Why does my AC only work on high? If your AC only works on high, it could indicate a problem with the blower motor or the fan speed control.
When the blower motor will only run on the highest setting, this is more commonly due to a faulty blower motor resistor. Inspect the electrical connector and wire harness for any loose, broken or damaged wires. If no problems are found, more commonly, the resistor will need to be replaced.
The blower motor resistor controls the speed of the AC fan. If it fails, the fan may only work on the highest setting. Location: The resistor is usually located near the blower motor, under the dashboard on the passenger side.
That's because higher current that powers high blower motor speed is usually supplied through a separate leg of the blower motor fan circuit and a heavy-duty relay.
Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.
The average cost for a Blower Motor Resistor Replacement is between $119 and $154. Labor costs are estimated between $43 and $54 while parts are priced between $76 and $99.
It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.
For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.
If your air conditioner works on high, it is a very specific issue. It can mean that there is a problem with the blower motor, the control board, or the thermostat. However, we still do a full diagnostic check-up to ensure that all of the switches, wiring, and fuses could not be causing the same issue.
If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.
A fan clogged by dirt, a stuck wheel, broken motor, or a loose fan belt are all common problems that reduce the amount of airflow you feel coming from your vents. How to fix: Call an AC tech to examine and fix the blower.
Use the Reset Button on AC Unit
Don't worry; the reset button might be able to solve the issue after a sudden disconnection or power outage. You can press the “Reset” button on the air conditioning unit, often shown as a small red button, to bring your air conditioning unit back to life.
First, make sure the thermostat has power. Some thermostats have batteries that can go bad. Swap out the batteries and see if that corrects the thermostat readings. If the batteries are good, then look at other power sources in your home like blown fuses and tripped breakers.
When the capacitor is bad, warm air blowing through your vents and not cold air is one of the first signs of trouble. You can try turning your condenser unit on and off again, but you may be dealing with a failing capacitor if the problem persists.
If the start capacitor malfunctions or wears out, it usually prevents the HVAC unit or the blower from turning on. A bad run capacitor won't prevent the unit from starting, but it can lead to the unit shutting down prematurely, overheating or making more noise than usual.
One of the most common signs of a failing AC capacitor is an overly warm home. Without this component, the cooling cycle won't start and indoor temperatures won't go down. Other signs of capacitor problems include: Loud humming sounds coming from the AC condenser.
If the capacitor is damaged or worn out, it can cause the compressor to work harder than it should, which can lead to a humming noise coming from the access panel of the condenser unit. Such a sound may also be coming from the AC's motor, so try turning the AC unit off and on once to see if that's the case.
Not all air conditioning units have a reset button, but if yours does, it's typically located on the outdoor unit. Here's how to locate it: Turn Off the Power: Before you search for the reset button, ensure the power to the unit is turned off for safety reasons.
Check the thermostat
You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.
It takes two to three hours to replace a blower motor. When you hire an HVAC repair company, they'll first turn off the home's electricity and gas, remove the old motor and other components, connect and test the function of a new motor, and reassemble the furnace as needed.