Self Help

The purpose of this section is not to eliminate service, but to perhaps, get some temporary comfort while waiting for service.

Running but no cooling:  Most likely the compressor section of the system has stopped operating or there could be a loss of refrigerant.  The best option is to turn off the system from cooling or heating and call for service. 

Running but no air flow:  check the fan switch at the thermostat and move it to on.  If the fan starts its mostly likely a thermostat control issue.  However, if the blower does not start, it can either be the blower is bad, or the system could be frozen over due to iced coil.  You can turn off the cooling system, and leave the fan in the “on” position and if you start to get airflow in about 40 minutes, its low on charge or coil is dirty.

Blowing really hot in cooling:  This typically happens when the home owner installs their own thermostat and it is wired incorrectly.  However, it could also be that the reversing valve is stuck or not operational electrically.

Blower on but outside unit not working:  most likely a safety has caused the outside unit to become inoperable and requires service.  Attempting to operate in this condition can cause further damage.

Leaking water in the house:  water is caused from the cooling and condensing of moisture in the air and that moisture is removed from the house.  Should your condensate line become plugged it will back up into the house and cause water damage.  Best option is to turn off unit but leave blower on and call for service and condensate cleaning.

Cools intermittently:  System cools for a while then stops during day or cools at night and early morning and late evening.  Most likely you have a bad outdoor fan motor that causes the compressor to go off line because of over heating.  Service is needed.

Runs, then makes hissing sound:  System has outdoor fan motor going bad which is causing compressor to go into over pressure and bypass mode.  This is a safety for the system and service is needed to prevent further damage to the system.

Light blink when system starts:  Most likely the compressor capacitor is going bad and the system could use a start assist.  The start draws such high amps to causes circuits near the compressor in the electrical panel to lose voltage and then dim or blink.  This creates tremendous heat in the compressor and causes damage to the compressor windings ultimately leading to a failure.