What Causes Your AC to Stop Working?

Sunny California is beautiful, but there are times when temperatures can soar. You turn on your air conditioner to escape the heat but find it’s not working correctly. You may wonder what could be causing the problem and what you can do about it. Here are three main reasons why your AC may not be working correctly and why you might need an AC repair.

Thermostat Settings

One of the top reasons people call for an AC repair is the thermostat settings. If the thermostat is set to “Auto” instead of “On”, the air conditioner won’t turn on. Make sure that the switch is in the “On” position to cool your home.

In addition, check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. The ideal setting is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s set lower than that, your air conditioner will run continuously and may not cool your home sufficiently. If it’s set too high, the air conditioner will cycle off too frequently and won’t have a chance to cool your home properly.

Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool the air. If there’s a leak in the system, the refrigerant will escape, and the AC won’t work correctly. In some cases, you could see signs of a refrigerant leak, such as an oily residue on the tubing.

If you think that you might have a refrigerant leak, it’s best to call a qualified technician to repair it. Please do not attempt to repair it, as this can be dangerous.

Condenser Issues

The condenser is the part of the air conditioner that helps to cool the refrigerant. If your AC condenser is dirty or blocked, it won’t work correctly, and your AC will have trouble cooling your home.

You can clean the condenser by unplugging or shutting off the power to the unit and using a hose to remove any dirt and debris. However, if the coils are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. Again, this is something best left to a qualified technician skilled in AC repair.

Less Common Issues

Your AC could also stop working because of less common issues such as:

• Evaporator Coil Issues
• Fan Issues
• Breaker or Fuse Problems

Evaporator coils help to remove moisture from the air. If they’re frozen, it can prevent the AC from working properly. Fan issues may also cause your AC to stop working as it is responsible for circulating air over the coils. If it’s not working correctly, the air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home.

Finally, breaker or fuse problems can also lead to AC issues. When a breaker trips or a fuse blows, it will cut off power to the unit and prevent it from working.

My AC Stopped Working! What Do I Do?

If your air conditioner stops working, you can do a few things to troubleshoot the problem. First, check the thermostat and ensure the default settings are not keeping your AC from cooling. Next, clean the condenser coils and remove any debris blocking them.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your AC to stop working, the best action is to call a professional for help. For more AC tips or to schedule an AC repair in Angels Camp, CA, call Performance Based Heating & Air today! We service neighborhoods throughout Sonora, Angels Camp, Jamestown, and everywhere in between.

We look forward to helping you keep your home cool and comfortable always!