Air Conditioner Not Cooling? Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
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Common solutions for: Air conditioner not cooling
01 - Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the air conditioner. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced.
Top Solution
02 - Condenser Coils are Dirty
The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to maintain the proper temperature, and the compressor will run continuously in an attempt to cool the room. Ch...eck the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
Top Solution
03 - Compressor
The compressor might be defective. However, this is not usually the case. Before replacing the compressor, be sure to check more commonly defective components—particularly the overload protector and the compressor capacitor. If the compressor is defective, it should only be replaced by a licensed technician.
The temperature control thermostat is a sensor which monitors the temperature of the air and activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor when the air temperature drops below a set point. If the thermostat isn’t working, the air conditioner will cool continuously or won’t cool at all. To determine if the temperature control thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may also... control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
Common
05 - Incoming Power Problem
Check to see if there is power to the air conditioner. One or more indicator lights on the control board should be illuminated. If there is no power to the air conditioner, check to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown. Confirm the unit is plugged in and has power.
Less Common
06 - Fan Motor
An air conditioner fan motor is the component that spins the fan blade or blower wheel to circulate the air. If one of the fan motors is burned out, the air won't be circulated and the unit will not cool properly. You can use a multimeter to determine if power is reaching the fan motor. If power is reaching the motor, but it doesn't run, the component will need to be replaced.
Uncommon But Possible
07 - Dirty or Damaged Air Filter
A dirty air filter will greatly reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.