AC not working? It can feel very frustrating on a hot day when there seems to be no relief from the heat. It can also be challenging to know where to start your troubleshooting process. Should you automatically call the professionals or are there some steps you can handle on your own?
Fortunately, we’re here to break down the 3 most common solutions that can get your AC back up and running. We’ll take you through some of the common problems, and when you should turn to the experts for help.
1. Turn Off the AC and Clean Up Debris
One of the most common problems with AC units is a frozen coil. This can happen for a number of reasons, and fortunately, it can usually be fixed without having to call in a professional.
Your first step should be turning off the AC and setting the fan to run on your thermostat to melt the ice around the coil. Then you can check the evaporator coil and air filters for dirt and debris and clean it up to prevent restricting the airflow.
2. Check Your Breaker Panel
If your AC simply won’t turn on, it’s likely that the blower motor isn’t firing up for some reason. This could be as simple as just a tripped breaker, so check your breaker panel first before you start to panic.
It’s likely that your AC unit actually has two different breakers, one for the fan and one for the condenser. Check both and flip the switch off and back on again.
If the breaker continues to flip when you start the AC, it’s possible that there could be a problem with the breaker as a whole and it could need replacing.
3. Contact the Professionals
Unfortunately, not every problem with your AC unit can easily be solved on your own. Faulty or damaged wiring could wreak havoc on your system and it’s best to call in an HVAC servicing company to troubleshoot these issues.
If there’s a refrigerant leak, it is possible to try a leak repair kit, however, it might be safer to contact professionals. It’s not always possible to immediately know what’s wrong with your AC without getting a good look at all the components, and a professional will find the issues very quickly.
AC Not Working? Never Fear!
If you’ve ever found your AC not working, you know it can be easy to get frustrated. You might end up spending more time, money, and energy on your repairs than necessary, and perhaps create more problems than you had when you first noticed the issue.
However, now you have some easily applicable tools that you can take with you when you notice air conditioner problems. And, at the end of the day, there’s no shame in calling in an expert, if need be.
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