When your air conditioner stops working suddenly during a hot summer day, it’s easy to panic. The rising indoor temperature can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. This is especially true for children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
While it may be tempting to call for emergency repair service right away, taking a few simple troubleshooting steps can help you quickly identify the problem.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take when your air conditioner breaks down, when to call in a professional, and why dependable AC repair is essential during the hottest months of the year.
Step 1: Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the control center of your entire HVAC system, so if the temperature is not correctly set, you won’t be able to achieve your optimal comfort level. A misconfigured setting is often the culprit behind cool air not blowing from an air conditioner. In fact, if the temperature difference between the setting and the room is not that different, it may not turn on at all.
Always ensure that the thermostat is set to the cool setting. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as the temperature setting was accidentally switched to the heat mode, or someone adjusted the temperature to a warmer setting without your knowledge.
The thermostat setting also needs to be at least 5 degrees lower than the temperature of the room for it to turn on. If you have a thermostat that is battery-powered, replace the batteries to ensure there’s no power issue. Also, when using a smart thermostat with a touchscreen or digital display, ensure it responds promptly to your commands when you change the settings.
Step 2: Inspect the Circuit Breaker
If your air conditioner still isn’t running, check your electrical panel. Find the main circuit breaker box in your home. Once you locate it, look for any tripped breakers, especially those with HVAC, AC, or Air Conditioner labels that may have to do with your cooling system. Reset any tripped breakers you find by switching them off and back on. If the breaker trips again after you finish resetting it, do not reset it again, as this may indicate an electrical issue in your cooling system.
Step 3: Check the Air Filter
When your system’s air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow. With limited airflow, this can cause your unit to shut down due to overheating. Check the air filter in your indoor unit to see how much residue is on the filter. If the filter appears to have a dust or debris clog, replace it with a new one that’s clean.
Regular filter changes help your air conditioning system run more efficiently and can extend its lifespan. We recommend that you change the air filters in your system every 2 to 3 months. Poor airflow can also result from other causes. If you still experience reduced airflow after a filter change, contact our team at Affordable Air for a diagnosis.
Step 4: Check the Condenser
Sometimes, the reason your AC won’t run is due to the outdoor condenser unit. First, make sure that power is reaching the outdoor unit. Then, check the area around the condenser to ensure it’s free of leaves, dirt, and debris that could reduce airflow. Also, verify that the fan spins when the system is on. This will ensure that the unit is directing the air outside of your home. You should also check the unit for visible damage or ice buildup. If you notice any of these issues, contact one of our HVAC technicians at Affordable Air.
Step 5: Listen for Strange Noises
Strange sounds coming from your cooling system can mean that something is wrong. Address unusual noises quickly to prevent further damage to your system. When your air conditioner makes clicking sounds, it may indicate an electrical issue. If you hear a hissing or bubbling sound, it often indicates a refrigerant leak.
Don’t manage this on your own; allow a member of our team to check for a leak and adjust the refrigerant levels for you. Grinding or screeching sounds could be a problem with the motor, or you need to replace worn-out components.
Step 6: Look for Water Pooling or Ice Forming
Condensation is normal in cooling systems, but excessive water pooling around the unit or ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil is not. When you encounter these issues, they often indicate drainage problems, clogged filters, or low refrigerant levels.
Importance of Prompt Repairs
When summer temperatures often reach the 90s during the hottest part of the day, a broken cooling unit is a major inconvenience. With such high outdoor temperatures, it can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults. Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. Prompt AC repairs from our team will ensure that your home stays safe and comfortable for your entire family.
Benefits of 24/7 Emergency AC Repairs
When your air conditioner breaks down, it’s not always during regular business hours, and waiting until morning isn’t always the best option. We offer 24/7 emergency AC repair services that you can rely on when you need services from our team during our off-time. Benefits of emergency services include:
- Rapid response times provide relief from hot, uncomfortable homes
- Keeps family members safe from heat-related illnesses
- Know that help is just a phone call away
- Addressing problems quickly saves money
Maintenance Prevents Future Breakdowns
While no system is immune to failure, especially as the components age, regular maintenance can significantly minimize unexpected breakdowns. With your cooling system, you will want to schedule maintenance in the spring of the year so that it’s in working condition when you need it most.
During an annual AC tune-up with one of our certified technicians, we will inspect the airflow, filters, and thermostat to ensure everything is operating correctly. If you have an outdated thermostat in your home, we may suggest upgrading to an innovative model for better system control. Routine care boosts your cooling system’s reliability and efficiency during the summer.
Contact a Reliable HVAC Company Today
If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps listed above and your system still won’t cool your home, Affordable Air can help with our professional repair services. We will check for and manage:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electrical malfunctions
- Broken or worn-out components
- Thermostat calibration
- Compressor or motor failure
Fast, reliable repairs are crucial to maintaining your comfort and health, especially in the intense summer heat. With our 24/7 emergency AC company, help is always within reach.
At Affordable Air, we have been serving the Garland area for more than two decades, earning the trust of the community. If your air conditioner has stopped working, contact us today for service that will restore comfort to your home. We provide professional heating and cooling services to Garland residents.
