Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 192

AIR-CONDITIONING PROBLEMS

195

INEFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONER

1 Reset thermostat

• If the air conditioner is switched on but the fan is not blowing, check the temperature setting on the thermostat. If the thermostat is set too high for the current conditions, the air conditioner will not be stimulated to operate.

• Reset the thermostat to a lower temperature. The fan should start to work right away.

2Remove filter

• If the fan is working efficiently but the room or house is still too

warm, the filter may need either cleaning or replacing( depending on the type of air conditioner).

• For a central system, ask an airconditioning specialist to clean or

replace the filter, as appropriate.

• For a room unit, unplug the unit at the wall. Remove or lift up the

front panel, depending on the design, and remove the filter.

3Clean filter

• Clean the filter with some warm water containing a mild detergent, then rinse it in clean water and dry it thoroughly.

• Replace the filter and turn the unit back on.

Clip filter back into place after cleaning

4 Install new filter

• If your unit has a disposable filter, check its condition. If it has turned black, is warped, or has holes in it, then it needs replacing.

• Remove the old filter and replace it, following the manufacturer’ s instructions. Then replace the front panel, and turn the unit back on.

AIR CONDITIONER CUTS OUT

1 Reposition sensor

• For a room unit, unplug the unit at the wall. Remove the front panel and filter.

• Check the thermostatic sensor; it should be near, but not touching, the evaporator coils. Move it away from the coils if necessary.

• Replace the filter and front panel and plug in the unit.

• For a central system, get an air-conditioning specialist to reposition the sensor for you.

2Clean condenser

• For a wall-mounted room unit, remove the condenser( the part

of the unit outside the room) first. The condenser in a windowmounted room unit can be cleaned in place.

• Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and lint that has collected

on the condenser.

• For a central system, get an airconditioning specialist to clean the

condenser for you.