Carrier Air Conditioner Troubleshooting. Whether a Carrier air condition is a window or central unit, the basic components are the same: compressor, coil, fan, filter and thermostat. Finding a problem is the same procedure for both types of Carrier products. The one major difference between the window and central units is the central compressor is located outside the building while a window unit is all in one device. Finding the problem with a central unit may mean getting in the attic or crawlspace but troubleshooting the window unit generally means easier access.
All Carrier air conditioners need a filter to remove dirt and dust from entering the system. A good rule of thumb is to replace the filter in central units at least monthly. Carrier window air conditioner units often have a washable filter. Wash according to the manufacturers recommendations and dry thoroughly. Do not run the unit while replacing or cleaning the filter.
A thermostat controls the amount of air and how often the air conditioner runs to maintain a specific room temperature. Check the wall-mounted thermostat for proper operation. Some digital thermostats are battery powered. Replace batteries if necessary. Carrier window units use plug-in components easily replaced if the thermostat is functioning improperly. Replacing the thermostat can solve many problems with rooms too cold or too warm
Carrier air conditioners all have a compressor for compressing the coolant used to extract heat from the air. Check the compressor for proper vacuum level. If the compressor has a leak or the drive belt is not fully functional, pulling a vacuum will show less than specified results. The compressor vacuum is accessible by two access valves similar to the air valve on a tire. Using an air conditioner vacuum gauge attached to these valves while the unit operates will show the current vacuum levels. If the level is not low enough the compressor cannot fully compress the coolant and not achieve the maximum cold level.
Carrier air conditioners have two fans, one to draw exhaust from the unit (outside the building on central air units) and one to push cold air through the building or out of the window unit. Check all fans for proper operation. Check the fan blades and make sure none are damaged and the blades are firmly attached to the motor shaft. If your Carrier central air conditioner unit uses a drive belt to turn the fan, ensure the belt is tight and not slipping on the drive wheels. An improperly functioning fan motor may need replacing.
Air is passed over coils containing compressed coolant to reduce the temperature. Make sure the coils are clean and the air moves freely around. Also, check the coils for excessive condensation (water). Make sure all the proper insulation is around the coils. If the coils have developed a leak and are not holding coolant they may need to be replaced. Retail coil leak materials can be added to the coolant access valves, but success of these products is not assured depending on the size and frequency of the leak(s).
References
- Carrier Troubleshooting guide
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