Why is my cooling not working?

If your cooling is not working, it's probably due to issues with the following:

• Air Flow
• Compressor
• Thermostat Wiring
• Furnace or Heating System
• Thermostat Device

To begin fixing your cooling, continue to the Air Flow section.

Air Flow

Go to your vents

1. What best describes the air coming out of your vents?
   
   

    

   • NO AIR – Continue to the Furnace or Heating System section.
   • ROOM TEMPERATURE – Continue to the Compressor section.
   • WARM/HOT – Continue to the Thermostat Wiring section.

    

   ---

    

   Compressor

    

   Go to your compressor

   Compressors are large fans inside a box, usually found outside at the side of homes.

    

2. Is the compressor running?
   
   

    

   • YES – Continue to theThermostat Device section.
   • NO – Continue to Thermostat Wiring section.

    

   ---

    

   Thermostat Wiring

    

   Go to your thermostat

    

3. Remove your existing thermostat from the wall plate
   
   

    

   On most thermostats, you can take off the thermostat by grasping and gently pulling. Some thermostats may have screws, buttons, or clasps.

   Note: Don't remove any wires from your thermostat at this time.

    

   

    

   ---

    

4. Look at the terminals that have connected wires. Do you have any of the following terminal configurations?
   
   

    

    

   • Rc, Y, G
   • Rc (connected to R), Y, G
   • Rc / R, Y, G, O / B

    

   • YES – You don't appear to have a wiring issue. Continue to the next step.
   • NO – Continue to the Thermostat Device section.

    

   ---

    

5. Make sure the wires are connected
   
   

    

   Gently tug on the wires to make sure they are connected to the terminals.

   Go to your vents

    

   ---

    

6. Is your cooling working now?
   
   
   • YES – Congratulations! You've fixed your cooling! You are now complete.
   • NO – Continue to the Thermostat Device section.

    

   ---

    

   Furnace or Heating System

    

   Go to your home's circuit breaker

    

   ---

    

7. Make sure the breaker to the furnace is turned on
   
   

    

   Go to your furnace or heating system

   This system is often located in your basement, attic, or garage.

    

   ---

    

8. Make sure your furnace is turned on
   
   

   There's usually a switch next to your furnace that turns it on or off. It sometimes looks like a light switch.

    

   ---

    

9. Make sure the furnace cover is closed.
   
   

   Be sure the cover is completely closed. Some systems won't power up if the cover isn't fully closed.

    

   

    

   Go to your vents

    

   ---

    

10. What best describes the air coming out of your vents?
    
    

     

    • NO AIR – Continue to Thermostat Wiring section.
    • ROOM TEMPERATURE – Continue to the Compressor section.
    • WARM/HOT – Continue to the Thermostat Wiring section.

     

    ---

     

    Thermostat Device

     

    Go to your thermostat

11. Does the thermostat show any of the following icons or messages?
    
    

     

    • "Wait" (flashing)
    • "Waiting for System (flashing)
    • "Cool On" (flashing)
    • Snowflake Icon (flashing)
    • Snowflake Icon with "Cooling will Begin" message

     

    • YES – Good, this is normal. Wait 3 to 5 minutes until the flashing stops and the icons or messages become solid. When that happens, continue to the next step.
    • NO – Make sure you have your thermostat set to cooling, and that your thermostat's set point is lower than the current temperature. Once you've confirmed this, continue to Step 13.

     

    ---

     

12. Does the thermostat show any of the following low-power icons or messages?
    
    

     

    A Low-Battery icon or "I Don't Have Power…" message.

     

    • YES – You may have a power issue. If your thermostat is battery-powered, try replacing the batteries. If your thermostat is powered by a C-Wire, try checking that. Learn more about C-Wires (link to C-Wire Guide). Once you've confirmed your thermostat is being powered, continue to the next step.
    • NO – Good, this is normal. Continue to the next step.

     

    ---

     

13. Go to your vents
    
    

     

    Is your cooling working now?

     

    • YES – Congratulations! You've fixed your cooling! You are now complete.
    • NO – Contact Support at 1-855-733-5465 to find a pro-installer in your area.
      
      
      

    Is it time to upgrade your thermostat? Let us help you make the right choice for you and your home with our thermostat upgrade guide.