Common Reasons an Air Conditioner Isn’t Working
Most people elect to turn the air-conditioning on when the weather gets hot, but some will find it unresponsive or broken.
Most people elect to turn the air-conditioning on when the weather gets hot, but some will find it unresponsive or broken. Also, fixing it is time-consuming. However, homeowners can learn about common reasons an air conditioner isn’t working to help their HVAC technician fix it more quickly.
A dead thermostat
This isn’t technically a problem with the central air-conditioning. However, sometimes the wall thermostat runs out of battery power. The solution is to replace the depleted batteries with fresh ones. It’s easy to identify the issue by checking if the thermostat screen is blank and then showing the temperature again once the new batteries are installed.
Disconnect switches are turned off
Homes have indoor and outdoor disconnector switches because building codes make them mandatory. The outdoor one is near the air conditioner unit. First, check if one of these switches is accidentally in the off position. Perhaps someone bumped into the switch unknowingly, or it was a pest in or near the house. Regardless, this cause is easily fixed by flipping the switch back on.
Tripped circuit breaker
An overloaded circuit will have tripped breakers. Homeowners can rectify this problem by resetting the breaker. Usually, the tripped circuit connects to the HVAC system. However, should this happen repeatedly, it may be best to hire a qualified electrician to identify the source to avoid triggering it again.
Blown fuse
Thermostat fuses can get blown, resulting in a deactivated HVAC system. Replace the fuse before cool air can flow out of the AC unit. Most people shouldn’t attempt the replacement unless they have the necessary training and knowledge; this is an excellent time to call in a professional electrician.
Blown transformer
Like a blown fuse, a defective transformer will prevent the air conditioner from working until it’s fixed. Sometimes, a bad contactor in the outdoor air conditioning unit will cause a blown transformer. Other homeowners report bad wiring to be the reason their transformers need attention. However, only a trained electrician should repair a blown transformer.
Broken capacitors
Air conditioners usually have a start capacitor and a run capacitor, and one or both may have deteriorated after extended use. These components are necessary for holding power and ensuring the air-conditioning unit stays running. Only an HVAC professional can replace these capacitors.
Dirty coils
Air-conditioning units, both indoor and outdoor, have coils that remove heat from within the home. Over time they can get dirty, and sometimes excessively so. An HVAC pro can clean them to restore AC functionality.
Dirty filters
The filters that homeowners use can get caked with dust and debris. With too much dirt, the AC unit will have no way to introduce cool air. So replacing the air filter is necessary, usually every one to three months.
Always check first
If the air conditioner doesn’t work, it’s best to check the circuits and other parts first. Then, it’s time to call an HVAC professional when the problem requires a licensed electrician. They can help address any critical issues and keep the cool air flowing.
Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer 24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.
