Common Problems with the Air Conditioner

Problem	Possible Causes	Solutions
AC Thermostat Settings Don’t Match Settings on Indoor Unit	Miscommunication; Low battery power (remote control)	Replace batteries; Direct remote control to unit
AC Keeps Tripping Circuit Breaker	Overloaded circuits due to dirty filters/coils, refrigerant leak, etc.	Contact a technician to inspect your unit
AC is Running, but Not Cooling	Mismatched unit to room size; Dirty air filters/coils.	Upgrade unit; Clean components as needed

1 Air Conditioner Thermostat Settings Don’t Match Settings on Indoor Unit

If your indoor air handler coil is having difficulties getting your room to the desired temperature set on your remote control board or thermostat, there may be a miscommunication between your control board and the indoor air handler coils. First, check the batteries of your remote control, and replace batteries as needed.

If low battery power is not the issue, then the issue may be with communications. Make sure there is no obstructing object or wall between your control board and the indoor unit. Always point the remote control directly towards the air conditioner to prevent any faulty settings, and to strengthen the communication through a direct link.

2 Air Conditioner keeps Tripping Circuit Breaker

A tripped circuit breaker is a common occurrence, particularly with overloaded circuits with multiple devices connected to it. However, if your AC unit is constantly running, it may keep tripping circuits as it overloads the electrical system. Air conditioners won’t cause a tripped circuit breaker without an underlying problem.

One cause can be a dirty air filter. Dust-layered air filters can cause the airflow around your HVAC system to dwindle, restricting air movement and circulation within the air conditioner. When this happens, your AC unit is constantly trying to push the cold air out of the unit, working harder which may cause your unit to overload its circuits.

Another cause can be a problem with the compressor, capacitor, or outdoor cooling coil. These components may have become faulty, which is causing your unit to overload. Refrigerant leaks can also overwork AC units, as can fan motor problems. Contact one of our technicians at JK HVAC to help you narrow down, diagnose, and fix the problem to keep it from recurring.

3 Cooling System is Running, but Not Cooling

If your air conditioner is running, but is not cooling your room properly, check first if your AC is blowing warm or cool air. If your AC system is blowing cool air, then it may be an issue of a mismatched unit to your room size. Upgrade to a bigger, more powerful air conditioner, or use an inverter, which is energy efficient to use in large rooms.

If the AC is blowing warm air, check the state of the air filters, evaporator coil, and drain pan. Clean these components as needed. Wipe the condensate dry from the cold exterior surface, and try to operate your unit again. If cleaning did not do the trick, you may have a refrigerant leak that requires a technician to fix.

How to Reset Your Air Conditioner

Reset Point: Circuit Breaker

Resetting your air conditioner is fairly simple. You will need to cut the power supply of your unit for a few seconds to allow the system to recalibrate its settings.

To reset your air conditioner, shut down the AC unit first. Open the home circuit breaker box, and search for the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner. Flip the switch, wait for 30 seconds to a minute, then flip the switch again to put it back in its original position. Check your AC unit to see if the problem has been resolved.

Air Conditioners Troubleshooting Guide

1 Read the Manual

Always refer back to the manual that came with your air conditioner. You may receive a new one from your dealer if you’ve lost yours, but it is always important to have a copy on hand. Check for the error codes and troubleshooting guides, and follow the step-by-step process in fixing your aircon issues.

2 Have Your Unit Professionally Cleaned

Most of the time, a good, thorough deep cleaning will remove most common aircon problems, and will refresh and protect the components within the AC unit as well. Look to professional aircon cleaning services to keep your cooling system running smoothly, and to fix any AC problems. A chemical wash will help clear your AC unit from debris issues too!