My Central Air is not working properly. What can I do myself?

Question

My central is not working correctly. It is blowing out air and everything seems to be working correctly. But the air is not cold. Is there anything I can do or check or change myself so I don't have to call an expensive repair person.

Thank you.

Answer 1

This is a site I found helpful when my AC wasn't working correctly.  It can help you troubleshoot.  I also did a search (Windows Live Search) and found sites that explained how ACs work and helped me troubleshoot.  I'm sorry I don't have more bookmarked...I must have deleted them.  

http://static.howstuffworks.com/pdf/how-...

Also, do a search in Answers for similar questions asked.  YOu can get more thoughts on the problem.  There are people who specialize in AC work answering questions.  You can visit their Profiles and even write to them for help (some invite you to do so).

Definately don't add freon yourself!

Answer 2

No, freon is NOT something you can do yourself. If you have to ask that question, then you are not lisenced to purchase it and you would not have the skill to install it.

Is the compressor unit (outside the house) running, at all? There is a fan in it; is that even running? If not, check the double breaker in your breaker box AND see if there is a fuse or breaker on the outside box that attached to the outside of the house.

The fan inside the furnace starts as soon as the thermostat is set to cool. It stays on as long as it is set to cool. The compressor cycles and so does the compressor fan, but not the furnace fan.

There are other things to check, but if you have to ask, they are WAY too dangerous for you to even try. 240 volts can really kill you quickly.

Answer 3

Run the blower by itself for 30-45 minutes.

There is a 70% chance that it will start to cool again when you put it back to cool.

Answer 4

sounds like you have no freon..you might need it recharged and it will cost you

Answer 5

If you are in the NJ area, I highly recommend Browns Heating & Cooling.  They are an ac repair company that is reliable, affordable, and guarantees their work.

They usually can figure out what's wrong right away.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, there is little you can do yourself.   In most states, AC repairs must be performed by a licensed tech.   AC supply company's usually will not sell AC equipment or supplies such as Freon to anyone not licensed.    Federal and State laws prohibit such sales to unlicensed DIY'ers.    As far as "expensive repair person's", choose a reputable dealer in your area.    AC systems can be repaired, but just repairing something to "get by" can be expensive in the long run.   Check your warranty documents and see what coverage is left on your unit.   You might be lucky, and still have some warranty left, that may cut your cost down a bit.   Don't mess with this yourself, unless you absolutely are sure you know what you are doing.   Freon escaping from a line, can freeze your skin, and maim you.   Leave this task to experts.  

Answer 7

I just had a technician here because my Central Air stopped putting out cold air. I have a Heating and Cooling Service Plan.

Same issue as yours in that the AC unit seemed to be working fine; the fan on the AC outside was blowing and air was coming out of the vents in the house but it wasn't cold air and the temp kept rising. If you listen to your AC unit outside; it probably sounds a little quieter than usual because if you have the same problem as me, your fan is working but the compressor isn't.

It turned out that I had some compressor terminal wires that burned out and needed to be re-wired.

Not something I would do myself, especially because I'm on a service plan but basically the Tech just McGivered a fix by clipping off the burned out wire ends and connectors and putting on new connectors and re-attaching the wires. Presto! I was back up and running in about 15 minutes.

Your problem could be worse though. 2 years ago I had to replace the compressor which is very expensive. If that's the case and depending on how old the AC unit is, you may need to consider buying a new Air Conditioner.

I agree with others though, it's best to have someone who knows what they're doing have a look. I would call a repair company; in fact I did...

Good luck!

Marc G