If your air conditioning system isn’t cooling, you might be wondering how to troubleshoot it. There are some common problems that you should check first before calling a professional. Here are a few tips to troubleshoot an AC problem:
Checking the compressor’s capacitor
If your AC maintenance Dubai isn’t cooling, it might be the capacitor. To check it yourself, you can turn the air conditioner off, let it rest for a few minutes, and then try to turn it back on. If it still doesn’t cool, you should contact a professional HVAC company or have a technician look at it. Otherwise, you can use a multimeter to check the capacitor’s charge.
The capacitor is typically located inside the condenser unit outside your home. If the capacitor is bulging or has oil leaking down its sides, it’s probably faulty. Before you try to replace the capacitor, make sure to check the other parts of the air conditioner as well. You should also check the contactors and the compressor plug. Look for the label that reads “35/5 MF, 370V.”
If you notice the fan in the compressor unit is humming and is spinning on its own, the capacitor may be the problem. Insert a long, thin stick into the vents and gently push it through the fan blade. The capacitor is the source of energy that boosts the fan motor upon startup. It stores this energy in a roll of electrically charged sheets of material. If the capacitor is faulty, you should contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Checking the compressor’s contactor
If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner has stopped cooling, you may be experiencing a mechanical failure. Check the contactor for loose wires, burnt connections, or arcing. If one of these is present, the contactor will likely need to be replaced. Alternatively, you can check the contactor’s terminals for a swollen run capacitor. You can check the voltage of the contactor by tapping on the terminals. A voltage of 3.2 mega Ohms is a good indicator that it’s time to replace it. You should also check the breaker for a short to ground.
You can check the contactor’s integrity by checking the electrical resistance. You can use a multimeter to determine the electrical resistance. To do so, unplug the power to the contactor first. Once the meter reads 0 ohms, the contactor’s coil is likely to be burned out or ineffective. Otherwise, you should replace the coil. A new contactor costs about $20-$30.
If your air conditioner is not cooling, you can check the contactor’s coil to see if the wiring is loose. In addition to a burnt contactor, you should also check the thermostat wiring. It should be set to cool or below room temperature to ensure a cool air supply. Another cause could be a low voltage fuse or a bad transformer. If you can’t find the fuse, replace it with an automotive type. Be sure to do this before switching on the power to the air conditioner.
Checking the condenser’s drainpipe
If your AC duct cleaning service isn’t cooling, check the condensate drainpipe. It may be clogged with algae, mold, or mildew. You can clean this line by pouring a solution of distilled white vinegar. This solution will kill these organisms. Then, clean the pipe with a wet-dry vacuum or a special pump.
The most obvious sign that the condensate drain pipe is clogged is standing water around the unit. If this is the case, you should take action immediately. In addition to standing water, you should also check the drain pan. If the pan is full, it indicates that the condensate drain pipe is clogged and mold may grow. Make sure the drain pipe is connected properly to the electrical outlet.
If you notice a pool of water near the drain pan, check the condensate drainpipe. If it is clogged, water may spill out into the room, causing mold and other damage. However, the drain pan is relatively easy to clean. If there’s a pan of condensate, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any debris.