How to Repair a Central Air Conditioning Unit That Is Not Cooling
- 1
Many air return access panels will look like this one.air conditioner vent image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
Use a screwdriver if needed to remove the access panel to the return air duct in the home. Inspect the filter for visibly large amounts of dust buildup. Change the filter if you notice large amounts of dust buildup or if you cannot remember the last time the filter was changed. - 2
Use a thermometer to evaluate the temperature of the air from each vent.thermometer image by Dron from Fotolia.com
Place a thermometer on or near each vent in the home. Make note of each temperature reading after approximately 10 minutes of evaluation. You will need this reading should you need to call a technician for service. - 3
Verifiy that vents are open and free of debris to ensure air flow.fins image by green308 from Fotolia.com
Verify that the vents in each room are opened and unobstructed. Obstructed or closed air vents in one or more rooms of the home may have an adverse effect on the unit cooling the rest of the home. - 4). Inspect the outside unit of the central air conditioning system. Look for the larger copper line coming from the unit. If this line has any ice accumulation try replacing the filter. If that doesn't solve the not cooling problem, call the service technician as this could potentially indicate a low charge of refrigerant in the system. Do not use the air conditioner until the technician has addressed the issue. Be sure to use a water hose to remove any debris such as leaves and dirt from around the outside unit of the central air conditioner.
- 5). Inspect the air handler itself. The air handler is usually located in a closet in the home or in the attic. Look for the accumulation of dust and/or ice. Call the technician for assistance if there is excessive dust on the coils of the air handler.
Source...