Air Conditioning Stopped Working? How to Fix it
1. Your AC is constantly running
If your air conditioner is constantly running, it may be due to a dirty filter, an older or improperly sized AC unit, or a problem with the thermostat. If the AC is cycling too often or has difficulty shutting off, this may be caused by a dirty condenser, bad ductwork, or improper insulation. These are just some of the possible causes for your air conditioner to run constantly; if you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s time to call an expert for an inspection.
2. Your AC is constantly cycling or erratically
If the air conditioner is not working properly, there may be a problem with the filter or thermostat. To clean or replace the filter, check that the light on the thermostat is on and that it is clean. If the air conditioner keeps shutting off or cycling, you might need to replace your thermostat.
3. Your AC is not blowing cool air
The most common issue with air conditioners is a tripped circuit breaker. If your AC turns on but doesn’t blow out cold air, make sure all the vents are open and the thermostat is set properly. Check the filter and make sure it’s clean. If the fan turns easily, there may be a problem with the electrical power or refrigerant line. A qualified HVAC technician will need to come and inspect the unit.
4. Your AC is constantly blowing hot air
If your air conditioner has stopped working, there are several potential causes and solutions. An air filter that needs to be replaced every month or two can cause the AC to work harder, and duct cleaning should be done at least once a year. If it’s too sunny inside, your AC will have to work harder; if warm air is leaking in, check for leaks. Keeping your shades and curtains drawn during the day can block the sun and prevent your AC from working harder. Check the seals around your window AC to make sure hot air isn’t getting in and cold air isn’t seeping out; reseal around your unit with weather stripping if necessary. If you hear a vibrating noise, it may mean your AC was installed incorrectly; make sure your AC is sitting securely in the window and review installation instructions from the manufacturer.
5. Your AC is not turning on or off
If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, there are several signs you can look for to determine the cause of the problem. One common sign is if the inside unit freezes. Another sign is if the AC isn’t providing enough power. If these issues are present, checking the breaker box and wiring in your thermostat can help solve the problem. Additionally, checking the switch near your furnace can also be beneficial.
6. Your AC is making strange noises
If your air conditioner is making strange noises, squealing, or grinding, this is usually a sign of an urgent problem that needs to be fixed. By fixing the underlying problem, the noise should go away. AC units shouldn’t make any noise other than the gentle whirring sound of the fan.
How to troubleshoot common air conditioning problems?
Step 1: Check your thermostat
If your air conditioning unit stops working, one of the first things you should check is your thermostat. Make sure that it is set to the correct temperature. If the temperature isn’t set correctly, turn off the AC and wait for 30 seconds. If no heat comes out after waiting 30 seconds, check that the furnace panel door is closed before resetting the furnace.
Step 2: Clean the interior of your AC unit
To clean the interior of your AC unit, first, aim the nozzle upward to remove crud buildup, then work around the coil to flush out debris. Clean your filters every three months and replace them regularly. Clean your ducts if they show signs of dirt or debris. Get your AC unit inspected yearly and have a pro perform regular preventative maintenance.
Step 3: Check the outdoor disconnect switch
To check the outdoor disconnect switch, turn off the AC and furnace breakers in the main electrical panel. Use a voltage tester to make sure the power is really off. If the power is off, check for any loose wires that may be causing a problem.
Step 4: Check for tripped circuit breakers
If the air conditioning system stops working, the first step is to check if the unit has power. Next, check the thermostat for power and verify that it is set to the correct temperature. If the unit has a circuit breaker, turn it off and wait 10 seconds before switching it back on. Check for blown fuses and replace any that are blown or burnt. If the unit does not have a circuit breaker, switch off the main power to the unit and remove and replace any broken or burnt fuses.
Possible causes of air conditioning problems include a lack of power, a problem with the thermostat, blown fuses, or a problem with the circuit breaker.
Step 5: Check your electrical wiring
If your air conditioning has stopped working, the first thing you should do is take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting anything. This will help you to remember where each wire goes when you need to reconnect it later.
Next, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove each wire from the old capacitor and snap it onto the corresponding tab of the new capacitor. It’s important that each wire is securely connected, so wiggle each one a little to make sure it’s tight.
Once all the wires are in place, secure the new capacitor in place. Finally, check for any problems with the wiring by checking your fuse box – if there is no problem there, then you shouldn’t attempt to check for problems with the wiring yourself.
Step 6: Check for blown transformers
If your air conditioning has stopped working, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue. First, check the temperature and pressure settings. If they seem off, reset the unit. If that doesn’t work, try turning it off and on again. If the AC still isn’t working, call a professional to fix your air conditioning.
Step 7: Inspect your ductwork
It is important to inspect ductwork regularly and identify common problems that can occur, such as damage, leaks, and other issues. Repairs should be made as soon as possible to improve air quality and save on energy costs.
Step 8: Check for refrigerant leaks
If you notice a refrigerant leak, it is important to turn off the AC unit and call for professional help right away. You can check your filters monthly and replace them as necessary. Additionally, you can clean your evaporator (or have a pro do it) to ensure optimal function. In climates where dust and allergies are prevalent, be sure to change your air filter every month or two. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, follow these steps to check for leaks and repair them:
1. Check for signs of leakage around the system
2. Repair or replace any damaged parts
Step 9: Inspect your AC unit for strange noises
If you hear strange noises coming from your AC unit, it’s important to take action to fix the problem. First, inspect the unit for any loose parts or debris that may be causing the noise. If you find anything, tighten or remove it as needed. Next, check the belts to see if they are loose or need to be replaced. If the belts are in good condition, then the problem may be with the motor. Try oiling the motor to see if that fixes the issue. If not, then you may need to replace the motor entirely.
Step 10: Check for strange smells
If you detect a strange smell, determine its source. If the smell is coming from the air conditioner, disconnect the power to the unit and investigate. Check for burnt wires or other signs of damage. If you find any damage, attempt to repair it before restoring power. If you cannot repair the damage, replace the air conditioner.
Step 11: Check the airflow
If your air conditioner has stopped working, the first thing you should do is check the airflow. If the airflow is restricted, it could be due to a dirty or clogged condenser, evaporator, filter, or coil. To clean these parts, aim the nozzle upward and flush the debris down the coil fins. Next, clean out the condenser, evaporator, filters, and coil. If these are dirty and clogged by debris, airflow within your unit may be restricted, which can severely affect the efficiency of your unit as a whole.
Step 12: Inspect your condenser coil
To inspect your condenser coil, you will need to remove the cover and unscrew the screws. Check for condensation build-up and corrosion. If you find any damaged coils, it is best to replace them. Another common problem that can occur is a blown fuse or poor insulation. To test your air conditioning unit’s Freon levels, you will need a professional.
Step 13: Check for frozen coils
If you think the coils may be frozen, check the engine temperature. If there is a consistent spike, the waves will need to be replaced.
Step 14: Check the circuit breaker
If the air conditioning unit has stopped working, the first thing to do is check the power. Locate the service panel and check the circuit breaker. If it is tripped, reset it and see if that resolves the issue. If not, check the thermostat for power. If there is no power at the thermostat, check to see if it’s receiving power from the electrical system or if it contains batteries that need to be replaced.
