Ac Unit Quit Working

It is a big deal when the air conditioning goes out on a hot summer day, but there is no need to wait for help to come to you.  Many air conditioning malfunctions are not difficult to identify and repair.  The following test procedure will help you identify if the problem with your outdoor unit is the fan motor, the capacitor, or the contactor.Troubleshooting the “outdoor air conditioner unit not running” starts with some easy commonsense steps:Section A; you can hear the a/c compressor running and the fan motor is not turning.Because the compressor is running you know there is 220 volts power to the outdoor unit and you know the contactor is doing its job of delivering that 220 volts to the compressor and to the motor.  The malfunction will be a bad capacitor and/or a bad motor. Capacitors can be tested with multi-meters that have the ability to read microfarads or you can take your capacitor (and your motor) to your nearest U-FIX-IT store for a free bench test.  If the capacitor tests good then your motor is bad.
Caution – Capacitors can store an electric charge (like a battery).  The shock hazard is non-lethal, but it is no fun.   Check the 220 volt power is off and discharge the capacitor by shorting between capacitor terminals (with insulated screwdriver) before removing the wires from the terminals.you cannot hear the a/c compressor running and the fan motor is not turning.  Your next troubleshooting step will be checking the 220 volt power because it is highly unlikely both the compressor and the fan motor would fail at the same time.  Failure of the contactor (see picture above) most often produces this symptom.  You can prove the contactor is the problem by using a multi-meter or you can take your contactor to your nearest U-FIX-IT store for a free bench test.Testing the contactor on air conditioner outdoor unitCaution: use care when measuring live voltages not to touch bare connections or short them to the cabinet or to other terminals with the meter probes.Part Request Part Number or Description*Email* More From Jim PlummerJim is an ex-Air Force pilot and a business school graduate of University of Texas at Austin.
He has been in the appliance parts business since 1975.How much does it cost for a capacitor to be installed in a home ac unit  offers a nice sizing chart for HVAC capacitors and furnace capacitors. Most of the capacitors I've looked at are $5 to $15 dollars, so a little less than Home Depot and Lowes. Stay safe and hire a professional if you feel unsure about doing it yourself!Edit ArticleHow to Check Your Air Conditioner Before Calling for Service Two Methods:TroubleshootingPreventative MaintenanceCommunity Q&A Of course, it would be the hottest day of the year that your air conditioner stops working! Getting it serviced can be expensive, and you'll just have to swelter while waiting for a service technician. Check out these steps that can possibly save some money, and help you keep your cool at the same time! It's not working at all: the condenser (for an outdoor unit) or air handler/furnace (indoor unit) are not running. Make sure it's plugged in. This may seem obvious, but there are occasions when this is exactly the problem.
Whether kids, dogs, or an accidental tap with the vacuum cleaner, the plug could be partially or completely dislodged.Staples Rent Textbook Check the circuit breakers and fuses. Sliding Mirrored Closet Doors Replacement TrackMake sure they are in place, turned on, and functioning properly. Outdoor Gas Fire Pit CanadaCircuits, especially with older homes, are easily overloaded if the air conditioner shares a circuit with appliances such as irons, refrigerators, or microwaves. Check your thermostat (cooling control) and make sure it is set to cool at the current temperature, and working properly. As with plugs, sometimes settings can change by accident. Check your fan blower belt for excessive slack, damage, or breakage.
This can cause low air flow which allows ice to form, and thus causes low cooling performance. Repair or replace the blower belt. Allow the ice to melt before restarting the AC unit. Check the coils and filter. Wash your condenser coil once a season, or as needed. Clean or change your filter regularly. This simple step alone can increase the efficiency of your air conditioner. It will also run less, increasing the life span of your equipment. A good sign that your filter needs changing is the fact of ice forming inside your inside cooling unit (evaporator section). This may be difficult to see as the unit is sealed, but touch the outside metal and feel for a noticeable temperature difference. You may also see ice on the large line going to the outside unit (suction line). If ice is forming, it is possible that your air filter is severely dirty and restricting your normal air flow. This allows ice to form due to the fact that not enough heat is being introduced to your cooling section.
Keep your air conditioner clean for optimal performance and reliability. Maintaining your air conditioner and having it serviced regularly increases the efficiency of your unit, reduces energy usage, and prevents wear and tear on your equipment. Do not attempt to diagnose any electrical problem unless you have been properly trained and/or are licensed. Do not attempt any repair work unless you are a licensed heating and air conditioning technician. Most states require a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor to perform any repair work. Do not bend the "fins" on the outside of the condenser. Make certain to wash the coils in an "up/down" fashion. Do not immediately assume that if your air conditioner is not working that the thermostat is at fault. Tampering with the thermostat or is related wiring can cause more problems than you initially started with. If nothing is happening with the thermostat set, immediately call for service. Do not attempt to add or remove refrigerant from your system unless you are licensed by the EPA.