Tips for Troubleshooting an AC on the Fritz

by Kevin Smith Author

Home air conditioners systems occasionally break; usually, they still put out air, it just is not cooled. When that happens, most homeowners debate whether to call for help or try and fix the issue themselves. If you are debating calling for air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh, PA, try these troubleshooting steps first to identify if you need a technician to visit you.

Check the Power

It sounds elementary, but if your air conditioner system is not functioning, it might be a power issue. Verify that power is getting to the system.

Check the Filter

Your filter’s purpose is to protect the AC system from sucking in dust and dirt and spreading it throughout your home. Filters need to be changed every three months or whenever they show an excessive accumulation of both. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, which can lead to your system overheating and not cooling sufficiently.

Check the Fan

If the filter is not the culprit, check your system’s fan and verify it is working properly. Inspect both the fan and the fan’s motor and verify they are in working order. If one or the other is not functioning properly, contact an air conditioning service to get a repair or replacement done.

Look for Coolant Leaks

Another way an air conditioner can break is if there are holes in the coolant system. To identify a refrigerant leak, look for signs of:

Freezing on and around your coil (it looks like ice buildup in a freezer) and copper piping
Airflow that is not cool
Hissing noises when running
Smudges on the refrigerant line

The Bubble Test

An easy test to detect a refrigerant leak is the bubble test. Apply a soapy solution to the area you suspect a leak is present. Any escaping refrigerant will cause bubbles to form.

System Operations Test

Set your thermostat to 3 to 5 degrees below the room temperature. Place your hand over an airflow vent and see if cool air is being pushed out after 30 seconds. If not, check the system unit for leaking around the coil.

Vent and Register Inspection

Go over your entire home and examine each inflow vent and outflow register. If any are closed, open them and see if that clears up your problem. If all are open, experiment by closing some to see if that corrects the cooling issue.

It is no fun to have to go find air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh, PA in the middle of a heatwave. Use this checklist to help quickly diagnose your air conditioner problem.