Central Air Problems
 
Central Air Problems
If your air conditioner isn't working, first check the circuit breaker or fuse that serves the unit. Change the fuse or reset the circuit breaker if necessary. If the compressor turns off and won't come back on during a very hot day, the unit may have built up a high "head" pressure and the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped. This is usually located right inside the access panel on the compressor unit. Simply push the button to return it to operation.

If the air conditioner doesn't cool or isn't cooling effectively, check the thermostat to make sure it is set to "cool" rather than "heat." Dirty evaporator or condenser coils or a dirty filter in the air handler or furnace also can keep air conditioners from cooling effectively. Also, if you operate the air conditioner when the air temperature is below 60 degrees, you might find frost on the evaporator coils. If you do, it's time to turn off your air conditioner.

Keeping your air conditioner clean is the key to efficient cooling. Check the filter in the air handler once a month while it is in use and replace or clean the filter as necessary. Check to be sure that the condensate drain is clear (and the condensate pump is working properly if it has one) and that the condenser and evaporator coils are clean.