How to Test an Air Conditioner System

Press the down directional button to lower the thermostat until the thermostat setting in the display lowers to a level below room temperature. The internal compressor kicks in along with the fan, if the fan isn’t already running. Lower the thermostat lever to a lower temperature setting, if the unit’s thermostat is mechanical instead of digital. The unit should continue to cool until it achieves the desired temperature. Then, the sound of the internal compressor and fan should turn off audibly, unless the fan is set to run, in which case, only the compressor would shut off.

Press the “Fan Speed” button to cycle through fan settings, if the system offers it. Pressing the “Fan Speed” button increases or decreases the fan speed. The “Low” setting indicates a slow fan, whereas a “High” fan speed setting indicates a fast fan and more air circulation. The fan should react accordingly while adjusting this button.

Press the “Cool” or “Mode” button to reach the cool setting. Several presses to the “Mode” button might be necessary, until “Cool” is reached. When the system switches to cooling mode, the internal compressor should kick in, if the thermostat setting is below room temperature. If the thermostat is set above room temperature, the internal compressor won’t automatically kick in when the air conditioner mode is set to cool.

Press the “Mode” button, until you reach the “Heat” cycle or press the “Heat” button to activate the heater, depending on the air conditioner control panel. If the thermostat is set to a temperature above room temperature, the heat component should kick in, releasing warm air into the room. Press the up or down directional buttons to increase or decrease the thermostat setting to the desired temperature. When the desired temperature is reached within the home or room, the heater should turns until the room temperature drops below the thermostat setting.

Press the “Filter” button to reset the system cycle for the air conditioner filter. The filter indicator should turn on approximately every two weeks, depending on the model, to signal that the filter requires changing or cleaning. When approximately two weeks of use passes, the filter indicator light should illuminate again.