Troubleshooting An Ailing Air Conditioner

When you regularly use your home air conditioner over a long, hot Orlando summer, at some point you might experience a problem with the system. Neglected systems and even those that are serviced regularly can fail, because air-conditioning systems are manufactured with moving parts and electrical components.

Here are just a few troubleshooting tips you can try before calling in a pro if you have an ailing air conditioner:

1. Unit does not turn on — If the unit won’t turn on, check the power at the main circuit breaker. If the breaker is off, switch it back to on. You can also check to see if the fuse has blown, and replace it if you can.
2. There is no cold air when the unit runs — In this case, it is possible that the compressor is not operating properly or the unit’s refrigerant is low. Both problems require the help of your local HVAC technician.
3. The air is not cold enough — This problem could be caused by a few factors that you can easily check. Locate the air damper on the air conditioner’s indoor unit and verify that it is closed. If it’s open, it could be drawing in hot outside air. Remove the cover on the outdoor condensing unit. Check the condition of the coils, and clean any dirt or debris on them. If the air is still not cold enough, contact your local HVAC technician to diagnose the problem.

One of the best ways to prevent air conditioner problems is to schedule regular annual maintenance. In this way, you’ll ensure that the system is clean and avoid any problems due to dirt buildup. Further, your technician will be able to spot minor problems early on, helping you to avoid larger, costlier ones down the line.

Our technicians are happy to help you troubleshoot your system. If you need further assistance with your air conditioner, contact Rinaldi’s Air Conditioning. Serving the greater Orlando area for more than 40 years. Our technicians are happy to help you troubleshoot your system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ailing air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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