When the Cedar Hill summer temperatures roll in, a reliable air conditioning unit proves essential. The last thing you want is to come home one day and find that your AC isn’t working. You may wonder, “How do you troubleshoot an AC that isn’t working?”
No need to stress! Our experts will explain everything you need to do to get that cool air flowing through your home. With this simple guide, you will receive expert tips from the professionals providing top AC repair in Cedar Hill.
How To Spot the Problem
After a long, sunny day of exploring the natural trails in Cedar Hill, we all look forward to coming home, cooling off, and relaxing in the comfort of our own homes. Yet, your home is as hot as the outside heat, and you just can’t get your AC unit to work. This means there’s a problem that needs to be investigated.
First, you want to make sure the problem isn’t the furnace. To do so, set the thermostat to air conditioning mode and lower the temperature. If the furnace fan starts up, this ensures that the problem is not related to the furnace. However, if the fan doesn’t start, try resetting the furnace circuit breaker.
The next item you want to check is the condensing unit outside. The compressor and fan should both be running for the air conditioner to work. If not running, you will have to troubleshoot your air conditioning unit.
How To Troubleshoot an AC in Cedar Hill
To begin troubleshooting an AC that isn’t working, follow these three simple steps. You will have your central AC running in no time.
1. Turn the Power Off
The first step for AC troubleshooting is to turn off the air conditioning and furnace breakers in the electrical panel in your home. To check that the power is completely off, use a voltage tester on the wires in the contactor.
For warmer cities like Cedar Hill, homes often have a condensing unit outside. Be sure to turn the power off and remove the block from the electric box that is attached to the unit. Then, test the box with a voltage sniffer to ensure the power is shut off.
2. Clean the Condenser Coil
Second, clean the condenser coil using a hose. Begin by spraying water at the top to wash away the buildup that is under the lid, then work your way down and around the coil to flush the debris down the coil fins.
3. Test the Fuses
Third, while the condenser coil dries, test out the fuses on the original disconnected block from the electrical box. Set the multimeter to the lowest Ohms scale, then touch the red and black leads to the opposite tips of each fuse. If you receive a numerical reading, the fuse is in good shape. However, if you receive a reading of a zero, a minus symbol, or an infinity symbol, then there is a blown fuse.
If a fuse is blown, there is a malfunctioning part inside the condensing unit. You will have to replace the parts and install new fuses.
If the fuses continue to blow, there may be a bigger problem and you will have to call an HVAC expert for further assistance.
How To Tell If Troubleshooting an AC Was Successful in Cedar Hill
Now that all the steps have been completed, it’s time to put your air conditioner to the test. Begin by reinstalling the box back into the condensing unit outside. Then, turn the power on for the condensing unit and the circuit breaker in your home.
Set the thermostat to a temperature of your liking and wait for the air conditioner to turn on. The compressor should start up, making the fan spin in the condensing unit outside. If it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to call HVAC professionals for assistance.
To prevent troubleshooting a broken AC in the future, schedule annual maintenance. Not only will it save you from frustration when trying to flee the brutal Cedar Hill heat, but it will also improve the life expectancy of an AC unit.
Contact Your Cedar Hill HVAC Experts for Further Assistance
Are you still struggling and don’t know how to troubleshoot an AC that isn’t working — or how to solve a different problem with your HVAC system? Our Cedar Hill HVAC experts at Dial One Jonson can get the job done for you.
Our services include:
- Plumbing
- Cooling
- Heating
Call us today at (972) 573-4539 for more information or to book an appointment.