As the temperature starts to rise, having a working air conditioner is essential. If your AC isn’t functioning properly, three basic types of problems may be at fault. Through a little HVAC troubleshooting, you can keep your family cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.
The 3 Types of AC Problems and Why It Matters Which One You Have
If you’re dealing with warm air or an air conditioner not turning on, the solution you use will depend on the root cause.
Thermostat and Control Problems
Your thermostat is like the command center for your HVAC system. If the thermostat or control board doesn’t work, your AC won’t receive a signal to turn on when you change the temperature. This type of issue can occur if you have a dead battery, a dirty sensor, or a broken thermostat.
Airflow Problems
Airflow problems can occur if you have a clogged filter, faulty ductwork, or obstructed vents. You may notice weak airflow from your vents, stuffy rooms, or signs of ice around the indoor unit.
Outdoor Unit Problems
The outdoor unit is like the heart of your AC. Failing fan motors, broken capacitors, compressor issues, and debris can all lead to problems with this unit. You can tell if the outdoor unit is the source because you may still have airflow, but the air will feel warm. Additionally, there may be an unusual noise coming from the outdoor unit or a sudden spike in your energy bills.
Safe Checks To Run Before Calling a Technician
Before you call for professional AC repairs, there are a few HVAC troubleshooting steps that you can try on your own.
Set the Thermostat Correctly and Confirm It’s Responding
First, make sure the thermostat is set to the “cool” mode. Make the temperature a few degrees lower than room temperature to see if the AC responds.
Check the Breaker and Reset It Only Once
If your AC is running but not cooling, a tripped breaker may be at fault. Many outdoor AC units use a different breaker than the indoor unit, so the indoor unit can keep sending air into your home, but the air will be warm.
You can troubleshoot by resetting the breaker once. Don’t keep resetting it if it trips again because repeated tripping is a sign that there is an electrical problem involved.
Check the Disconnect Near the Outdoor Unit
A disconnect with melted parts or a poor fit can lead to problems like arcing and poor electrical connections.
Replace a Clogged Air Filter
By changing the filter, you can quickly improve the airflow in your HVAC system.
Open Any Closed Supply Vents
Sometimes, vents will get closed by a family member or blocked by furniture. Fortunately, this problem is easily remedied by opening vents and removing any obstructions.
Clear Debris From Around the Condenser
To protect your unit’s airflow, it’s important to clear a 2- to 3-foot space around your outdoor unit.
Portland Conditions That Make These Checks More Relevant
In Portland, many older homes have retrofit AC systems that may be more prone to issues. These homes may have aging equipment, damaged ductwork, or renovations that require a higher-capacity AC system. All of these factors place an added strain on the AC and increase the likelihood of breakdowns.
Residents also have to contend with wildfire smoke. During wildfire season, filters have to be changed more often to avoid damaging the unit. If you suspect this may be the reason for your AC problems, call us at (971) 435-7303.
What To Stop Doing If the Basic Checks Don’t Fix It
If basic AC troubleshooting doesn’t fix your AC, it’s time to call for help. For your safety, you should never do the following things.
- Never recharge refrigerant yourself.
- Never try to fix electrical components on your own.
- Never open up electrical or service panels.
- Never reset breakers if they keep tripping.
What Our Technicians Check During an AC Diagnosis
When our HVAC technicians come out to inspect your AC, we will perform the following checks and diagnostic tests.
- Check refrigerant charge and system pressure.
- Test the microfarad output of the capacitor.
- Inspect the blower wheel for balance or debris.
- Check the blower motor operation.
- Inspect wires and connections for signs of damage.
- Calibrate the thermostat.
- Look to see if the fan blade is bent or damaged.
- Clean the condensate drain line.
- Inspect the indoor and outdoor coils.
AC Repair or AC Replacement: How To Think About It
If you are struggling with AC problems, our team can help you determine when to repair or replace your AC. As a general rule of thumb, getting an AC repair in Portland makes sense if you have a new unit or a limited history of repairs. Once a unit is older than 10 years or requires costly, frequent repairs, replacing the AC may be a better choice.
FAQs
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
If your AC is not cooling the house, it may be due to your thermostat settings, tripped circuit breaker, or a blocked outdoor unit. You can troubleshoot by checking your thermostat, clearing away debris from around the outdoor unit, and resetting the circuit breaker once.
Why won’t my AC turn on at all?
When an AC is not turning on at all, it may be connected to your thermostat, control board, fuse, or breaker. Additionally, safety switches can shut down an AC if the drain pan is overflowing. While you can reset the breaker once and adjust your thermostat settings, you’ll need professional help if these steps don’t resolve the problem.
Can a dirty filter really cause the AC to stop working?
Absolutely. A dirty filter reduces airflow in your unit, which can lead to more frequent repairs and a frozen evaporator coil. One of the best things you can do to prevent HVAC breakdowns is to change your filter every 30 to 90 days.
How do I know if I need AC repair or a full replacement?
If your AC is not working, one of our HVAC technicians can evaluate the problem and help you determine the best course of action. In general, it’s often better to get a replacement if your existing unit is over 10 years old, it requires frequent repairs, or the current repairs are exceptionally expensive.
Schedule AC Repair in Portland
During Portland’s first hot stretch of the year, the increased cooling workload can expose any weak electrical components. If basic HVAC troubleshooting doesn’t help you resolve the problem, our team can help. Here at Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing we offer 24/7 emergency services and zero-risk repairs.
Book a diagnostic appointment or call us at (971) 435-7303 today.