Why Is My AC Not Working?

Summertime temperatures can soar to extreme levels. You turn on your air conditioner to escape the heat, only to find it malfunctioning. You may wonder what is causing the issue and what you can do to fix it. Check out a few of the most common reasons why your air conditioner may malfunction and why you may need an AC repair:

Temperature Controls

The thermostat’s settings are one of the most typical causes for AC repair calls. If the thermostat is set to “Auto” rather than “On,” the air conditioner will not turn on. To effectively cool your home, ensure the switch is in the “On” position.

Verify that the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature. A temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit is optimum. If the temperature is set too low, the air conditioner will operate continuously and may not effectively cool the home. If set too high, the air conditioner will cycle off frequently and fail to cool the home adequately.

Leaks

Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to cool. With a leak, the refrigerant escapes, causing the air conditioner to malfunction. In rare instances, evidence of a refrigerant leak may be evident, such as an oily deposit on the tubing.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, call a qualified specialist for repair. Please do not attempt to repair it, as doing so is dangerous and can pose significant health hazards.

Condenser Problems

The condenser is the component of an air conditioner responsible for cooling the refrigerant. If your air conditioner’s condenser is dirty or clogged, it will not perform correctly, and your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home.

You can clean the condenser by unplugging or turning off the power to the unit and then using a hose to remove any dirt and debris. However, the coils must be replaced if they become damaged. Again, you are best off leaving this to an AC repair expert with years of experience.

Less Common Problems

Your air conditioner may also fail due to some less common issues relating to the following parts:

• Evaporator coil
• Fan
• Fuse or breaker

Evaporator coils contribute to the elimination of atmospheric moisture. If they are frozen, the air conditioner will malfunction. Fans are responsible for circulating air through the coils and may cause airflow issues if they malfunction.

Lastly, faulty breakers or fuses might cause AC problems. If your circuit breaker breaks or a fuse blows, power is cut to your AC unit, rendering it out of service.

What Should I Do If My Air Conditioning Fails?

If your air conditioner stops functioning, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. Initially, verify that the thermostat’s default settings are not preventing the air conditioner from cooling. Clean the condenser coils and remove any accumulated debris.

Ultimately, contacting a specialist is the best course of action if you don’t know why your air conditioner has stopped working. Call Hancock & Sons immediately for additional AC advice or to schedule an AC repair in Frankford, MD!