Troubleshooting a Central Air Conditioner

Poor airflow

So your air conditioner is running, but you’re not feeling much cool air coming through your vents. This is often due to dust and debris buildup either within your ductwork or air filter. Have you changed your air filter recently? A clogged filter can obstruct airflow; filters should be changed every one to three months to keep your unit operating efficiently. If your filter isn’t the problem, then it may be related to your ductwork, which could be blocked, crimped, or clogged with debris. Take a look inside and if you see any issues, you may need ductwork repair or cleaning from a pro.

Inadequate or no cooling

If the air coming through your vents isn’t cool enough or at all, it could be related to your thermostat or a problem within the unit itself. You can try lowering the temperature on your thermostat by five degrees. Otherwise, you may be dealing with dirty components in your air conditioner, such as the evaporator and condenser, which should be cleaned prior to operating your AC for the season. The condenser coil and fins should be cleaned and all debris removed from around the unit. If cleaning doesn’t work, you might have a faulty compressor or refrigerant issue, in which case you will need professional assistance.

Frequent on/off cycle

When a central air conditioner goes through a frequent on and off cycle, the problem could be a number of those mentioned above. The thermostat may be obstructed; refrigerant could be leaking or incorrectly charged; the condenser fins may be dirty or bent; or the air filter may need replaced. Any issues with refrigerant, which is responsible for collecting heat and moving it outside of your home to cool your indoor air, should be left to an HVAC Technician.