Air Conditioning Not Working?

Question

In the home in which I live, the air conditioning has sortof randomly stopped working. I live in Arizona, so it's like... really hot. xD

Before I go and spend money to have it checked out, is there anything I can check myself to maybe get it working??

Half of the vents in the house are blowing air out, but not very cold, and not very much of it. The others only have like a slight draft coming out of them. I have the AC turned all the way down, and have tried different settings, without any change.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

there is a few possible problems 1 a-coil(inside unit) is dirty and needs cleaning 2 air filter is dirty and needs replaced..3possibly low on freon(need a service tech to check this)....turn the thermostat to off and turn the fan switch from auto to on, let it run like this until air is flowing out of all the ducts very well.....turn the unit back on set the fan switch back to auto and let it start working again if it does the same thing again and you have replaced the filter you need to either have the coil cleaned or the freon checked....

Answer 2

Just from experience...check or change your air filter. I change mine once a month. If that does not work, check the actual unit to make sure it is running. You may only be feeling the air from the fan. If the unit is not working, it's might be the fuse which is located outside in a box about 4" x 4". Could try replacing that. Could be the compressor on the a/c unit which would need professional attention, or your unit could be 'frozen'. If you notice ice build-up anywhere, especially the pipes, turn if off for about an hour or two, let it thaw out from the outside temp and then try turning it on again. If none of that seems to be the problem, then your only choice is a service company. Hope something in here helps. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Set your thermostat to 74*--no lower
Check the filter; replace if dirty
Check the indoor coil; clean with a soft brush if dirty.
Check to see that the blower is clean and that the motor is running strong. If there is a belt, turn off the unit and examine the belt, check tension and tighten or replace.
Check the outdoor coil; clean with a gentle spray from the garden hose.
Verify that the compressor is running, and that the outdoor fan runs.
Feel the copper refrigerant tubes running from the outdoor unit. The larger one should be cold (45-55*) the smaller one just slightly warmer than the outside air temperature.
Check all the registers in the home.
If you can trace the duct work, make sure there are no breaks in the ducting, and no dampers are shut.
Beyond this, you will need a pro to verify the capacity of the system.

Keep Kool

Answer 4

It sounds as if the compressor isn't starting. I could need a new start capacitor $30 service call $ 60 - 100. The start capacitor is something you can replace yourself if you know about these things, but since you are on here asking you better call for a little help from you local HVAC pro. Since you need to call for a repair, why not let him do a quick look over of your whole system? This is like buying a new car , find someone you can trust not to sell you a pigs ear for a silk purse. I own an HVAC company , been there done that , got the tee shirt, cut it up for a rag to wax the car with. I love being the last to send someone to your home after the other guys couldn't get it fixed. $$$$$$ That'll hurt

Answer 5

Make sure you have not blown a fuse and check the circuit breakers. Sometimes A/C can trip a fuse, and the Unit outside might not have any power.

Change your air filter. Sometimes that can cause a blockage.

If these things don't work, you will probably need to call a A/C repairman.

Worst case scenario is your compressor is shot and you need a new one. Best case solution is that one of the above things work, or you are low on freon, which a repairman can re-fill.

Good luck, as I've been there and I know it stinks! Especially on a hot day.

Answer 6

Installing an air conditioner helps to beat the heat during summer. So, an air conditioning unit has become an essential commodity in every house. If your AC is not working properly, then its better to go for an air conditioning repair professional.

Answer 7

check the filter first and replace
the evaporator or A-coil may be froze , run the fan only till its unfroze

run the unit, the two lines going to the condenser coil (outside) should be different temps
one cold and one warm to hot

if their is no temp differential then its probably low on refrigerant

Answer 8

Sounds like you have two separate problems going on here.
1) temperature of the air
2) Air flow
And each one could be caused by a hundred different things. I would call in a Pro.

Answer 9

Start by checking your air filter. Also, you can find a step by step guide that might help at www.hvac-for-beginners.com . There are too many possibilities to cover them all here.

Answer 10

I am going along with the second answer. When you are at home, it never hurts to go shirtless. This is the of the easiest ways to cool yourself down. Have it fixed as soon as possible.