My air conidtioner seems to be broken. Are there any tests I can do to check what is wrong?

Question

Or do I need to call a repairman? The unit turns on but it does not blow cold air though it is set at 73. I would like to try and handle this without paying a ridiculous amount but will do if necessary.

Answer 1

before you call a pro check a few things.

is the filter clean? the filter is the life of an a/c unit and will keep it from blowing cold air.

go outside and make sure the unit is clean. you can open the top on most units and spray it out with a water hose( not the motor but the coil looking stuff. spray the outside of it really good to make sure it isn't clogged with leaves and dirt. feel to see that air is blowing all the way around it if not then you will know what part is clogged up.

check to see if the condensation line is clogged. you should pour a little bleach in it every year, they clogg easy.

some units have a reset button on the outside unit, it it is usually a little red button, try pushing it in once.

after you have done all that if still doesn't work then you will need to call a pro.

good luck!!!!!

Answer 2

You didn't say auto or home. When and how did it quit? If car, use a light and check to see if the compressor is turning with A/C on max. Now you must look carefully, for the belt turns the pulley on the compressor when the compressor clutch is not engaged, so you may THINK it's running when it isn't. The part in front of the pulley will be stationary if the clutch is not engaged. Low refrigerant can cause the clutch to fail to engage. Maybe you only need a refrigerant charge.

Try giving more info when asking a question, so more people can give it due consideration.

Answer 3

There are numerous problems that may have happened. Other than checking to see if you have a clean filter and that the thermostat is set properly, you really should call a reputable heating and air conditioning company. Any company or person that recommends that an untrained person work on their own equipment is asking for a lawsuit. (A wrongful death suit if things go completely sideways) Check with friends, relatives, and co-workers to see if they have used a reliable heating and a/c company that charges a reasonable rate. Those companies are out there and will take good care of you. Yes, there are companies ready to take as much of your hard earned money as possible, but if you do your homework you should be able to avoid them. Good Luck

Answer 4

Is the fan spinning?
Do you have water come out of the condensate line?

No, you need a capacitor. If yes you need coolant.

If you don't know what you are doing hire a professional.
You might have to pay the bill in installments but at least you won't be making a trip to the ER.

Answer 5

There are several things you can do yourself (ck out search the web for home air conditioners and you can probably find those steps for diyers) the same thing happened to mine and i was first told i had a leaking valve (freon) valve was replaced some freon put in and it worked for 15 minutes . then reverted to non cold air...now I'm told its the compressor so watch out! compressor replacement can be expensive. and because freon is involved it is usually advised to get prof. help . freon can be dangerous. of course you can also check your thermostat out.
very low cost and step by step instructions for replacing the thermostat.

Answer 6

Is the outside area clean? If you do not have a clean outside unit it does not allow the heat to dissipate. Is the inside part clean? If the inside is not clean it does not allow the cool to transfer to your house. If all is clean call your friendly repairman.

Answer 7

needs freon call a pro.
bob