Few things can feel as frustrating as your air conditioner not working during the hot summer in Greensboro, NC. When your air conditioner stops working, your house becomes uncomfortable. Your indoor air quality can also become compromised. There are a few common reasons why your air conditioner might not be working. The following are some tips that can be used to identify the source of your air conditioner malfunction.
Your Thermostat Is Not Set Properly
In order for your air conditioner to work properly, the thermostat must be set to cool. Surprisingly, many people will call an HVAC technician complaining that their air conditioner is not working, only to have the technician arrive and flip the switch on their thermostat from heat to cool. This is especially common during the months that follow spring. If your air conditioner is not working, one of the first steps is to check the settings on your thermostat.
If your thermostat is battery-powered, you want to ensure that the thermostat’s battery is fully charged. A low or dead battery means that your thermostat cannot send signals to your air conditioner in order for it to activate.
If your thermostat is set correctly, the batteries are fully charged, and your air conditioner is still not activating, you likely have a more serious issue going on. It may be time to have a new thermostat installed or repairs performed by an HVAC professional.
Close Up Windows and Doors
Many people leave their doors and windows open and turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to uncomfortable indoor air and high utility bills.
When you open your windows, you allow warm air to enter. Your air conditioner works overtime to cool the air. You spend more on energy bills, and your air conditioner is less effective. Ensure everyone in the home knows that the doors and windows should be closed when the air conditioner is on.
Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your unit fails to turn on due to an electrical signal interruption, the issue may stem from broken electrical components or wiring faults. Alternatively, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse could be the culprit. Reset the circuit breaker panel if a fuse blows. If the AC still doesn’t operate after resetting, consult an HVAC technician for potential thermostat issues, damaged blower belts, or other severe air conditioner malfunctions.
Failing to Reach the Set Temperature
If your air conditioner continuously runs but can’t achieve the set temperature on your thermostat, one cause may be a dirty filter. This leads to frozen AC coils. Prevent this issue by scheduling annual air conditioner service before activating your unit.
You can inspect AC controls to see if your unit reaches the set temperature but keeps running. Have an HVAC professional examine and possibly replace the thermostat or relay switches to resolve the issue.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant can cause freezing of the evaporator coil. Low refrigerant usually results from leaks within the AC system. Homeowners should not repair refrigerant leaks on their own. Only licensed AC technicians possess the tools and certifications to detect and fix such issues.
Your Air Conditioner Emits Warm Air
Faulty tubes or seal leaks can cause your condenser to malfunction. Over time, the tubes in your air conditioner may break, requiring professional repair or replacement. External factors like debris and airflow issues can also lead to evaporator coil icing. A malfunctioning condenser typically results in the AC blowing warm air or no air at all.
Uneven Cooling
Uneven cooling can occur due to leaking or dirty ducts. Ductwork transports cold air from your air conditioner throughout your home. Wear and tear, rodent damage, or poor initial installation can cause ductwork to deteriorate, trapping cooled air within walls. Your air conditioner can become strained as it attempts to distribute enough cold air throughout your home. Walk through your home to see if you notice that some rooms are warmer than others.
Clogged or Dirty Filters
A clogged or dirty filter can cause your air conditioner to overheat or malfunction. As your air conditioner works harder to draw in fresh air, it compensates for the obstructed filter. Regularly clean or replace filters to maintain efficiency and prevent increased utility bills. Most filters need to be changed every 30 to 90 days.
Dirty Fan Blades
Your outdoor air conditioning unit is affected by pollution, dirt, and debris. If the fan becomes extremely dirty and coated with debris, the speed of the fan can slow down. Layers of grime and dirt will strain the air conditioner’s motor, leading to damage. Annual professional maintenance and cleaning can ensure that your AC blades are not causing airflow problems.
Unusual Noises
If your air conditioner makes loud or unusual sounds, it’s ideal to find the source of the problem. You may notice high-pitched whines or whistles. In many cases, the problem isn’t an airflow issue. An HVAC technician should check the ventilation points of your AC. More than just creating an annoying noise, airflow issues can lead to operational inefficiency, spike your energy bills, and leave you with an air conditioning unit that struggles to keep your home cool.
Circuit Breaker Tripping
If there is a problem with your AC wiring, the electrical wires might receive more current than usual. This causes a short circuit. Loose wiring, having the wrong fuse, or other problems with electrical parts not only damage your air conditioner but can also lead to a fire hazard. Worn-out wires or wiring issues will diminish the capacitors performance and cause fuse problems. It can trip the circuit breaker whenever you turn on the air conditioner. In extreme cases, bad wiring may prevent your air conditioner from starting. If you sense there is a problem with your air conditioners wiring, talk to your HVAC professional. For safety reasons, it’s important that homeowners don’t work on the wiring of their HVAC units.
Air Conditioner Is Short Cycling
Air conditioners come in different dimensions and sizes. Finding the right size air conditioner for the space you’re trying to cool will improve its efficiency and make it easier for you to maintain the unit. Your HVAC technician can evaluate your home, its size and design, and other factors to help you choose the best model.
Listen to your AC system as it turns on and off. Does it seem like this is occurring more frequently than usual? Short cycling may be to blame.
Providing Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing, and HVAC Services in Greensboro
At Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing, we are whole-home experts. Our team is made up of experienced and knowledgeable professionals that can help you with your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs. Our services include plumbing repair, water heater installation, water softener insulation, sump pumps, and well pumps. We offer HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair, and we install heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. Our teams also offer electrical repair, generators, circuit breaker installation, switches, and outlets.
Contact Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing today to schedule an appointment.
