Bailey Content Top
Air Conditioner Problems

Common Air Conditioner problems

  • Air conditioner doesn’t cool
    • To test it, turn the power on and set the thermostat to turn the unit on. Let it run for a few minutes, and then feel the two pipes that connect to the condenser unit (slide any insulation back). One should feel warm, the other cool. Otherwise, call an Baileys—the refrigerant may need to be recharged.
    • Important note: Avoid straining an air conditioner’s compressor by waiting at least five minutes between turning it off at the thermostat and turning it back on.

  • Air conditioner doesn’t turn on
    If your central air conditioner doesn’t go on automatically:
    • Be sure the thermostat is set to "cool" and below the current temperature.
    • A central air conditioner should be on a dedicated 240-volt circuit; check the main electrical panel and any secondary circuit panels for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If you find the problem here, reset the breaker or replace the fuse.

  • Major room temperature swings
    • When room temperatures swing more than about 3 degrees between when the air conditioner goes off and on again, it generally means that the heat pump isn’t cycling on often enough.

  • Room temperature drops too low
    • When room temperature drops lower than the set temperature on the thermostat, it usually means that the thermostat is improperly calibrated or installed where it doesn’t sense a proper sampling of room air.

  • Air handler squeals
    • Squealing sounds from a forced-air heat pump generally occur when the belt that connects the motor to the fan slips. If the blower is making a grinding noise, shut off the unit and call Baileys—the motor's bearings are probably shot.
    • In most cases, the belt is improperly aligned or worn and needs replacement. Refer to your owner’s manual.

  • Water pools next to air conditioner
    • Air conditioners and high-efficiency combustion furnaces create significant condensation, which exits through a plastic drain tube. This should go into a floor drain or be carried away by a small “condensate pump.” If water is pooling at the base of the appliance, something may be blocking the water’s flow, or leaking, or the pump may not be working.

Appliances and Air Conditioner

Bailey Content Bottom