Air conditioning is great to beat the heat...until it’s not. When you’re hoping your AC will finally kick into gear, you don’t want to sit around too long. In many cases, the longer you wait, the bigger your repair bill. Here are 6 reasons your AC is not running that could ruin your summer.
1. Dirty Filter
The air that goes through your home passes through an air filter in the HVAC system. That tool gets clogged with dirt and needs to be replaced, usually every few months. Dirty air filters are probably one of the easiest AC problems to fix, but issues come up all the time. Without it, you lose efficiency and can even put the rest of your equipment at risk.
2. Clogged Condensate Drain
Removing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outdoors creates condensation. In the normal operation of the system, that condensation goes into a pan and out a pipe. When the drain gets clogged with dirt or ice, it can cause water to back up. If your air conditioning keeps shutting off, this might be a cause.
3. Low Refrigerant
Your AC unit counts on the right amount of refrigerant to pull heat out of the air. Too little will cause problems, like ineffective cooling. It can even trigger ice buildup on your evaporator coil. As a potentially-hazardous substance, this problem should always be addressed by a technician trained to identify the leak, seal it and recharge the unit.
4. Blown Fuse
If your circuit breaker is tripping over and over, you shouldn’t just keep flipping it back. This can risk permanent damage to the electrical components. A blown fuse is a common cause of this problem, and it’s something to pay attention to. Fuses control the electrical flow to the AC unit. They’re generally pretty quick to replace, but it’s best to bring in a pro.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is an indoor piece of equipment that pulls heat out of the air. Normally, the condensation created by that process evaporates. Let the coils get dirty and you’ll have all kinds of issues. The coil can actually freeze over. This can cause your system to start turning on and off rapidly, without providing effective cooling.
6. Faulty Blower Fan
Most AC systems operate with an external and internal unit. In many cases, your furnace has a blower fan that your AC uses to move cooled air through your ductwork. If that fan stops working, there won’t be any cooling. It will usually start to make some noises before it does, like screeching, grinding, or clanking. Listen to these sounds and call us as soon as you notice them.
Letting a good AC unit keep you cool is great. Baking indoors because your system is broken is a nightmare. For help when your AC is not running, schedule an appointment at Master Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We can often fix your problem on the same day.
