Amana Air Conditioner: not running

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana air conditioner not running? If it's not engaging the fan or compressor despite being set to COOL, you may be facing power issues, thermostat malfunctions, or clogged filters. Understanding these symptoms can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Some Amana units have self-diagnostic features that display error codes which can help identify issues before repair.

Possible Causes

Lack of electrical power (tripped breaker, blown fuse, disconnected power)

How to Identify: Unit has no lights, no sound, and outdoor/indoor units are completely inactive; checking breaker panel shows AC breaker tripped or fuse blown.

Part: Circuit breaker / electrical supply

Thermostat issues (wrong setting, dead batteries, malfunction)

How to Identify: Thermostat not set to COOL/AUTO, blank display, unresponsive buttons, or incorrect temperature setting relative to room temp.

Part: Thermostat

Faulty run capacitor

How to Identify: Clicking or humming from outdoor unit but no fan or compressor start; bulb or gauge tests show failing capacitor.

Part: Capacitor

Clogged air filters restricting airflow

How to Identify: Dirty, visibly blocked filters; reduced or no airflow prior to full stop.

Part: Air Filters

Faulty wiring or control board issues

How to Identify: No response from unit after power and thermostat checks; professional diagnostics reveal wiring faults.

Part: Wiring / Control board

DIY Solutions

Reset circuit breakers and fuses

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate your home's electrical panel.
  2. Identify the breaker labeled for the air conditioner.
  3. Switch it fully off and then back on. Replace blown fuses if present.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not touch internal electrical components; ensure hands are dry and you stand on a dry surface.

Check and adjust thermostat settings

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open the thermostat interface.
  2. Ensure the mode is set to COOL and temperature is lower than room temperature.
  3. Replace thermostat batteries if display is dim or unresponsive.
⚠️ Safety First: None beyond standard household device handling.

Replace or clean air filters

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Turn off the unit’s power.
  2. Locate and remove the air filters.
  3. Clean reusable filters or replace disposable filters.
  4. Reinsert filters and restore power.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off unit before servicing filters.

Professional Repairs

Capacitor replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Wiring or control board repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

When to Call a Professional

Unit still does not run after resetting breakers, verifying thermostat, and replacing filters
Humming or unusual noises without startup, indicating component failure
Burnt smell or visible electrical damage
Capacitor or compressor issues suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace or clean air filters: Airflow restrictions and related stress on system
    Frequency: monthly to quarterly
  • Annual professional HVAC inspection: Electrical, refrigerant, and mechanical issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Air Conditioner not running?
Common causes include lack of electrical power, thermostat issues, or clogged air filters.
How do I fix Amana Air Conditioner not running myself?
Reset breakers, check thermostat settings, and clean or replace air filters.
How much does it cost to fix not running?
Capacitor replacement costs $80 - $200; wiring repairs range from $200 - $600.
When should I call a technician for not running?
Call a technician if DIY fixes fail or if you suspect complex issues like faulty wiring.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Power supply issue (tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse)
  • Thermostat malfunction (incorrect settings or defective unit)
  • Faulty fan motor (overheating or internal thermal overload)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the power supply. Ensure the circuit breaker is not tripped and replace any blown fuses. Plug another device into the same outlet to confirm power.

  2. Inspect the thermostat settings. Set it to a lower temperature and ensure it is functioning correctly. If not, consider replacing the thermostat.

  3. Examine the fan motor for any signs of overheating. If the motor is hot, allow it to cool down. If it continues to malfunction, replace the fan motor.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Air conditioner condensor stopped working. help!

Community Discussions

Air conditioner condenser stopped working

The fan motor has an internal thermal overload that cuts operation if it gets too hot.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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