Troubleshooting

Trouble Shooting Guide:

Central Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

The day your cooling system malfunctions is often the day you need it most. That’s why it’s important to follow Cooler Bear Heat & Air's recommended air conditioning maintenance tips, so potential problems are avoided before they become more serious. If your A/C system has stopped working, use our troubleshooting guide below to help determine the problem.

No air movement

While the air conditioning unit cools the air, your system’s fan or air handler moves it through the house. Check to make sure that the air conditioner is on and operational, and if you’re not getting air flow, check out our air handler troubleshooting guide. If your air conditioner does not seem to be functioning at all, check for a tripped breaker.

No cold air

There are a few potential causes if air is moving through your home, but not cooling down. Dust and debris could build up on the evaporator, making heat exchange less efficient. Use our air conditioner maintenance guide for tips on how to clean the evaporator. Check to make sure both the inside and outside units are working, and that the thermostat is set at the desired temperature. If the problem still isn’t clear, contact a Cooler Bear Heat & Air Specialist.

Drain pan overflowing

The drain pan below your interior air conditioning unit collects condensation, and an electric pump usually moves the water to a nearby drainage pipe. If the pan is overflowing, check for a kink or block in the drainage line, and make sure that the pump is plugged in and working.

System running constantly

If your air conditioner seems to be running constantly, your thermostat could be set too high. Reset your thermostat, then adjust the temperature to a comfortable level. If the unit is still running continuously, contact Cooler Bear Heat & Air Specialist for assistance.

If the issue can’t be determined based on this guide, contact a Cooler Bear Heat & Air Specialist. We’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your air conditioner running properly, so you and your family stay cool and comfortable.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting Guide

Heat pumps help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It operates by extracting heat from your home and venting it outside to cool your home, or extracting heat from outside and pumping it indoors to heat your home. Treating any heat pump issues that arise, along with regular maintenance, is important before it turns into a bigger problem. Here are a few things to look for while troubleshooting your heat pump and keep in mind that any maintenance you’re not comfortable performing yourself, please feel to contact a Cooler Bear Heat & Air Specialist.

Where to start: troubleshooting a heat pump

If your heat is not working, start by checking the thermostat. Is it turned on and set to heat? Try setting the temperature 2 to 4 degrees above room temp. (When troubleshooting heat pumps in cooling mode, follow this same process but set the temperature below room temp instead of above.) Switch the fan on.

If the fan doesn’t start, check the fuses and breakers. Replace the fuse or flip the circuit breaker to the closed position and determine the cause of the overload. You may have a bad connection, a seized blower motor or a shorted controller board. If you didn’t blow a fuse or trip the circuit breaker, old or worn-out wiring on your heat pump may be the cause . Wiring or loose terminals will need to repaired or tightened. It could also be defective thermostat or a stuck fan relay.

If your fan is running, but you still feel cold air at the normal setting, check to see if warm air is coming out of the vents when the thermostat is set to emergency heat. Make sure the thermostat is at least five degrees above room temp. If you feel warm air, then the problem is with the outdoor unit. If you don’t feel warm air, you may have a defective thermostat or air handler to blame.

Examining the outdoor unit

Once you’ve determined the problem is with the outdoor unit, return the thermostat to normal from the emergency heat setting. Wait a few minutes before investigating the outside unit. When you inspect your unit, do you notice ice or frost building up on the outdoor coil? This may indicate a defective defroster timer or control module, or the unit could be low on refrigerant. If there is no frost check to make sure the airflow isn’t blocked by debris – grass clippings, sticks, leaves and weeds can all accumulate and prevent air from going in and out. Also check to see if the outdoor fan is running. If not, there may be a problem with wiring, the fan motor or compressor run capacitor.

If you are unable to diagnosis and fix the problem with your heat pump, or if you have additional questions, please contact a Cooler Bear Heat & Air Specialist. A certified technician will help you correct the problem and keep your home at a comfortable temperature.