Your Outside AC Unit is Broken, but the Inside Unit Still Runs — What Now?
Your split-system cooling system won’t function properly unless both units — the indoor evaporator and the outdoor condenser/compressor — are operating. Sometimes the outside unit will fail, while the inside unit continues to run with the blower fan operating. Don’t worry, we will help you understand what’s going on and what you can do about it.
When an outdoor AC unit breaks down, there are several signs. You may notice the outgoing air is warm despite lowering the thermostat, there may be frost on the refrigerant lines or leaking refrigerant, hissing or popping sounds could come from the outdoor unit (or nothing at all), or the outdoor unit may turn itself on and off in rapid cycles.
Even if the indoor unit is blowing air, a split-system won’t cool if the outdoor unit is broken — both components must be working. Some of the first things you can do are to try the following:
- Make sure the outdoor AC hasn’t been unintentionally turned off. Typically, there’s an on-off switch in a small box near the unit.
- Check the circuit box in your home to make sure the breaker for the outside unit hasn’t tripped. If it has, turn the breaker all the way off, then flip it back on. If the circuit continues to trip, you’ll want a licensed electrician to determine the reason. This could be a fire or safety hazard in the making.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature setting is lower than the room temperature. The unit will only circulate, not refrigerate, the air unless cooling mode is activated. Properly adjusting the thermostat is a lot simpler — and cheaper — than calling in air conditioning service.
Other Issues to Consider in Your AC Malfunction
When only the inside unit operates in a split-system, the culprit may be a broken compressor in the outside unit. That typically indicates a major repair, or even a system replacement.
If the outside condenser/compressor unit is a lost cause, resist the temptation to only replace that unit. An integrated system almost always offers far superior performance and efficiency than mixed-and-matched indoor/outdoor units. Plus, if one side of your AC system has failed, it’s likely just a matter of time before the other half goes kaput.
Other issues that could shut down an outside unit include
- frozen evaporator coils
- a malfunction of the condenser fan
- an electrical issue
- a clog in the filer or condenser
- leaking refrigerant lines
Jansen Heating & Cooling will be happy to send a trained technician to inspect your broken cooling system, diagnose the problem, and recommend air conditioning repair at a fair price.
Under Jansen’s 100% upfront guarantee, you’ll only pay the quoted price for an HVAC repair, even if the technician discovers and fixes another problem during the job. We always guarantee your complete satisfaction with the work that we do.
Proper Maintenance Will Minimize AC Issues
The best way to reduce the chances of your cooling system going on the fritz — whether it’s the inside or outside unit — is through regular maintenance. Simple tasks such as keeping vents and registers clean and clear, and replacing the home air filter regularly, can be done yourself, while other maintenance needs to be done annually by a professional.
Just like heating systems, it’s highly recommended that central air conditioning systems be professionally serviced every year. Ask about the Jansen Heating & Cooling Maintenance Club. This membership provides discounted, scheduled preventative maintenance, and you’ll stay in compliance with your system’s manufacturer warranty requirements.
Don’t Wait For an Expensive AC Repair To Strike
It’s important to remember that a well-maintained cooling system will experience breakdowns and performance issues much less frequently than one that receives no or indifferent maintenance. If you don’t already have a service provider, rest easy and leave it to Jansen Heating & Cooling to keep your AC running smoothly.
If you’re experiencing problems with only one of your indoor or outdoor split-system units working, we are ready 24/7 to help bring them both back online to keep your home cool. Even if you need a full AC replacement, you can count on Jansen for a fair price, efficient work, and long-lasting results.