Central Air Conditioning Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Did your central AC suddenly stop cooling your home?
Or maybe your central AC is working just fine, but you're looking for tips to keep it maintained?
Then you've come to the right place!
Start here:
These general guides will get you started troubleshooting your central AC and put you in the right direction:
AC Running Constantly? Here Are the Top Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top causes of an AC that runs constantly. I’ll also go over how to fix an AC that runs constantly, and how to know if your AC is undersized for your home.
AC Keeps Turning Off? Here Are the Causes
In this article, I’ll go over all of the causes of an AC that keeps turning off. I’ll also go over what you should do if your AC keeps short cycling.
AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Here Are the Top 8 Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top 8 reasons why your home’s AC might not blow cold. I’ll also go over how to fix an AC that’s not blowing cold.
Air Conditioner Not Working? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over the steps that you should take if your AC isn’t working. I’ll also provide some helpful tips for troubleshooting your AC so you can get your home cool again!
AC Maintenance Checklist – 7 Easy Steps
Preventive maintenance is important to keep your home’s air conditioning system running correctly and efficiently. If you are a homeowner, it is important to be familiar with your AC system so you can catch problems before they happen.
Central Air Conditioner Component Troubleshooting
Have you already narrowed down your central AC issue to a single component?
Below are my guides on troubleshooting individual components in your central AC system:
AC Contactor Not Pulling In? Here Are the Top Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top causes of a contactor not pulling in. I’ll also go over what you should do if your contactor only works when pushed in.
Thermostat Not Turning On AC? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your thermostat doesn’t turn on your AC. I’ll also go over what you should do if your thermostat doesn't turn on your AC and only blows warm air.
AC Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here Are the Top 9 Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top 9 causes of a tripping AC breaker. I’ll also explain how to fix your AC once you figure out why it's tripping its breaker.
AC Compressor Not Turning On? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your AC compressor isn’t turning on.
I’ll also go over the causes of an AC compressor not turning on and what you can do to address them.
AC Condenser Fan Not Running? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I'll discuss what you should do when your AC's condenser fan stops running. I'll also go over everything that you need to check in your AC condenser—step-by-step.
Central Air Conditioning Airflow Information
Airflow issues are common among central air conditioners.
Even though they are simple in nature, airflow issues can cause HUGE problems down the line.
AC Evaporator Coil Clogged? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll explain everything that you should do if your AC’s evaporator coil is clogged. I’ll also go over the causes of a clogged evaporator coil so your AC won’t lose cooling again.
No Air Blowing From the Vents in Your Home? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if you don’t have air blowing from one or more vents in your home. I’ll also discuss some fixes that you can do yourself—or if it's time to call in a professional.
Return Air Vents – Here’s What You Need to Know
In this article, I’ll go over return air vents and their location. I’ll also discuss whether you should block a return air vent and the difference between an air vent register and grille.
How to Use Duct Seal in Your Home
Did you know that leaky ducts in your home can reduce heating and cooling efficiency by as much as 20%?
In this article, we’ll go over how to seal the ducts in your home. We’ll also compare aluminum tape versus mastic– and what situations to use them in.
Central Air Conditioner Freezing Issues
All that heat exchange can sometimes leave your central AC out in the cold.
Check out these articles if your AC is having freezing issues:
Frozen AC Line? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your AC line is frozen. I’ll also go over everything that causes a frozen AC line—so you’ll know what to check and how to fix your AC.
AC Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do when your AC freezes up. I’ll also go over all of the causes of a frozen AC—so you can prevent your AC from freezing up again.
Heat Pump Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you need to do if your heat pump is freezing up. I’ll also explain how a heat pump’s defrost cycle works and how to manually defrost your heat pump so you can get your home warm and toasty again.
Central Air Conditioner Condensate Issues
Condensate issues are one of the most common issues with central air conditioners.
That's why I've put together a series of articles that specifically address dealing with every condensate issue imaginable:
AC Leaking Water? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over the steps that you should take if your AC is leaking water. I’ll also go over why ACs leak water and how to fix a leaky AC.
No Water Coming Out of Your AC Drain Pipe? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if there’s no water coming out of your AC drain pipe. I’ll also provide some data on when you should expect water to come out of your AC’s drain pipe, and some tips on how to troubleshoot drain pipe issues.
AC Float Switches – Everything You Need to Know
In this article, I’ll go over what you need to do when your AC’s float switch trips.
I’ll also go over how an AC float switch works, and all the different types of float switches. That way you’ll be prepared for any float switch issues you come across.
Excessive Condensation From Your AC? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over why ACs produce condensate and what you should do when your AC produces excess condensate. I’ll also let you know what you should do when your AC is leaking condensate all over your home.
Condensation on AC Lines? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over everything that you should do if there is condensation on your AC lines. I’ll also discuss the science of condensation on AC lines—so you’ll better understand what’s causing the condensation to form in the first place.
AC Vents Sweating? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll explain the science behind AC vent condensation. I’ll also go over a few ways to keep your AC vents from sweating.
AC Condensate Drain Line Clogged? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over the causes and symptoms of a clogged air conditioner condensate drain line. I’ll also let you know what you need to do if your AC’s condensate drain line is blocked.
Central Air Conditioner Maintenance Guides
Even if nothing is immediately wrong with your central AC, I still got you covered.
AC maintenance is essential if you don't want to be left in the heat, or get stuck with a huge bill when your AC breaks down.
Check out my maintenance guides below:
Should You Cover Your AC Unit in the Winter?
In this article, I’ll go over why it’s usually not necessary to cover your AC in the winter.
I’ll also discuss when it’s appropriate to cover your AC and the best way to cover your AC if you need to.
AC Maintenance Checklist – 7 Easy Steps
Preventive maintenance is important to keep your home’s air conditioning system running correctly and efficiently. If you are a homeowner, it is important to be familiar with your AC system so you can catch problems before they happen.
The Best AC Fin Combs for Coil Repair
Take a look at your fins. Do you notice any that are bent? If so, an AC fin comb will restore them back to their original state.
All Central Air Conditioning Articles
AC Making Noise When It’s Off? Here Are the Causes
In this article, I'll dive into the potential causes of noises that an air conditioner makes while it's off. I'll also provide fixes for the noise issues and offer solutions to restore the silence!
Bad AC Contactor? Here Are the 4 Symptoms
Did your AC unit fail to turn on? It could be due to a bad AC contactor. In this article, I'll go over all the symptoms of a bad AC contactor. I'll also cover what you should do if your AC contactor has failed.
How to Tell if Your AC Fuse Is Blown [All Types]
Did your AC unit suddenly stop working and now it seems like it doesn't have any power at all? It could be due to a blown fuse. In this article, I'll show you how to tell if your AC fuse is blown. I'll also go over 3 different types of fuses - so you know how to tell if any type of AC fuse is blown.
AC High Pressure Switch Tripping? Here’s What to Do
Click! Did your air conditioner’s high pressure switch just trip? A tripped high pressure switch makes a loud click followed by an abrupt shutdown of your AC condensing unit. In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your AC’s high pressure switch trips. I’ll also cover the causes of a tripping high pressure switch, and some maintenance tasks that you can perform to keep your AC’s high pressure switch from tripping in the first place.
AC Contactor Not Pulling In? Here Are the Top Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top causes of a contactor not pulling in. I’ll also go over what you should do if your contactor only works when pushed in.
AC Running Constantly? Here Are the Top Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top causes of an AC that runs constantly. I’ll also go over how to fix an AC that runs constantly, and how to know if your AC is undersized for your home.
AC Keeps Turning Off? Here Are the Causes
In this article, I’ll go over all of the causes of an AC that keeps turning off. I’ll also go over what you should do if your AC keeps short cycling.
Thermostat Not Turning On AC? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your thermostat doesn’t turn on your AC. I’ll also go over what you should do if your thermostat doesn't turn on your AC and only blows warm air.
AC Breaker Keeps Tripping? Here Are the Top 9 Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top 9 causes of a tripping AC breaker. I’ll also explain how to fix your AC once you figure out why it's tripping its breaker.
AC Compressor Not Turning On? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your AC compressor isn’t turning on.
I’ll also go over the causes of an AC compressor not turning on and what you can do to address them.
The 7 Symptoms of Low Refrigerant in Your AC
In this article, I’ll go over the 7 symptoms of low refrigerant in your AC. I’ll also cover what you should do if you have low refrigerant in your AC.
AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Here Are the Top 8 Causes
In this article, I’ll go over the top 8 reasons why your home’s AC might not blow cold. I’ll also go over how to fix an AC that’s not blowing cold.
AC Leaking Water? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over the steps that you should take if your AC is leaking water. I’ll also go over why ACs leak water and how to fix a leaky AC.
No Water Coming Out of Your AC Drain Pipe? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if there’s no water coming out of your AC drain pipe. I’ll also provide some data on when you should expect water to come out of your AC’s drain pipe, and some tips on how to troubleshoot drain pipe issues.
Outside AC Unit Making Noise? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your outside AC unit is making a noise. I’ll also go over all of the different types of sounds that an AC unit makes—so you can figure out what’s wrong with your AC no matter what type of noise it's making.
Frozen AC Line? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your AC line is frozen. I’ll also go over everything that causes a frozen AC line—so you’ll know what to check and how to fix your AC.
AC Evaporator Coil Clogged? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll explain everything that you should do if your AC’s evaporator coil is clogged. I’ll also go over the causes of a clogged evaporator coil so your AC won’t lose cooling again.
AC Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you should do when your AC freezes up. I’ll also go over all of the causes of a frozen AC—so you can prevent your AC from freezing up again.
Excessive Condensation From Your AC? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over why ACs produce condensate and what you should do when your AC produces excess condensate. I’ll also let you know what you should do when your AC is leaking condensate all over your home.
Condensation on AC Lines? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over everything that you should do if there is condensation on your AC lines. I’ll also discuss the science of condensation on AC lines—so you’ll better understand what’s causing the condensation to form in the first place.
AC Vents Sweating? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll explain the science behind AC vent condensation. I’ll also go over a few ways to keep your AC vents from sweating.
Should You Cover Your AC Unit in the Winter?
In this article, I’ll go over why it’s usually not necessary to cover your AC in the winter.
I’ll also discuss when it’s appropriate to cover your AC and the best way to cover your AC if you need to.
Heat Pump Pros and Cons – What You Need to Know
In this article, I’ll go over the pros and cons of installing and using a heat pump. I’ll also explain how a heat pump’s heating efficiency is measured and how it compares to other heaters.
Air Conditioner Not Working? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over the steps that you should take if your AC isn’t working. I’ll also provide some helpful tips for troubleshooting your AC so you can get your home cool again!
How Does a Heat Pump Work in Winter?
In this article, I’ll explain the details on how a heat pump works in the winter to heat your home. I’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using a heat pump in cold climates, and go over backup heating systems in heat pumps.
Heat Pump Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over what you need to do if your heat pump is freezing up. I’ll also explain how a heat pump’s defrost cycle works and how to manually defrost your heat pump so you can get your home warm and toasty again.
AC Condenser Fan Not Running? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I'll discuss what you should do when your AC's condenser fan stops running. I'll also go over everything that you need to check in your AC condenser—step-by-step.
AC Condensate Drain Line Clogged? Here’s What to Do
In this article, I’ll go over the causes and symptoms of a clogged air conditioner condensate drain line. I’ll also let you know what you need to do if your AC’s condensate drain line is blocked.
AC Maintenance Checklist – 7 Easy Steps
Preventive maintenance is important to keep your home’s air conditioning system running correctly and efficiently. If you are a homeowner, it is important to be familiar with your AC system so you can catch problems before they happen.