Smoke, burning odors, or loud buzzing coming from your central air conditioning unit indicates electrical shorting, a seared dual-run capacitor, or a grounded compressor motor winding. Taking fast, safe action to cut high-voltage electrical power prevents catastrophic electrical fires.
Step 1: Shut Down the Thermostat
Go to your digital or manual thermostat and switch the system mode directly to OFF. Turn the fan setting from ON or AUTO to OFF to prevent the blower motor from distributing electrical smoke through your ductwork.
Step 2: Turn Off the Main Breaker Panel
Locate your home's main breaker box. Find the dedicated double-pole circuit breaker labeled AC Unit, Air Conditioner, or Heat Pump / Air Handler (typically rated at 30 to 50 amps). Firmly flip the breaker switch to the full OFF position.
Step 3: Pull the Outdoor Condenser Disconnect Switch
Walk outside to your condenser unit. Mounted on the exterior wall within 3 feet of the unit is a metal disconnect box. Open the weather-proof cover and pull the T-handle disconnect plug or flip the heavy-duty breaker switch to OFF.
What NOT To Do
Do not spray water from a garden hose onto a smoking electrical component. Live 220-volt current will ground through the water stream, presenting severe electrocution hazards.