Is your system not working properly? Here you can find quick
information to help identify and maybe even solve the problem.

1. First make sure that the thermostat is set lower than the actual room temperature. The selector switch must be on "cool". If the thermostat is programmable, be certain it has fresh batteries.
   
2. Check for power by moving the fan switch from "auto" to "on". If the blower runs, there is power. If nothing happens, a control is burned out or power is disconnected. If the system uses a furnace for heat, check that the emergency switch is on. If you are familiar with the fuse or circuit breaker panel, check for blown fuses or tripped breakers. Correct the problem one time only. If it repeats, call for service.
   
3. With the selector switch on cool and the fan switch on auto, move the thermostat well below room temperature. If the blower runs but the condenser(outdoor unit) does not, check the circuit breaker panel. If the breaker is on, examine the condenser. Some have a high pressure cut out. It is a button sticking out of the cabinet, usually near the refrigerant lines. Push it in as far as it will go to reset it.
   
4. If both units are running and no cooling is taking place, touch the larger of the two copper lines exiting the condenser. If it is warm, the system is out of freon or the compressor is down. If the line is frozen or iced over, the is an air flow problem inside, such as clogged filter or too many registers closed or an object covering the return duct. A low freon charge will also cause a freeze-up. Shut the system down and let it thaw out completely. If it freezes up again, call for service.
   
5. If the unit is in the basement and has a condensate pump, the control wire for the condenser might be wired through a safety switch on the pump. Check to see if the pump is plugged in and operable.
   
6. If the unit is in the attic, there could be a float switch in the air handler or in the safety pan that will shut the condenser off if the drain is clogged. Water around the unit is evidence of trouble. Call for service.
   
   
   

Air conditioner is freezing up


All air conditioners try to freeze up, that is the goal of the refrigerant...to chill.It is the design of the system that prevents this freezing up from occurring.

There are three basic reasons for air conditioner freeze ups:
A. Insufficient air flow
B. Refrigerant charge
C. Outdoor temperature

A) The two most common causes of insufficient air flow are dirty filters and under sized ducts. A dirty filter limits air flow which in turn allows the cooling coil’s temperature to drop below freezing. Replacing the filter, monthly, usually alleviates this problem. Under sized ducts will also cause the system to freeze
Because it also limits the amount of air flowing over the cooling coil. This results in lowering the coil temperature and allowing the humidity in the air to collect on the coil and freeze.

B)Refrigerant charge. The refrigerant system teeters on a delicate balance. If the system is not charged correctly, the system will not function properly. This malfunction may result in the poor cooling output and/or freezing up. Only a qualified, certified service technician can properly test and charge a refrigerant system.

C) Outdoor temperature. If night time temperatures are too low, the system will not operate properly, and freeze up may occur. The outdoor unit does not function well in temperatures below 60 degrees F. A special “ambient temperature” control must be installed to allow the unit to run properly in cool temperatures, or you may open your windows and save energy.

Air Conditioenr is leaking water

Water is a byproduct of air conditioning and is drained off and removed.

There are two categories of problems if there water appears around your inside air conditioning equipment.

1. If water appears and the system is not cooling, the cooling coil is probably frozen.
   
   A frozen coil is the result of a low refrigerant charge or not enough air flow. A professional is needed to correct the refrigerant charge. Most air flow problems are due to dirty filters, which the homeowner himself should know/learn how to replace.
   
2. If water appears and the cooling system is working fine, there is most likely a problem with the condensate drain. The drain may be a gravity type which simply flows down hill and outside, in which case. it is clogged somewhere. A shop vac, applied to the outside end, might clear the problem. Or the condensate might drain into a nearby mounted pump. This pump runs when it is filled, but will over flow if it fails.