home visit.

Air conditioners work by a basic scientific process called “phase transition”.

The refrigerant, the liquid used in an air conditioning system, goes through a continuous cycle of evaporation and condensation within the unit’s sealed coil system. The unit’s evaporative coils (usually located in your home near a blower unit) become freezing as the refrigerant inside them turns from a liquid to a gas. The unit’s fan blows air over these icy coils, forcing chilled air through your home’s ducts. The gas then circulates back to a condenser coil unit (outside) where it cools back to a liquid and the cycle repeats itself over and over again.

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, there could be several culprits. Below are a few things to check if your air conditioner isn’t cooling your room.

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Check and reset the thermostat.

It may seem simple, but sometimes when an air conditioner is working but not cooling, it’s simply the result of someone changing the thermostat from automatic to fan.

When the switch is set to Automatic, the thermostat will turn on the air conditioning when the indoor temperature rises above the desired preset temperature. If the switch is accidentally set to “Fan”, the device will blow air through the duct system, but no cooling will take place.

Easy DIY solution: Check and reset the switch from “Fan” to “Auto”.

Replace the dirty filter.

If it has been more than a few months since you replaced the return air filters in your air conditioning system, they may be clogged, dirty and affecting airflow. When filters are clogged with animal fur and dust, the air conditioner cannot suck in enough air, and as a result, only a weak flow of air comes out.

Easy DIY solution, remove the return air filter and replace if you can’t see what’s on the other side. If you can see through the filter, your problem with your air conditioner not cooling lies elsewhere.

Clean the clogged condensate drain.

Air conditioners work in part by removing moisture from the air (through condensation), and that moisture has to go somewhere. The job of a condensate drain hose is to direct water into a floor drain or outside, depending on the system. Condensation drains can become blocked by mold and algae growth. In this case, some air conditioners do not blow cold air, while others turn off completely.

Easy DIY repair: Locate the end of the condensate drain line (it’s often located in a utility room) and visually inspect for clogs. If you see a clog, use the end of a small screwdriver or similar narrow object to gently remove it.

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If a clog forms higher up the line where you can’t physically reach it, it is usually removed by suction at the end of the line. Use the hose on a wet/dry vacuum – and wrap your hands around the opening – to create enough suction between the two hoses.

After clearing a mold or algae clog, pour a few cups of white vinegar into the condensation pan located below the evaporator coils in the indoor blower unit (learn how to access and identify the coils and condensation pan below) . The vinegar will kill residual mold and reduce the risk of future clogs.

Try to diagnose channel interference.

In a central AC system, the main fan pushes cool air through the ducts and into individual rooms. If a duct is broken somewhere between the fan and a room register (the grille covering the opening of an HVAC duct), the cold air could be blown out before it reaches the room register. If cool air is blowing out of some registers but not others, there’s a good chance the ducts feeding the registers are faulty.

Easy DIY Repair If you have an unfinished basement, you can examine the plumbing to see if a connection has come loose. If this happens, reattach the ends of the connector and tape the new connector securely in place. However, if a duct connection has become loose in a finished wall, you cannot easily locate it and will need to call an HVAC professional.

Clear the area around the compressor.

If dry leaves and dirt have accumulated next to the compressor unit, it may not be able to draw in enough air. To find out, locate the compressor unit, which is usually tucked away at the back or side of the house where it won’t draw any attention.

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Easy DIY Repair: Remove any debris or anything else that might be cluttering up the unit, like weeds or overgrown vines. For optimal function, do not place anything on the compressor.

Clean dirty coils.

If your air conditioner is working but not cooling, dirty coils could be the culprit. The typical AC system has two sets of coils: condenser coils, housed in the outdoor compressor unit, and evaporator coils, housed near the indoor fan unit. If any of the coil sets become dirty or covered with mold and debris, cold air performance may suffer. To clean the coils, the metal cases that protect them must be removed.

Easy DIY Repair If you don’t feel comfortable opening the AC units, you can ask a professional to clean them. However, if you want to try cleaning the coils yourself, follow these steps:

Cut off the power to both the outdoor and indoor units at the fuse box. Everyone will be on a separate breaker. Follow the air conditioner manufacturer’s instructions for removing the outer compressor cage or metal plates that house the evaporator coils. To clean the internal (evaporator) coils, spray a no-rinse evaporator coil cleaner such as Nu-Calgon Evap Foam No Rinse onto the coils, which resemble U-shaped copper or steel tubing. The non-rinse cleaner foams up on the coils, loosening dirt and grime before liquefying and running down a condensate pan that opens into the condensate drain hose. To clean outer (condenser) coils, spray the coils and the thin metal fins that surround them with a condenser coil cleaner such as Nu Blast Condenser Coil Cleaner from Nu Calgon. This cleaner is different from the evaporator coil cleaner and must be flushed with the hose. Follow the product instructions carefully.

Know when it’s time to call an HVAC professional.

If you have completed the DIY steps above and your air conditioning system is still not cooling, the problem could be a refrigerant (Freon) leak or a failed compressor unit. Freon is federally regulated and may only be handled by a licensed HVAC professional. If the air conditioner doesn’t blow cold air and your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, you may have a faulty compressor and need to buy a new system. These problems can only be solved by professionals, so give us a call!

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Final Thoughts

When an air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, there are many possible causes that are easily fixed without the help of a professional. From changing filters to checking settings to cleaning coils, it’s possible to quickly get your air conditioner running again and keep your home cool. However, if you’ve tried all of the air conditioning troubleshooting and DIY fixes and it still doesn’t work, it’s time to call an HVAC professional for an assessment.

FAQs about what to do if the air conditioner is not blowing cold air

After following the troubleshooting steps above, you may still be wondering, “Why isn’t my air conditioner working?” or “Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling?” Having an air conditioner that doesn’t work is frustrating, so below we’ve answered some of the most common questions about a non-working air conditioner.

Q: Should I turn off the air conditioner if it’s not cooling?

Turning off the air conditioning is usually helpful and sometimes necessary to safely investigate some of the potential problems with a non-cooling air conditioning system. If it is a thermostat setting, there is no need to turn off the air conditioner.

Q: Why is my air conditioner blowing cold air but not cooling the house?

If the air conditioner is blowing cold air but not cooling the house, there could be a leak inside the house to the outside. Check that all windows and doors are closed. If the air feels cooler than room temperature, it may not be at the desired temperature and could just be the fan.

Q: How do I know if my air conditioning compressor is defective?

If the blown air is warm or there is a loud noise or vibration when the air conditioner starts, the compressor may be defective.

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Q: How do I reset my air conditioner?

First turn off the power of the air conditioner at the fuse box, then press the reset button on the unit for a few seconds, and last turn on the unit again. Consult the user manual for the specific device for specific instructions.

Q: How long does it take for an AC unit to reset?

Most experts recommend waiting about 30 minutes after pressing the reset button before turning the device back on.

AC Troubleshooting: Fix the 3 most common problems

By: Brian Schuett | August 31, 2017

We are nearing the end of summer and our air conditioners have been working at full blast for several months. Inevitably, things can go wrong in those final few weeks before you decide to shut it down for the fall season. Below are three of the most common problems that you may encounter with your central air conditioner. Should you encounter any of these problems, you can save money and time by trying one of these DIY AC troubleshooting and repair techniques:

AC Troubleshooting: Why It Won’t Turn On

Possible causes: If you cannot activate the air conditioner at all, you most likely have a blown circuit breaker or fuse, an improperly set or defective thermostat, or an internal switch that has turned off.

Possible solutions:

Make sure it is getting power from the switchboard.

Reset the circuit breaker or replace your fuse.

Check your thermostat’s settings to make sure it’s set to ‘cool’ and not ‘off’ or ‘heat’.

Check your condensate pan for excess water. There may be a sensor on your tray that turns off the device when water is collected.

Make sure all switches in and around the air conditioner are in the “On” position, including the external safety switch, which is usually located near the condensing unit.

Make sure the blower door on the air handling unit is securely closed.

The problem: Your air conditioner turns on but doesn’t cool

Possible Causes: If you can hear your central air conditioner running but not cooling well, it could be due to an airflow blockage somewhere in your system – filters, coils or compressors. A low refrigerant level could also be the cause. Without the right amount of refrigerant, heat and moisture cannot be efficiently removed from the air.

Possible solutions:

Check the thermostat to make sure it is working properly.

Look at the condenser to see if it is dirty or clogged. If so, clean it and unclog it. The condenser can become blocked by tall weeds, grass or other airborne debris.

Clean and/or change your filter (We recommend quarterly.)

Check for ice build-up on the coils. If so, turn on the fan to melt it.

Check and/or clean the outdoor compressor. You could have a faulty compressor or an insufficient amount of refrigerant in the system, which would require a professional to repair.

The Problem: Poor airflow circulating through your home

Possible Causes: Commonly, poor airflow results from a dirty air filter or a clogged, crimped, or even disconnected duct system.

Possible solutions:

Make sure the air filter is clean. If dirty, clean or replace the air filter.

Check all ducts to make sure they haven’t come loose, including ducts that are difficult to access in your attic, basement or crawl space. Repair or connect as necessary.

Check the register dampers on the vents in the rooms to make sure they are set to an open position.

Cleaning your air conditioner is something you can do yourself, provided you have a basic understanding of the parts of your unit. However, there comes a time when you need to seek professional services. If you have already performed basic AC troubleshooting and the problem persists, you should call us for help.

Above all, proper maintenance is the best to avoid problems and prevent problems in the future. Call us at 317-203-8149 if you have any questions. We’re here to help with AC troubleshooting!

Even the best air conditioner can have problems. Waiting in a greenhouse for a professional to come and fix your air conditioner is not the ideal option for anyone. Luckily, our troubleshooting guide can help you spot some common air conditioner problems. There’s a difference between your air conditioner not working and not cooling, and we’ll help you sort the two out with the goal of getting your air conditioner to pump out sweet cool air fast.

Why won’t my air conditioner turn on? Regardless of what type of system you have — centralized, mini-split, ductless, or heat pump — there are commonalities between the types of air conditioners covered in our troubleshooting guide. If your air conditioner just won’t turn on, we recommend checking a few things before calling in an HVAC professional: Make sure the outside fuse is properly positioned

Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker

Make sure your thermostat is on

Check for a clogged air filter

Check your condensate pump for proper operation If you check it and everything is fine, read on for other solutions to AC problems.

Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling the house?

Uneven temperatures throughout the home are not uncommon. If you’re noticing different temperatures in rooms or higher energy bills, there are some common causes with some simple solutions.

Your thermostat is not set correctly

The easiest way is to check your thermostat setting. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not work. Make sure it’s not set to heat or the temperature isn’t set too high.

Your air filter is dirty

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause a variety of problems. Short cycle is when your air conditioner turns on and off in very short bursts without completing a full cooling cycle. When filters are clogged, your air conditioner has to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills and uneven cooling of your home. It can even cause your air conditioner to stop working. Regularly cleaning or changing your air filter will help you prevent future problems, or you can save money and stress with routine maintenance.

Clogged vents reduce airflow

Blocked air intake vents are another reason why your air conditioner isn’t putting out enough cold air. Check your vents to make sure there isn’t a build up of dirt or dust that could prevent airflow. Toys, furniture or closed dampers can also be the problem. Rearrange furniture away from registers and look for obstacles that may have accidentally fallen into your ducts.

Why isn’t my air conditioner fan working?

If the fan on your AC unit stops working, it could be as simple as tripping your circuit breaker or something more complex. If your air conditioning fan isn’t working, your HVAC system isn’t cooling your home.

Burned out condenser fan motor

An air conditioner fan motor is a fairly uncomplicated part, but if it doesn’t work, your home won’t be cool. As the fan works hard, it will wear out a lot, which can lead to a burned out motor. Intermittent fans, slow-spinning fan blades, or a fan that won’t spin can be a sign that the engine has a problem. This is a time when you need to call an HVAC technician. You can prevent AC fan motors from burning out by maintaining them regularly and reducing dirt and dust in and around your system.

Capacitor is defective

No, the capacitor is not a time-traveling device. Start-and-run capacitors are devices that send energy to the fan motor and power the air conditioner when energy is needed. These small but mighty workhorses keep your system running properly so your air conditioning doesn’t grind to a halt. If this is the case, you may hear your air conditioner humming without actually starting – that’s your starting capacitor telling you it’s time to call in an HVAC pro. If your system is short cycling, randomly shutting down, or lagging AC power, your run capacitor may be failing. Again, this isn’t something you can fix yourself. Call an HVAC technician for help.

Condensate pump fails

Checking the condensate pump is a fairly simple DIY test. Condensate pumps typically have shorter lifespans than air conditioners and furnaces because they operate for both cooling and heating (depending on the efficiency of the furnace). These pumps usually have a test button. Make sure there is some water in the basin and press the test button to make sure the water is pumped out. A failed or failed condensate pump will often result in the furnace not running and creating a pool of water wherever the furnace is located (e.g. in the basement or worse the attic).

Additional Reading: Oven Problems: 10 Common Problems and Easy Solutions

Why is my air conditioner making noise?

Air conditioners, when operating optimally, are fairly quiet. There can be occasional noises as they complete a cycle, but if they suddenly start squeaking, hissing, buzzing, rattling, clicking or thumping – you get the picture – then it’s time to do some investigation. Rattling or banging could mean something has come loose, while humming often indicates an electrical problem. Any persistent noise is a call for help from your air conditioner. Turn off your air conditioner and call an HVAC expert to come out and examine your system for problems.

Why won’t my air conditioner turn off?

The opposite of your air conditioner not turning on – not turning off – is also a sign of a problem. Having your air conditioner blowing constantly puts a huge strain on your system, resulting in high energy bills and a shorter lifespan. Aside from checking your thermostat to make sure it’s at a realistic temperature, a few other things could be the culprit.

Frozen evaporator coil

This could be a sign that you have a refrigerant leak somewhere. Since your air conditioner cannot bring the temperature of your home up to the ideal temperature, it will continue to run indefinitely. This is something that needs to be dealt with immediately. Turn off your system and call an AC repair consultant immediately.

Dirt on the condenser coil

Yes. This pesky filth can wreak havoc anywhere in your system. The job of the condenser coil is to disperse the heat outside of your home. When dirt has built up, heat is trapped in the air conditioning and keeps your system running to achieve the target cooling temperature your thermostat is asking for.

Additional Reading: Air Conditioner 101: Everything You Need to Know

Can I reset my air conditioner?

Most professionally installed air conditioners do not have reset buttons. Power outages or surges, which are rare in the Pacific Northwest, can cause your air conditioner to not work, but they will usually come back on as long as you have power.

Still, after a power outage, it’s a good idea to check your system and fuse box. Your circuit breaker could have tripped for your air conditioner or furnace, so it’s important to check both places. A key indicator is that the oven may not have power if the thermostat is dead.

Try turning off your air conditioner at the thermostat and resetting your circuit breaker. Wait half an hour before turning it back on. If you’re still having trouble, it’s time to call in the professionals before it becomes a worse problem.

When to call an HVAC professional

Safety always comes first. If you hit a wall in your troubleshooting efforts, it’s time to call in a professional. Attempting to “lag along” may just cause more damage to your system, increasing repair costs. If in doubt, turn off your system and contact Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning.

Perhaps the worst thing that can happen on a hot summer’s day is your air conditioner failing – especially if you’re not financially ready to pay for repairs. However, there are steps you can take to reset your central air conditioner before calling a technician for help.

If a reset doesn’t get your air conditioner back on track, Ambient Edge can help. We are always available to visit your home or business to assist you with your HVAC needs. And for non-emergency situations, we also offer flexible working hours to make our service calls more convenient for you.

What Happens When You Reset Your Air Conditioner?

Maybe your air conditioner sounds like it’s running, but the air isn’t cool. Or the fan won’t start no matter how low you set your thermostat. Either way, sometimes a reset can get a faulty air conditioner working properly again.

Like restarting your computer when you have a problem, sometimes your HVAC electrical components need to be restarted. For example, resetting the air conditioner involves removing power to the condensing unit and thermostat and then turning power back on.

In many cases, your air conditioner will start working normally again when it starts up again after a reset.

Call 888-628-5890 today or book online for heating and cooling service!

Where is the reset button on my air conditioner?

If your air conditioner has a reset button on the condenser unit, just press it and hope it fixes the problem. Look for it on the outside of your machine first, especially on the bottom edge near the ground. An air conditioner’s reset button is usually red and visible, so it should be easy to spot.

If you don’t see a reset button on the outside, it may be on the inside of the device behind the service panel. Before poking around in the machine, be sure to shut off power to the system by turning off the circuit breaker.

If you don’t have a reset button on your outdoor unit

If your AC device does not have a reset button, follow these steps to reset it manually:

Turn off power to the capacitor, which is usually located in a disconnect panel next to the unit. Once you have completed this task, turn off the breaker in your fuse box, this will turn off the power to the device. Disconnect the device from the power supply board and disconnect the system. This ensures that the AC unit does not receive any power. Wait 30 minutes and then plug the device back in. Make sure your thermostat is set to cool. Then turn on the circuit breaker in sequence, then the external power supply.

If the device is still not working as it should, you may have a problem with your power supply or your filter may be dirty. But again, our technicians can check it for you and fix the problem at the source.

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What to do after a power failure

Even a gas-powered air conditioner requires electricity to run its thermostat and move the cool air, so if there is a power outage your air conditioner will not work. If it still doesn’t work after restoring power, try these steps and see if it works:

Turn off your air conditioner on your thermostat. Reset the AC circuit breaker in your fuse box. Wait 30 minutes, then turn your air conditioner’s thermostat back to “cold.” It should be at least five degrees cooler than room temperature.

If you find this process too difficult or if it doesn’t work, call our engineers at Ambient Edge. This can be an electrical problem that you should not try to troubleshoot yourself unless you are experienced with electricity.

Having HVAC or AC issues? Call 888-628-5890 or schedule online service!

When do I need air conditioning emergency service?

There are situations where you should not try to fix them yourself. In these cases, you should call a professional immediately because something else is going on. For example, a breaker that keeps tripping is a sign that your system needs immediate attention.

This could be due to a loose connection or exposed cable, and if you attempt to reset the device yourself you could be creating a fire hazard instead! You should also never work on the electrical system if the circuit breaker cover is missing or there are exposed wires. You could risk electrocution, so leave this to the professionals.

There is probably something wrong if you need to reset your device frequently and you can do more damage to the system with the constant resets. With our 24/7 same-day emergency service, one of our technicians can be on site within hours to get to the root of the problem.

How can preventative maintenance help avoid AC problems?

Preventive maintenance optimizes your HVAC system before a problem occurs. By regularly checking your system, we can spot minor problems before they become more serious. This means, for example, your air conditioner is less likely to fail and you may never have to reset it.

Routine preventative maintenance can extend the life of your system and save you money in the long run. You’ll have fewer expensive repairs, and the increased efficiency of a smoothly running system means lower monthly utility bills too!

Does your air conditioner need maintenance? AE can help!

Whether your AC unit needs replacing or repairing, Ambient Edge is well qualified to perform both services. We work with you to develop the best possible system to meet the needs of your home and budget.

Fill out our contact form or give us a call to arrange a service appointment. We arrive at your home equipped with the parts and tools we need to hopefully repair your system in one visit. So get in touch today so we can get you up and running as soon as possible!

It’s the middle of summer and your air conditioning is working its hardest to keep you comfortable inside.

Wait, you mean that’s not it? Is your air conditioning not really keeping you nice and cool? Understandably, this is a very frustrating issue for you – after all, your air conditioner has a job, right?

This can be for a variety of reasons, some more serious than others. Unfortunately, we don’t have a super-quick answer as to whether you should turn off your air conditioner when you notice it’s not cooling, because the truth is, it depends! But luckily we’ll tell you right away what’s important. Continue reading!

Is your air filter clogged?

First we want you to check the condition of your air filter. You may be wondering why – isn’t the air filter just there to protect your indoor air quality? While this air filter certainly contributes to indoor air quality, the standard HVAC air filter serves to protect the system itself from dust, dirt, and other debris that can get inside and damage its components.

Basically, the purpose of this air filter is to filter out the air that is being drawn into your air conditioner from your home. Eventually, it gets clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair if you have pets, and more. This restricts airflow, and when airflow is restricted, your home may not feel as cool as it should.

These air filters must be changed by you, the homeowner, every 1-3 months during the period of use. If you haven’t looked at yours in several weeks, it’s time to peak. If you change or clean it and your air conditioner still isn’t cooling, then it’s time for another check: your thermostat.

Is your thermostat set correctly? Is it working correctly?

Sometimes a problem with the air conditioner is not in the system at all, but in the thermostat. Someone in your household may have accidentally (or intentionally!) set your thermostat to a higher temperature than you prefer, or the thermostat could even be miscalibrated.

Check your thermostat, make sure it’s not in “fan only” mode and is set to your preferred temperature, then give it a cycle or two to see if that improves the situation.

Still a no go? Okay, now let’s look at a potentially more serious problem…a refrigerant leak.

Could you have a refrigerant leak?

Refrigerant is the chemical substance that enables the cooling process. During manufacture, your air conditioner is supplied with enough refrigerant to ideally last its lifetime. But due to age, lack of maintenance and/or even a manufacturer error, a refrigerant leak can occur.

In this case, there is not enough cold refrigerant in the evaporator coil to absorb the heat from your living space. Therefore, the heat stays in your house and the recirculated air is not as cool as it should be.

Continued operation of an air conditioner with a refrigerant leak can eventually lead to compressor failure – and since the compressor is the most important part of your air conditioner, it can mean premature system replacement.

So if your AC isn’t cooling and you suspect a refrigerant leak or you’ve checked the air filter and thermostat to no avail, yes, you should turn off your AC and call us immediately.

For a professional AC repair in Kennesaw, GA look no further than Dayco Systems. Contact us today!

Understanding the anatomy of your air conditioner may not be high on your list of priorities, but maintaining your system should be. After all, air conditioners don’t come cheap, and skipping maintenance could mean the difference between a system that requires frequent, costly repairs and one that runs smoothly for years.

One of the most important components of an air conditioner is the condenser coils. The condenser coils are located in the outdoor component of your air conditioner and work with the evaporator coil to remove heat from your home. But as with any home investment, condenser coils need regular cleaning to function efficiently. Why? Simply put, clean capacitor coils increase the life of your system and can help reduce energy consumption. Even better, whether you’re an AC pro or a beginner, cleaning condenser coils is something you can do quickly and efficiently in just five easy steps.

Step 1. Check the coils

Start by visually inspecting the coils for any obvious damage. If you find significant damage, we recommend that you contact your local air conditioning contractor for help.

Step 2. Remove dirt with a coil brush

After inspecting the coils, use a coil brush to remove any large debris. This includes things like tall grass and excessive leaves that can affect the functionality of your air conditioner.

Step 3. Smooth out the coil ribs with a rib comb

Over time (hail, garden furniture, toys and the like) the cooling fins in the condenser can bend. If you notice your coil fins are bent, use an adjustable fin comb to straighten them. The small, malleable tines make it a perfect, inexpensive tool for straightening slats and removing hard-to-reach debris from between tight crevices.

Step 4. Wet the coils and coat them with coil cleaner

Take your hose and gently wet the coils to further remove excess dirt. Next, spray a liberal amount of foaming coil cleaner onto the coils in a back and forth motion. The coil cleaner will foam and begin to collect dust and dirt. Leave on for five to ten minutes. Coil cleaner is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.

Step 5. Rinse the coil cleaner with water

After allowing the coil cleaner to sit for five to 10 minutes, gently rinse the cleaner off with water. Be sure to flap the fins straight ahead in a slow, back-and-forth motion to avoid bending the fins.

Learn more DIY projects and AC hacks at Sansone

Maintaining your air conditioner doesn’t have to be a daunting task, which is why we’ve made it our mission to demystify the system that keeps you cool. For more DIY maintenance projects and AC hacks like these, be sure to visit our blog – and if you’d rather leave tasks like air conditioner maintenance to the professionals, turn to Sansone for all your AC needs.

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