I have turned on my AC for the first time this year. I am trying to do my own op - check. What is the temperature difference between the floor register and the return air duct? mine is 15 degrees (60 at floor coming out - 75 at return on wall in same room). Thermostat is set at 75. I have cleaned AC unit outside and put new filter in.
"Semper Fi"
"Semper Fi"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kcsgtmajor,

Way too many factors here for a simple temperature check like this to really tell you anything. Outside temperature, sunshine, wind or even how long the AC has been on can make a huge difference it the in temp and the out temp. For example, if this is the first time this season that you have run the AC and it has been warm for a while, then your walls and entire house will continue to radiate heat for several days. This in itself could cause your 15 degree temperature difference.

It's also possible that you have a coolant leak or that the unit needs cleaning. If the unit is cycling on and off normally and your filters are clean, I would call for a H/A pro to do a routine service. It's not that expensive and a much more direct way to find any problems.

quick check on the compressor... stand down by the A-coil end at the furnace. have somebody turn the a/c on. within a minute one pipe should get too cold to hold, and the other too hot to hold on a nice hot day.

if that flunks, make sure the outside evap unit's fan motor is running and all the goo and fuzz is cleaned off the coil so air can flow through it.

if it still flunks, call a pro. release of refrigerant is a Federal crime punishable by up to $10,000 and up to 5 years in the slam. don't make that first mistake.

oh, and if it's an older unit using R-22, and you blow the charge, your local guys might not have enough recycled Freon to save the system. that's two grand and up for a new system.