Air conditioners are a blessing especially when the summer season sets in. But the thing about air conditioners is they might not work just when you need them. So, let’s take a look at some potential reasons your air conditioner might not be working and how to fix them and if you need the help of HVAC contractors.
Thermostat Batteries Are Dead
In some cases, you might believe that there is a problem with the air conditioner when in fact the actual problem might be with the thermostat. Most thermostats run on batteries that need replacement after a while. With that said, if you notice that the thermostat is not showing any reading, it means that the batteries are most probably dead.
To fix the issue, you simply need to remove the old batteries and replace them with new ones. At the same time, you should also make sure the thermostat is properly calibrated. Otherwise, your air conditioner will fail to perform at its maximum.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If you notice that the thermostat is working fine and the air conditioner does not seem to turn on, you will need to check the circuit breaker. In such cases, the problem relates to the unit not receiving a sufficient amount of power. Therefore, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
Keep in mind that the circuit breakers are designed to trip when they are overloaded. So, if the circuit breaker trips regularly, you will need to get the issue sorted out. If not, your air conditioner will continue to shut off by itself.
Dirty Indoor And Outdoor Coils
Sometimes you might observe that the air conditioner is producing not-so-cool air when the thermostat has been set to “cool”. If that is the case, it means that the coils are dirty. Your air conditioner unit contains two coils, one in the outdoor unit and the other in the indoor unit. With time, these coils can accumulate with dirt, dust, and debris that will impede their performance.
In simple words, the system will not be able to remove heat from your home both effectively and efficiently. This means it is important to keep the coils clean and free of stubborn dust and grime, especially when it comes to the outdoor unit as it bears most of the brunt.
You Have A Dirty Air Filter
Although dirty air filters are quite easy to replace, most homeowners still ignore replacing them. Air filters are designed to remove contaminants before air can enter the house. With that said, air filters become dirty overtime dealing with dirt and dust and will need replacement.
If you are not aware of the replacement schedule, consult the user’s manual. Manufacturers mostly recommend replacing the air filters once or twice a year depending on the usage and the region.
Refrigerant Leak
Many homeowners complain that their air conditioners do not seem to work even when they are turned on. What they mean to say is that the air conditioner is not throwing cool air. In such cases, it is better to turn off the air conditioner as it will only throw hot air. However, when it comes to troubleshooting the issue, the first thing you need to check is the refrigerant.
If you have a relatively older unit, the chances of a refrigerant leak are relatively more. Over time, minor cracks or damage might allow the gas to leak. But if the unit is new, it might be that the installation was not done the right way. As a result, the unit may have incurred some damage leading to the leak.
Dirty Condenser
Similar to the indoor and outdoor coils, dirt and dust accumulation on the condenser can also reduce the overall performance of the air conditioner. If the condenser is covered with stubborn grime and debris, it will have to work harder than usual to disperse heat. Since the dirt acts as an insulator, the condenser will utilize more electricity that will not only increase the monthly energy bills but may also trip the circuit breaker and burden the unit.
Therefore, if you observe that the condenser is not functioning properly, you will need to consult an HVAC professional for a deep clean. Unfortunately, you should not be doing it on your own as the fins of the coils might end up damaged during the process.
Final Word
Concluding, to get your air conditioner working again, you need to keep the above-mentioned problems and their fixes in mind as they tend to be the most common. In addition to that, make sure that you get your air conditioner inspected and maintained by reliable air conditioning companies Fairfax to prolong its life.
