Rheem Air Conditioner Troubleshooting and Repairs

If you happen to’re studying this, it may be since you’re noticing that your air conditioner isn’t operating because it ought to. It may be operating too lengthy, making odd noises, or worse, not operating in any respect. What must you do subsequent, particularly on a sizzling summer time day if you want aid?

Throughout the busy summer time HVAC season, you may attain out to a technician solely to find that you just’ll have to attend a number of days or extra for a service name. Whereas ready for that appointment, you’ll be able to pull out the followers from the closet, crank up the transportable air conditioners, and gown in free clothes, however that heat home is depressing.

Your Rheem air conditioner is constructed to final 10-15 years, however that doesn’t imply it received’t have an issue or two alongside the way in which.

On this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the issues that may go incorrect with an air conditioner, and the way a home-owner can stop a number of of them, and possibly repair a problem or two.

Air Conditioner Not Turning On

You know the way if you name a pc firm and inform them that your unit isn’t functioning, they usually first say, “Is it on?” That is like that recommendation. Make sure that each the indoor and outside unit energy switches are turned on.

This will likely appear apparent, however sometimes switches get flipped inadvertently. If there’s nonetheless no energy, verify the circuit breaker. If it’s flipped, and received’t keep on when the unit is operating, there’s most likely one thing incorrect that solely an HVAC technician or an electrician can repair.

Make sure that the thermostat has recent batteries and that the settings haven’t been modified. If the setting and the ambient room temperature don’t match, the thermostat could also be malfunctioning.

Air Conditioner Not Responding to Thermostat Settings

In case your thermostat takes batteries, change them. If it’s related to your electrical system, verify your electrical field to make sure you haven’t tripped a circuit breaker. If it’s been tripped, reset it.

If the following pointers don’t assist, name an HVAC skilled. There could also be a problem with the wiring between your thermostat and the remainder of your HVAC system. If you happen to’ve reset the breaker and it journeys once more, it’s time to name both an HVAC skilled or an electrician.

We’ve additionally had conditions when the house owner forgot to modify the thermostat from “warmth” to “cool.” That’s value double-checking.

No Cool Air Coming from Provide Registers

If the airflow coming from the availability registers is weak and even non-existent, your ductwork may be clogged. Take away your registers and look in with a flashlight to verify your ducts. If you happen to see seen blockages, take away them.

If the ducts have by no means been cleaned, they could possibly be filled with mud. That is uncommon, however we’ve got seen ducts into which drywall contractors shoved particles. That may have an effect on airflow.

You may contemplate hiring a duct-cleaning firm to offer your ductwork a full examination.

Test the Air Filter

A grimy air filter can flip right into a clogged filter, and that can block air. In consequence, your blower fan within the furnace must work additional laborious to maneuver air all through your ductwork. This will create many issues.

What you’ll discover within the quick time period is a diminished airflow coming from the availability registers. 

We’ve “repaired” programs the place the one factor incorrect was a hopelessly clogged filter.

A clear filter restores airflow, permits the system to work extra effectively, creates higher indoor air high quality, and restores airflow to your complete ductwork.

Rheem Air Conditioner Error Codes

This Rheem air conditioner restore information will clarify frequent points, present troubleshooting suggestions, and present you how you can decipher error codes.

CODE: Error Code 0

PROBLEM: Unit is on standby and working usually.

FIX: Regular operation.

CODE: Error Code C

PROBLEM: Unit is working usually and in a cooling stage.

FIX: Regular operation.

CODE: Error Code Flashing C

PROBLEM: Cooling was commanded throughout an lively anti-short cycle.

FIX: Wait till unit timer has expired or press the TEST button to defeat quick cycle delay.

CODE: Error Code D1

PROBLEM: No shared information.

FIX: Substitute reminiscence card with right system data.

CODE: Error Code D3

PROBLEM: Airflow mismatch.

FIX: Substitute with correctly sized air handler.

CODE: Error Code D4

PROBLEM: Reminiscence card in management board is invalid.

FIX: Test if reminiscence card is current and guarantee it matches machine.

CODE: Error Code D8

PROBLEM: Previous shared information system information is out of date.

FIX: If system won’t function, order new reminiscence card to replace system data.

CODE: Error Code T

PROBLEM: Unit is in take a look at mode.

CODE: Error Code P

PROBLEM: There’s no present going to the compressor.

FIX: Test to see if the motor protector is open or line voltage is disconnected.

CODE: Error Code 1

PROBLEM: The compressor is operating constantly.

FIX: Test to see if there’s low refrigerant, air duct leakage, a unclean outside coil, or a unclean air filter.

CODE: Error Codes 02, 29, and flashing L29

PROBLEM: Excessive-pressure downside.

FIX: Test if there’s a soiled outside coil, outside fan just isn’t operating, liquid line restriction, or extreme refrigerant cost.

CODE: Error Code 03

PROBLEM: Unit is short-cycling.

FIX: Test thermostat wire connections (R. C. 1. & 2) and thermostat location (too near discharge grill). It additionally may be a case that your unit is outsized.

CODE: Error Codes 05, 06, 07, L6, and L7

PROBLEM: Drawback with the compressor due to an open circuit.

FIX: Test for broken, miswired. or incorrect run capacitor, damaged wires, free connectors, or miswired compressor, compressor windings for continuity, and open compressor inner protector.

CODE: Error Codes L4

PROBLEM: The rotor is locked.

FIX: Test if there’s a dangerous run capacitor, low line voltage, extreme refrigerant in compressor, or seized bearings in compressor.

CODE: Error Code 09

PROBLEM: Secondary voltage is low.

FIX: Test if the management transformer is overloaded or for low line voltage.

CODE: Error Codes 21 and flashing L21

PROBLEM: Low-pressure management is open.

FIX: Test if unit has low refrigerant cost, indoor coil is frozen, soiled indoor coil or filter, indoor blower just isn’t operating, or enlargement valve just isn’t working accurately.

CODE: Error Code 27

PROBLEM: Low or no line voltage.

FIX: Test incoming line voltage to the disconnect and unit and wiring connections.

CODE: Error Code 28

PROBLEM: Excessive line voltage fault.

FIX: Test line voltage.

CODE: Error Code 30

PROBLEM: On-board fuse is open.

FIX: Test if low voltage wiring at R and C is broken or miswired.

CODE: Error Code 80

PROBLEM: Unit isn’t assembly minimal airflow necessities.

FIX: Substitute with correctly sized unit.

CODE: Error Code 83

PROBLEM: Drawback with the condenser coil temperature.

FIX: Test sensor is put in accurately on management and change the sensor.

CODE: Error Code 84

PROBLEM: Drawback with the outside ambient temperature fault.

FIX: Test unit placement. If the outside unit is in a excessive temperature space, wait till the ambient temperature drops and verify sensor studying. Test sensor is put in accurately on management. Substitute the sensor.

CODE: Error Code 93

PROBLEM: There’s an issue with the inner management.

FIX: Test management for correct system operation. Substitute management.

Why Is Your Rheem Air Conditioner Struggling to Cool Your Home?

Possibly your machine is ideal, however you’re nonetheless uncomfortable. The worst days of summer time can take a look at anybody’s persistence. While you flip to your trusty air conditioner for aid, it could be good if it may cool you off as a lot as you want.

It’s not at all times that straightforward.

When it’s 90 or greater – and let’s not even contemplate how excessive humidity could make it really feel on prime of that – your AC has limits irrespective of its age, how effectively it was put in, its producer, and so on.

As a rule of thumb, when it’s 95 out, your AC can cool your own home to roughly 70-80. Your air conditioner will be capable to cool to about 15-25 levels under the skin temperature.

If it’s 95 levels exterior, and also you set your thermostat at 65 levels, there’s virtually no probability your system will get the indoors to 65 levels.

A Bigger, Extra Highly effective AC Might Not Be a Resolution

If you happen to’re feeling heat in the home although the AC is operating lots, you may contemplate a brand new unit that may be an even bigger measurement. Which will or might not be the reply.

In case your air conditioner is just too huge, it does one thing referred to as quick biking. It is going to activate, meet the thermostat’s temperature setting, then shut off. But it surely may not run lengthy sufficient for the fan to actually situation the air. The air wants an opportunity to combine to keep away from sizzling and funky spots. For full conditioning to happen, the unit must flow into the air in order that heat, humid air has an opportunity to journey via the return air ducts.

A much bigger-than-recommended system will cool your property too rapidly, and can go away you with a chilly jungle: cool air, excessive humidity.

It is going to additionally result in a shorter life expectancy to your AC as a result of its fixed on/off operation.

The correct solution to measurement a brand new unit is thru a Guide J Load Calculation. It must be a requirement for salespeople, nevertheless it’s usually skipped as a result of it takes time. It takes about quarter-hour to do one. So contemplate this: If a possible HVAC companion skips this straightforward, fast step, what number of extra corners will they lower throughout the set up course of?

Leaky Ductwork Can Diminish Airflow

In a typical home, about 20 to 30 % of the air that strikes via the duct system is misplaced as a result of leaks, holes, and poorly related ducts.

As a result of ductwork is commonly hid in partitions, ceilings, attics, and basements, repairing them just isn’t at all times straightforward.

If you happen to really feel like sealing the gaps and cracks your self, you should utilize mastic sealant or metallic tape on the ducts which you can attain. Regardless of its identify, don’t use duct tape; it doesn’t final very lengthy.

You may as well verify the duct connections at vents and registers.

Test for a Refrigerant Leak

You’ll be amazed at what number of homes we go to which have a leak within the refrigerant line. In case your system is low on refrigerant, it received’t be capable to cool your property correctly.

If an air con system has misplaced refrigerant via a leak, the misplaced quantity of refrigerant must be changed (which is named recharging). Relying on how a lot coolant was misplaced, this may be expensive as a result of when you’ve got an outdated unit, the refrigerant might be R-410A. It’s not being manufactured anymore, so provides are scarce.

In case your system frequently leaks refrigerant, it could be as a result of corrosion or regular put on and tear. On this case, you’d seemingly have to switch components, otherwise you might need to contemplate an air conditioner alternative relying on its age.

An HVAC technician in a rush may attempt to inform you that the AC wants recharging however doesn’t point out the leak. That is OK in the event you’re going to purchase a brand new air conditioner quickly, because the efficiency points from the leak received’t have an effect on you for very lengthy. However in the event you plan on retaining your unit for a number of extra years, the refrigerant will proceed to leak, main to a different service name and extra recharging when your air conditioner is blowing heat air.

Learn extra: Sloppy AC Restore in Columbus, Ohio: What to Watch Out For

Restore or Substitute an Getting old System?

In case your air conditioner is 10 years outdated or older, it may be time to put money into a brand new unit.

We get requested all the time how lengthy an aged AC will final. The reality is that we do not know. It may final a day, a month, a yr, or 5 years.

Solely you can also make the decision about when to make a change. One huge issue to contemplate (in addition to the age of your unit) is the quantity and variety of restore payments. Some received’t price a lot and will likely be value it. Different AC repairs – corresponding to changing the evaporator coil or compressor – run into 1000’s of {dollars}.

Learn extra: Ought to I Restore or Substitute My Air Conditioner?

Protecting the outdated unit till it breaks down might prevent on alternative prices, nevertheless it’s costing you in different methods. Previous machines merely aren’t as energy-efficient as new ones. Your vitality invoice will mirror how a lot more durable it has to work to chill issues off. You’ll get much less and fewer consolation from it when it comes to each temperature and humidity management.

Learn extra: Value of an Air Conditioner: Changing Your AC Unit

Soiled Condenser Coil

In case your air conditioner is operating, however not decreasing temperatures inside, one situation could possibly be a blocked or clogged condenser coil.

The condenser coil removes the warmth from the refrigerant; the fan pulls air throughout the condenser coil in order that it condenses right into a liquid. When working accurately, the condenser fan attracts air into the outside unit via the condenser coil to tug warmth vitality out of your property.

The dirtier the coil will get, the more durable your air conditioner has to work. The effectivity decreases, which signifies that you’re paying extra to remain snug. It is a frequent prevalence.

The coil can get soiled from grass clippings, cottonwood, and lifeless leaves. It is a case the place you’ll be able to carry out some DIY magic, with a phrase of warning. Don’t spray from the skin in; that pushes the crud towards the coil, and it received’t breathe any higher.

Additionally, don’t use a strain washer. That’s too robust, and you could possibly harm the coil

The correct solution to clear a condenser coil is to take away the highest of the AC and spray the unit from the within out. That forces the dust out. If you happen to’re not snug taking this step, an skilled tech will do it for you.

Rheem’s Guarantee Protection

New Rheem air conditioners are protected by a guaranty that would prevent a whole lot or 1000’s of {dollars} on restore prices. The guarantee phrases rely on the mannequin of your cooling system.

Air conditioners in Rheem’s status sequence include a 10-year restricted components guarantee. Fashions from their Traditional sequence include a 5-year restricted components guarantee, in addition to a 10-year conditional components guarantee. To be eligible for the restricted guarantee, sure circumstances should be met concerning registration, set up, and possession.

Register and entry your Rheem AC guarantee by clicking right here

Diagnosing Rheem Air Conditioner Issues in Central Ohio

 Duties corresponding to altering your filter when wanted and scheduling routine upkeep are good practices for any system. As well as, we suggest that your air conditioner get a tune-up every year – within the spring can be greatest, earlier than the warmth of summer time begins.

If you happen to’re coping with a Rheem that’s not producing sufficient air or not turning on, it’s time to schedule a go to from a technician.

At Fireplace & Ice, we take pleasure in doing the work accurately the primary time, each time. Whether or not it’s air con restore, alternative, or cleansing, we’ve got the experience and data to get your system working to offer most consolation to your property. If you happen to’re in Columbus or elsewhere in Central Ohio, attain out to us at the moment.