PowerNap® Air-Conditioning Radio-Controlled Troubleshooting
If you are having troubles with your air conditioner, before calling a contractor follow these steps to troubleshoot why your AC may not be running as expected.
Important Note – Every time the AC unit is disconnected at the AC circuit breaker, or the outside AC disconnect, it takes at least 20 minutes for the radio control to reset.
Is Connexus Energy Cycling?
Check control times at greatriverenergy.com, or you can also check the lights on your radio receiver (located on your home).
- Green Light - indicates the radio is ready to receive a signal. On some radios the green light will flicker, while others the light will remain on all the time.
- Red/Yellow Lights - indicate we are interrupting the thermostats connections to the AC unit, and it will not run again until that cycle in the control period ends. During the control periods your AC will cycle on and off. Cycle times will vary depending on your AC unit and the radio installed.
Was the AC unit on/running prior to controlling?
If yes, and we are controlling, then it's most likely in the middle of the control cycle so your AC unit won't run again until the cycle is over. Remember, during control periods your AC will cycle on and off. Cycle time will vary depending on your AC unit and the radio installed.
Is the thermostat set to cool?
If not, you'll need to set it to cooling mode. Please note: If you are turning your AC unit on in the middle of a control period, your AC unit may not come on right away. It could take up to 30 minutes for it to cycle back on. We recommend turning your AC unit on in advance of hot weather to ensure the home is pre-cooled.
Is the temperature on the thermostat set lower than the temperature in the house?
If no, set the temperature lower and listen for the AC unit to turn on. Please note: If you are turning your AC unit on in the middle of a control period, your AC unit may not come on right away. It could take up to 30 minutes for it to cycle back on. We recommend turning your AC unit on in advance of hot weather to ensure the home is pre-cooled.
If you have a programmable thermostat and are not able to see a display of the temperature, the thermostat has likely lost power or is disconnected somewhere. Call a contractor for help.
Is the air conditioning circuit breaker turned on?
If yes, turn the breaker off, then on and wait 15-20 minutes for the radio to reset. Only do this once.
Is the AC disconnect box (located outside by AC unit) circuit breaker in the ON position?
If not, pull out the handle and turn it to the position that says "ON". Be sure to push the handle back in.
Are there any fuses in your air conditioners disconnect box?
If yes, are they good? Most hardware stores carry disconnect fuses and can test them.
Is the furnace fan blowing air?
If not, that means a fuse or something in the furnace is disconnected, and a contractor is needed for more trouble shooting.
If it is and your AC still does not turn on, call a contractor for help trouble shooting.
Still having issues?
If you've followed all of these steps and you are still having issues with your air conditioner, call a contractor for help.
If you do not contact a contractor and Connexus Energy comes out and determines our equipment is not the issue, there may be a trip charge assessed to your account. There is a 1–2-day turn-around for a meter technician to come and check the load management equipment. If the radio is not the problem, then the meter technician will bypass the radio control and you will have to call your contractor for more follow-up.
Equipment Issues
If a contractor finds a problem with Connexus Energy's load management equipment, you can request the contractor to bypass the load management radio control.
If a contractor bypasses Connexus Energy's load management equipment, they should bypass in the load management meter socket or junction-box of the radio control. Please call Connexus Energy Member Services to report the bypassed AC radio to continue receiving your load management credits.
PowerNap Tips
As with all innovative energy conservation programs, there are some additional day-to-day measures you can take to minimize cooling costs and maximize the efficiency of the program.
- On hot days, turn your air conditioner on early in the morning before your house has a chance to heat up.
- Leave your air conditioner ON through the duration of hot weather.
- Keep window shades closed on the sunny side of the house.
- Close lower-level doors to help keep cool air in the upper levels.
- Close doors to areas of limited use.
- We suggest a tune-up if your air conditioner is more than 5 years old and has not had a tune-up in the last couple of years.
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