Are you wondering how to troubleshoot a broken AC? The most current findings from the 2020 survey show that 88% of American use air conditioning.
While the summer heat is long gone, the heated air your air conditioning unit pumps into your home still has many great benefits. However, none of those benefits are realized if your AC isn’t working properly.
Do you need help troubleshooting an AC that has broken down? If so, you have come to the right place! Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to troubleshoot a broken AC.
Identify the Source of the Issue
Start by inspecting the exterior of the AC unit, checking the filters for cleanliness, and ensuring the air compressor is running smoothly. Test the power supply to rule out any electrical issues. If this fails, check the compressor and blower belts for cracks or loosening.
If none of these solutions work, adjust the thermostat settings of the unit to rule out any energy efficiency issues. Inspect evaporators and condenser coils for signs of wear and tear or leak. Following these steps can help ensure the source of the issue can be identified and addressed.
Check Your Circuit Breakers and Fuses
To troubleshoot a broken air conditioner by checking your circuit breakers and fuses, start by turning off the air conditioner. This will make sure that you won’t shock yourself. Once the AC has been shut off, locate the circuit breaker panel in your home.
The panel should have labels indicating which circuit controls the air conditioner. Once you have located the correct circuit, turn it off and then back on again. This will reset the circuit breaker in case it has been tripped.
If the breaker is still off, you should check the wiring throughout the home to make sure that it is all properly connected. If the circuit breaker remains off, you should check for any fuses that may have blown.
If the fuse has blown, replace it with the correct size and type of fuse. Once the fuses and circuit breakers have all been checked and replaced, the air conditioner should work again.
Reset Your Air Conditioner
Before resetting your air conditioner, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem to ensure a successful reset. To reset your air conditioner, first start by turning off the unit on the disconnect switch. Wait several minutes before turning it back on.
The next step is to check that all the power points to the air conditioner are in good working condition. This includes both electrical points and any gas hookups that may be connected to the air conditioner. To ensure that no potential issues remain, clean the air filter and check any air ducts for blockages.
Press the reset button on the AC control panel and wait for the unit to power back on. Your AC troubleshooting attempt should now be successful, allowing you to enjoy a cool space.
Troubleshoot Through Visual Inspection
Troubleshooting through visual inspection is a key step in figuring out how to fix a broken air conditioner (AC). To begin, it’s important to check all the normal places for problems. Look for any loose or disconnected wires or cords connecting the AC unit to the wall.
Inspect the thermostat, ensuring it’s plugged in and that the settings are correct. Check for parts that may need to be replaced, such as belts, filters, coils, and other components. If any of these areas appear to be an issue, replace them as needed.
Check the exterior cabinet to make sure there aren’t any cracks from which air can escape and the line is set for any leaks. These visual inspections should help narrow down the area of the problem before attempting an HVAC repair.
Know When to Seek Professional Help
Many homeowners try to tackle the issue themselves, but this can often be a time-consuming and costly process. In general, you should always seek professional help if you are not confident that you can solve the problem with your knowledge. If the temperature isn’t dropping despite all efforts, it is likely time to call a professional.
It can also be helpful to look at the filter and fan belt if there is a lack of airflow. If these are in working order, it could suggest more serious problems. Additional signs that may need professional help include buzzing or weird smells coming from the AC unit, as well as accumulated water on the ground.
Knowledgeable professionals have the expertise and experience to identify and repair the issue. Homeowners must hire the best hvac repair services when troubleshooting a broken AC. Professional help can also save time and money.
They can identify the problem and provide a cost-efficient solution. Many AC repair technicians offer warranties for their repairs.
Locating and Replacing Faulty Parts
First, turn off the power to the AC unit, and inspect the power cords, air vents, and fan blades for any physical damage that could be causing the issue. Then, check the compressors, air filters, and capacitors. If any of these parts are broken or have undergone significant wear and tear, then it’s time to replace them.
Replacing a faulty part requires the right skills and tools, so it’s best to enlist the help of an AC company or specialist if you’re not confident performing the repair on your own. After replacing any faulty parts, ensure that all connections are properly secure, and then turn the power back on. If everything is in place and the AC runs without any issues, then you’ve been successful in your troubleshooting mission!
Fixing a Broken AC
Common AC problems are an inconvenience, but with a little bit of patience and troubleshooting know-how, they can be resolved. Make sure to check your thermometer for accuracy. Inspect your wiring and coils, and even inspect the ductwork or replace the filter if needed.
If all else fails, be sure to call an HVAC specialist to get the job done right. Time to solve that broken AC so you can beat the heat!
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