Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Diagnosis: This article is the start of our series on how to diagnose an air conditioner or heat pump that is not cooling: this article explains how to diagnose and correct air conditioning problems like lost or reduced air conditioner cooling capacity, reduced or no cool air flow, reduced or no actual lowering of the air temperaturer, or an air conditioner that won't start. First try our air conditioner checklist just below - try these steps before calling your HVAC service company. If not enough cool air is provided by your air conditioner, or if the air temperature is not cool enough, or if you just can't get your A/C unit running, this article helps diagnose and correct the problem with step by step things to check and links to more detailed explanation when you need it. If you don't see information you want, ask us for it using the comments box on this page. If your air conditioner or heat pump is a split system or mini split system design (using a wall-mounted cooling or heating unit) our troubleshooting diagnostics are at SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS.

Is there no cool air at all coming out of the supply registers? Or is there air blowing out of the supply registers but it's not cool enough? Here we explain how to diagnose loss of air conditioning cool air flow or cool air temperature. Before ordering an expensive air conditioner service call to restore lost cooling capacity, here are a few simple stepsSome of these can be done by any homeowner, others may require a bit more expertise. Below we provide first a very basic Air Conditioning or Heat Pump Diagnostic Checklist, followed by more detailed descriptions of common problem cooling system topics. Following the checklist we provide more detailed descriptions, photos, and links to in-depth air conditioning inspection, diagnosis, and repair or improvement advice. Where to start: check that the air conditioning equipment is turned on, the thermostat is calling for cooling, and that the blower unit or air handler is actually blowing air through the ductwork.

Details of how to proceed in figuring out what's wrong with your air conditioner begin just below. If the air conditioning system is still not working, or if the A/C system is running but cool air is not coming out of the supply registers you probably need to call a service technician, but below are some things to check further yourself. The basic air conditioning diagnostic checks just below are followed by more detailed investigation of why the air conditioner is not working. But unless you already have a good idea of what's not working, start with these five steps. If the air conditioning system is still not working, or if the A/C system is running but cool air is not coming out of the supply registers you probably need to call a service technician, but here are some things to check further yourself. Just after these checks we discuss what to do if the air conditioner is running but air flow is too weak (A/C Flow Too Weak) or too warm. Is the outdoor compressor-fan unit (COMPRESSOR & CONDENSING COIL) running?

If not, be sure that the outdoor compressor/condenser unit service switch and the air conditioner indoor power switch, fuse, or circuit breaker are all in the "on" position.central air conditioner inside unit Check the outside compressor condensing coil for damage or blockage.general electric window ac units A blocked condensing coil can cause the compressor to overheat, stop running, or become noisy and work poorly.air conditioning split system for sale If you cannot find your air conditioner controls and switches see A/C - HEAT PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES - list of controls and switches found on air conditioners and heat pumps Condensing unit fan diagnostics: at FAN, COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER UNIT we explain the diagnosis of problems with the compressor/condenser fan and fan motor.

Also see ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE. At BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR we explain that if the condensing unit fan is not working the compressor itself may shut down or even be ruined by overpressure or over temperature. Also see NOISES, COMPRESSOR CONDENSER where some noise problems are traced to the cooling fan . Is the indoor blower unit running? If not be sure that the electrical power switch at your furnace or air conditioner air-handler is in the "on" position. Typically the air handler or blower unit is indoors inside the basement, crawl area, or attic. Sometimes there is more than one switch, such as one right at the unit and another at the entry to the room where the equipment is located, or even upstairs on a higher floor if your air handler is in a basement or crawl space. Make sure that the blower compartment cover or door is properly closed or an interlock switch may be keeping the system "off". Also remember to check for a dirty, blocked COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL.

A coil blocked by ice or dirt will not produce cool air. A/C Cooling Coil Icing. If your air conditioning equipment is running but little or no cool air is coming out of the supply registers, check that your air filter(s) have not become blocked with dirt and debris. Usually the air filter is right at the air handler or blower unit, or your air filter may be installed behind a grille covering a central warm-air return that sends air back to the air handler. See A/C Filter Problems for details In ceilings, walls, or floors, where cool air is supposed to be delivered to various rooms in the building, be sure that the register is in the "open" position (you will be able to see through it into the ductwork) and be sure you haven't blocked the supply registers with a carpet or furniture. Look for a duct damper or register that has been closed; look for a flex-duct section that has become disconnected, bent, or crimped or squashed. Remember that a duct may have become disconnected in an attic or crawl space.