Don’t lose your cool—use these tips to get your AC back up and running
Air conditioning units have a peculiar way of breaking down on the hottest days of summer, right when you need them most. Don’t overheat looking for a solution. While your entire AC system may seem complex, the answer to your troubles could be very simple. Here are some common reasons why your AC stopped working and how to get back to relaxing in that cool, comfortable air.
First and foremost, make sure your home has active electrical power. It may seem obvious, but on a hot summer’s day, you will quickly notice the temperature in your home start to creep up before realizing other electronics are also off. If your home does indeed have power, there are other power sources to check.
If your AC unit is gas-powered, the gas meter needs to be turned on. This exterior meter, located near the front of your home, tells your service provider how much gas your system consumes. If you recently moved to a new place, this meter may not be turned on yet and you should call the gas company.
Check your breaker box to see if the breaker for your AC unit has been tripped. You can simply reset the breaker to get your AC working again. Keep in mind, breakers always trip for a reason. If the issue persists, the circuit may be overloaded or there is another issue that should be diagnosed and fixed by a local AC repair specialist.
Before checking your AC unit itself for any problems, make sure the thermostat is functioning. This handy-dandy device senses the temperature in your home and adjusts the AC accordingly based on your inputs. If your thermostat is not working, your AC will not work. Start by making sure your thermostat is switched on and has not been accidentally turned off.
If the screen on your thermostat is not lighting up, swap out the batteries—easy enough. Note: Smart thermostats do not require batteries, receiving power directly through wiring.
After replacing the batteries, if your thermostat is still malfunctioning, a fuse inside the panel could be blown. Consult an HVAC professional to test your thermostat with a multimeter and make the necessary repair.
The presence of water, dust, dirt, or grime will cause your AC unit to work inefficiently and potentially stop functioning altogether. Make sure you keep up with regular AC maintenance to avoid any unnecessary service interruptions.
We recommend calling a pro for AC servicing and preventative maintenance at least once per year. The ideal season for service is in the spring before you really need to use and depend on your AC in the summer.
You should be regularly replacing or cleaning your air filter according to manufacturer instructions. If this task is neglected for long enough, the filter will become clogged and restrict the airflow throughout your AC system.
If the air coming out of your AC is not cooled to your liking, the coils might be dirty and unable to efficiently remove heat from your home. Both your indoor and outdoor AC units have coils that require cleaning. A service technician will complete this cleaning task for you if you schedule an annual AC tune-up.
A disconnect switch, or safety switch, is different from a typical on-off power button. A disconnect switch completely shuts off the electrical circuit to your AC so a technician can safely work on the unit.
You will likely find a disconnect switch on both your indoor and outdoor AC unit. Sometimes this switch can be bumped into and accidentally turned off. Make sure both of your disconnect switches are in the “on” position so electricity can reach and power your cooling unit.
Your AC unit is smarter than you think. Most systems have built-in safety features that prevent common situations that could lead to damage or harm from occurring. A couple safety mechanisms to check include:
Your AC unit collects a lot of water, or condensate, from the air it cools and disposes of it through a drain pipe. If the drain pipe becomes clogged, water will build up in a drip pan beneath your unit. To prevent the water from overflowing the pan and potentially damaging your home, the condensate overflow switch will shut off your unit.
Similarly, this switch aims to prevent water leakage from your AC. If the pan beneath your unit isn’t in the correct position to collect overflowing water, your AC will shut off until the pan is manually adjusted.
There are hundreds of components that make up the inner workings of your air conditioning unit. With regular use and age, eventually these components will wear down or break and require replacing. If you have already gone through the above scenarios without any luck, there is a good chance your AC went out due to an internal problem.
Electrical issues can vary from blown transformers to faulty capacitors to loose wiring. In any case, if you think your AC unit could have an electrical issue, always consult a qualified electrician or HVAC repair person to diagnose and fix the problem.
If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it could be due to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process, and a leak or insufficient levels can stop the AC from working properly or at all. However, handling this situation is not a DIY job. It requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and certification since refrigerant is hazardous to both human health and the environment.
To safely address this issue and ensure optimal performance, enlist the expertise of a qualified HVAC professional. They can identify and fix refrigerant leaks, recharge refrigerant levels, and ensure your system's efficiency while prioritizing safety.
Explore some quick tips to keep your AC in tip-top shape, keeping you cool as a cucumber.
Regularly clean or replace air filters to ensure proper airflow and efficiency.
Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, branches, and other debris for optimal airflow.
Schedule annual professional maintenance to inspect and tune up your AC system.
Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils to prevent dirt buildup.
Ensure proper insulation around refrigerant lines to prevent energy loss.
Monitor thermostat settings to avoid unnecessary strain on the system.
Seal any leaks in the ductwork to prevent air loss.
Avoid blocking vents with furniture or other obstructions.
Consider installing a smart thermostat to optimize energy usage.
Brionna Farney contributed to this piece.
The cost of repairing an air conditioner can vary significantly depending on the nature of the problem, the type of system, and the extent of repairs needed. Minor issues like replacing a capacitor or a faulty thermostat might cost a few hundred dollars, while major repairs such as fixing a refrigerant leak or replacing a compressor could range from $250 to several thousand dollars. Consult with a qualified HVAC technician for an accurate assessment and cost estimate.
If your AC suddenly stops working, the first thing to check is the circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped. If it isn’t, the culprit may be your thermostat settings. Ensure that the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature and mode (cooling). Sometimes, a simple adjustment or replacing the batteries in the thermostat can resolve the issue. These basic checks can often identify simple fixes before you need to call for professional assistance.
