A broken air conditioner on a hot day can make your Hickory, NC, home feel unbearable in no time. When you think you need AC repair, it’s normal to feel frustrated and unsure of what to do.
To help, this guide will shed light on some common AC issues that you can troubleshoot and tackle before calling a professional.
Before calling an HVAC contractor, consider the following common air conditioner issues that might be the cause of the breakdown. Sometimes, the fix for an AC unit that doesn’t work is simpler than you think. In fact, understanding these common problems can save you time and worry.
Your thermostat could indeed be why your AC won’t turn on or isn’t blowing cold air. First, check your thermostat settings. Ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is set properly below the current room temperature. If the thermostat set point is incorrect, your air conditioner won’t engage as expected.
Also, verify that the thermostat is receiving power. Dead batteries are a common culprit in digital models. For wired thermostats, a loose connection or an internal fault could be the issue for why your unit doesn’t turn on. If the display is blank or unresponsive, this points to a power problem or a faulty unit, requiring you to check the thermostat setting options.
A dirty air filter is a very common reason an AC unit struggles to produce cold air. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder. This strain can reduce efficiency and lead to more significant problems for your AC unit if not addressed, potentially causing dirty air to circulate.
Replacing the air filter is a simple fix that can make a big difference. A dirty filter not only impacts your unit’s ability to cool but also diminishes indoor air quality by circulating contaminated air. Regular changes of air filters are crucial for optimal performance and cleaner indoor air.
Over time, a severely clogged air filter can even cause the evaporator coil to freeze up due to insufficient air passing over it, a clear sign your unit doesn’t want to cooperate.
Your air conditioning unit might have tripped a circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel or breaker box. Locate the breaker associated with your AC unit. It’s often a double-pole breaker. If it’s tripped, try resetting it once by flipping it off and then back on. This is a common fix if your AC unit doesn’t start.
However, if the circuit breaker trips repeatedly, it indicates a more serious electrical issue that could affect components such as the fan motor or start capacitor. This breaker tripping could be due to an overloaded circuit, a failing component, or wiring problems. Persistent circuit breaker tripping requires a professional assessment to prevent damage or safety hazards.
A failing breaker fuse, while less common with modern circuit breaker systems, could also be the culprit if your unit won’t turn on.
With some common air conditioner issues identified, here are further troubleshooting steps you can attempt. Addressing these issues yourself might resolve why your AC isn’t working and could save a call for AC repair. You can apply these steps to various types of air conditioners, including central air systems and heat pumps, which are common in residential settings.
Inspect your outdoor unit (condenser unit), which is a key part of split systems and many heat pumps. Ensure it’s clear of debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, or overgrown shrubs, that can obstruct airflow to the condenser coil. Proper airflow is vital for the unit to operate correctly.
Check that the vents on the condenser unit aren’t blocked. Also, listen for unusual noises and observe if the condenser fan is spinning when the AC is supposed to be running. A non-spinning AC fan or condenser fan may indicate a problem with the fan motor or its start capacitor, preventing the generation of cold air.
A dirty evaporator coil, located in the indoor unit, can significantly hinder your AC’s ability to produce cool air. Over time, dust and grime accumulate on the evaporator coils, insulating them and reducing heat absorption. This can lead to the unit blowing air that isn’t cold, or even a frozen evaporator coil.
If accessible, you can gently clean the evaporator coil with a soft brush and a specialized coil cleaner, following the product’s instructions. Be careful not to bend the delicate aluminum fins.
Leaky or disconnected ductwork can lead to inefficient cooling and poor indoor air quality. If your AC is running but not blowing cold air strongly in all rooms, inspect accessible duct sections for visible holes, tears, or loose connections. Even small leaks can result in a significant loss of cool air.
Sealing small leaks with mastic sealant or appropriate foil tape (not standard cloth duct tape) can help improve airflow and the delivery of cool air. However, for extensive ductwork issues or those in inaccessible areas, professional attention is recommended. Properly sealed ducts ensure the cold air your conditioning unit produces reaches its destination efficiently.
While some AC issues are simple fixes, others require the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician. If your troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the problem, or if you encounter these signs when your air conditioning unit isn’t working properly, it’s time to schedule an AC repair.
Ignoring these indicators when your conditioning unit is malfunctioning can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs. An expert can accurately diagnose the issue, whether it’s a minor fix or something affecting the system’s lifespan, and provide a professional assessment.
Regular air conditioning maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your AC unit and preventing potential issues. Here are tips to prevent AC problems and maintain good air quality.
Schedule annual maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician. During these tune-ups, they’ll inspect and clean components such as the condenser coil and evaporator coils, check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and lubricate moving parts. This proactive approach helps catch small issues before they escalate into major breakdowns for your air conditioners.
This service is essential for all types of air conditioners, including central air systems, heat pumps, and mini-split units. Regular professional checks ensure your system runs efficiently, saving on energy bills and maintaining good indoor air quality.
Consistently change your air filter as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every one to three months. If you have pets or allergies, or live in a dusty area, you might need to change it more frequently.
This simple step helps your AC unit run efficiently and prevents strain on components, contributing to a longer lifespan for the equipment. Keeping a stock of air filters on hand also makes this task easier and helps your air conditioner continue blowing cold air.
Regularly inspect and clean the area around your outdoor condenser unit. Trim back any plants, weeds, or shrubs to ensure at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit for adequate airflow. Remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris that can accumulate on or around the condenser coil of your outdoor unit.
This helps the condenser fan work effectively and prevents the unit from overheating. Ensuring the outdoor unit is clean and unobstructed is a simple way to help your air conditioning unit function correctly and efficiently, so it’s always blowing cold.
An AC not working, especially during peak summer heat in North Carolina, is certainly an inconvenience. Hopefully, this guide provides useful troubleshooting steps to identify why your AC unit doesn’t work or isn’t blowing cold air. Remember that some air conditioner issues, such as a refrigerant leak or complex electrical problems, require a professional to assess your system.
For consistent cool air and peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified HVAC professional if at-home fixes don’t resolve the issue or if you’re uncomfortable performing them.
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