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If your AC suddenly stops working, it could indicate a potential issue with the unit. You should contact a local AC repair contractor to have your unit inspected and serviced. However, before calling in the big guns, you should ensure that the issue isn’t something you can fix on your own. Here is what you should do to check if your AC is in real trouble or not:
Check the Power
If you do not smell any burning odor, you should see if your AC is receiving power. Sometimes, circuit breakers can be tripped. Check to see if the fuse is blown. Reset the breakers or replace the fuse and ensure that your thermostat is working at below-current room temperatures.
Inspect the Air Filter
Every AC unit needs regular maintenance so that it works at optimal levels. If your AC stopped working, you should check if a clogged or dirty air filter is to blame. They can restrict airflow and cause the AC system to malfunction.
Although you can replace the filters if they are dirty or clogged, it’s best to schedule an inspection to determine whether other system components were affected by the debris build-up. A professional can also ensure that your AC is adequately cleaned and won’t struggle to work at standard levels due to dirt.
Examine the Thermostat
Sometimes, your AC can stop working simply because your thermostat is faulty. The first thing you should check is the batteries. Put new batteries on and see if the AC will work again. Check the thermostat settings as well and set a lower temperature to check if the unit acts.
Check the Condensate Drain Line
If you have a water pool around your indoor unit, it may indicate a clogged condensate drain line. You can locate the drain line to see if it’s blocked. If something blockers the drain line, clear it with a wet/dry vacuum or gently flush it with water and vinegar.
Inspect your outdoor unit. (condenser) as well. It might be obstructed by leaves, branches, or dirt. This will hinder your unit’s need for adequate airflow. Clear the debris and check to see if your unit works.
Allow the Unit to Cool Down If Overheated
It isn’t a good idea to let your AC unit run continuously. They can overheat, which can result in a safety turn-off protocol. If your unit is overheated, let it rest for half an hour before restarting it.
Call a Professional
If you have performed all the above steps and your AC unit is still not working, you should call a professional immediately. Let the HVAC technician know exactly what steps you took to troubleshoot your system.
This information can be helpful for the technician as it will save valuable time when diagnosing the issue. Based on the instructions provided by the technician, you should generally turn off your AC system just to be safe until they arrive. Some issues can aggravate your system’s condition if left turned on.
Do not attempt to solve the issue alone, as you risk damaging your unit further or getting injured. Apart from this, you also risk voiding your warranty for your AC unit if it’s still active.
Possible Reasons Why Your AC Isn’t Working
Although in some situations, your AC will start working again if the issue isn’t major and you provide some basic maintenance, in other cases, it will not work until a professional comes in to inspect your unit and repair it. Here are some possible reasons why your AC isn’t working anymore:
- Electrical issues or blocked airflow
Anything that interrupts the power supply to your AC unit can cause it to stop working. This includes malfunctioning capacitors, tripped circuit breakers, faulty wiring, or a blown fuse. An HVAC technician will inspect your unit for electrical issues and may even determine what caused it. If your unit’s airflow is blocked, clearing the debris will help the issue. Your system most likely shut down to prevent overheating.
- Motor or fan failure
Without proper working motors and fans, your AC unit cannot circulate air adequately, which can cause overheating and system shutdown. Various factors can cause this, such as worn-out bearings, faulty motor fans, or motor capacitor failure.
- Refrigerant leaks
Among the most essential components in the cooling process that your AC performs is the refrigerant. If you have a refrigerant leak issue on your hands, you shouldn’t be surprised if your AC unit stops working. Your AC system can do this automatically to prevent damage.
- Frozen coils
A malfunctioning blower motor, low refrigerant levels, or restricted airflow can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. If this occurs, your AC will most likely shut down. This might be the issue if you have witnessed a decreased cooling efficiency recently.
- Thermostat problems
Although thermostat problems can be as simple as depleted batteries, sometimes the issue can be more complex. If your thermostat is faulty and can’t receive commands, it can cause your unit to shut down.
- Component failure
One of the worst things that can happen to your AC unit is component failure, which can stop the system altogether. Various critical components in your AC, such as the condenser coil, control board, or expansion valve, can malfunction and stop working. Wear and tear, age, or other underlying issues can contribute to this. Although your AC unit should last at least ten years, some components don’t have this lengthy lifespan. You should expect premature component failure issues if you do not regularly maintain your AC.
- Sensor Issues
AC units have various sensors that monitor different parameters, such as pressure or temperature. In some cases, a sensor can be faulty and relay false information. When parameters are abnormal, the AC unit has some protective measures and will shut down to protect itself.
- Overload or overheating
If your AC runs without pause in extreme temperatures or the system is overloaded beyond its capacity, it will overheat and shut down to prevent damage.
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