Carrier Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
You don’t want to be without your AC when summertime hits, so make sure your cooling unit is in working order. Even with regular preventative maintenance, your air conditioner could require some troubleshooting when it isn’t working how you need it. Below we have a guide on Carrier air conditioner troubleshooting and some common problems that might explain why your AC unit isn’t blowing cool air. For more information on Carrier maintenance, check out our Carrier furnace troubleshooting and filter replacement articles.
Thermostat Settings are Incorrect
When your AC isn’t blowing cool air, the first place you should check is your thermostat settings. Make sure that the set temperature is at a comfortable temperature for you. Also make sure that the settings are set to “cool” and not “off” or “heat”. Once you adjust the settings and the unit turns on, feel the nearest vent to ensure the air is now cool. If changing the settings does not resolve the issue you can try the next troubleshooting sections before calling for an authorized service agent.
Air Filter Replacement
If adjusting the settings did not work, the next step is making sure your unit’s air filter isn’t clogged. The air filter catches any large dust and dirt particles while air is being pushed through the unit. A dirty filter will clog and prevent air from passing through easily, plus it can cause the system to short cycle. The filter should be located in the indoor air unit. Turn the system off and then check if the filter needs to be replaced.
Condenser Coils Blocked
An AC unit most likely also has an outdoor condenser unit to the system. If the coils on the outside become blocked or clogged, this will prevent air from being pulled into the unit. Check the outdoor unit and if you find the coils are clogged you can gently clear the block with either a hose or vacuuming with a brush attachment.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil can be very serious and cause extensive damage to your AC unit. Check your evaporator coils for frost or ice forming onto the copper refrigerant tubes. There could also be excessive condensate drainage near your unit. The evaporator coil is a difficult problem and will require you to contact a local authorized service agent to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. We recommend shutting off the unit until your authorized service agent can come and resolve the issue.
Low or Leaking Refrigerant
Have you noticed the air isn’t cool but the thermostat is properly set and the filter clean? Then it could be that your AC refrigerant is low or even leaking. The refrigerant is what cools the air being pushed through the system and is very important at keeping things cool. This is a more complex problem that will require you to contact a local authorized service agent to assist with troubleshooting. It is not recommended to attempt to resolve this on your own.