Losing Your Cool over a Broken Air Conditioner? Try some DIY before calling an HVAC contractor!

It happens - summer comes, the valley heats up, you turn on the air conditioner after a few months of mild weather and ... nothing.  When your air conditioner quits on you, Murphy's Law says it will be on a record-high temperature day. 

But before you panic and call an A/C repair company, there are some things you can try first that will help you troubleshoot your system.  It's true, there are some things only a licensed professional can repair, but you might be surprised - sometimes the solution is simple. 

If these troubleshooting steps don't solve the problem or if you see visible signs of damage, you'll want to contact a residential HVAC contractor to help you.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Make sure you check the warranty on your unit before attempting repairs or contacting an HVAC contractor if you are unsuccessful on your own - you definitely don't want to do anything that would void your warranty.

1. Power:  A/C won't turn on?  The most overlooked step is the thermostat.  It might be turned off or set at a temperature lower than the temperature that your A/C is programmed to turn on at.  Make sure your unit is turned ON.  Set your thermostat up high, and then turn it a few degrees below the current room temperature.  Listen for the system to turn off.  If it does not, there are two possibilities: either the thermostat is not functioning properly or the breakers or fuses have blown.
   

1. Connections:  Have your breakers or fuses tripped or burned out?  Check the breakers or fuses for the A/C unit.  If you have a breaker panel, open it and make sure none of the breakers for the A/C system have tripped to the "Off" position.  If it has, flip the breaker off and on again to make sure it is securely in the "On" position.  Have someone else turn the thermostat on.  If the breaker trips again right away, there may be an electrical issue with the air conditioner.  If you have fuses, check your fuse box.  Turn the fuse switch to the "Off" position and examine the fuses.  If any appear burned out, or broken, replace the fuses.  After replacement, turn the switch back to the "On" position and then turn the thermostat on.
2. Airflow:  Not getting any air from the A/C?  Check the fan for proper operation.  Spin the fan by hand.  The blades should continue to spin on their own for about 5 seconds.  If not, the bearings may be out, and the fan motor may need replacing.  Also, check the air flow to the system.  Blocked air flow is a common reason why air conditioners suddenly quit working.  Go outside and check around the unit.  If there are weeds or grass around it, trim these away and try the unit again.
   
3. Air Temperature:  If the air from the A/C unit is not cold enough, turn on the unit and allow it to run for 10 minutes. Shut it off, go to the A/C unit, and locate the suction line, which is a copper line that extends out of the unit in your home. Feel it with your hand. It should be ice cold. If not, the system probably needs more refrigerant. Call a professional for this, as both the addition of refrigerant and repair of any leaks need to be done by a licensed air conditioner repairman.  Another cause may be the compressor inside the main A/C housing.  If the compressor isn't running but the fan is, air will flow through your vents, but it won't be cold.  If the compressor isn't running and is really hot, the unit may be low on refrigerant or the compressor may be failing.  Both of these issues require the services of a professional.
   
4. Visible Malfunctions:  Examine the unit for any visible signs of problems.  Did you know...PETS are a major cause of air conditioner damage - many animals will "mark" the unit and/or pet hair gets clogged in the unit.  An HVAC professional should be called if you see visible signs of pet damage or you have not had your system cleaned and maintained and have pets. 
   
5. If the steps above have failed and your unit still will not function properly, look for issues such as ice build-up on the indoor coil, water leaking from the unit, or oil  spilling from the unit's casing.   These are signs that you will need to contact an HVAC professional.