The very last thing a homeowner wants during an Ohio heat wave is AC troubles. When the heat kicks up and your air conditioner suddenly stops working, panic can set in fast. With so many different parts and functions that most people aren’t very familiar with, it can feel overwhelming to try and understand what could possibly be going wrong with your unit. Before you panic, though, you have options to try and troubleshoot.
Here’s what to check when your AC won’t work:
1. Check the Thermostat Settings
It may seem too obvious, but it’s one of the most common causes of an AC “failure.” Sometimes the easiest things get overlooked! Maybe someone in the house turned it off, bumped it to “heat,” or set the temperature too high for the system to kick on. Make sure:
- The thermostat is set to “cool”, not “heat” or “fan”.
- The temperature is set lower than the current room temperature.
- The batteries aren’t dead (if applicable).
Still nothing? Well, not every problem can be so easily solved. But don’t panic, here is what else to check when your AC won’t work.
2. Look at the Breaker
If your thermostat looks fine but your AC isn’t doing anything – no fan, noise, or airflow – your circuit breaker may have tripped. Head to your electrical panel and see if the breaker labeled “AC” or “cooling” is flipped to the off position. If it is, try flipping it back on. If it trips again immediately, that’s a sign you’ll want a professional to take a look.
3. Inspect the Air Filter
This is one of those times that the importance of AC maintenance is clear. A dirty, clogged air filter can restrict airflow so much that your AC system shuts down or stops cooling properly. Most filters should be changed every 1-3 months, especially in peak cooling season. If yours is visibly dusty or gray, it’s time for a fresh one. (Bonus: changing your filter regularly also helps your system run more efficiently and last longer!)
4. Check the Outdoor Unit
Sometimes the issue is as simple as a disconnected power switch near the outside condenser unit or a system that’s been blocked by leaves, grass clippings, or debris. Make sure:
- The disconnect box (usually a gray box mounted on the exterior wall) hasn’t been switched off.
- There’s nothing blocking the airflow around your outdoor unit. TIP: spray your outdoor unit off with your hose to remove dirt, build-up, and debris. Just make sure to turn off the breaker before you do!
- If you notice a humming sound from your outdoor unit or notice the fan is not spinning, you could have a bad AC capacitor.
If you notice ice, turn the unit off.
Ice can be indicative of a refrigerant issue, but that’s not always the case. However, if you notice ice on your air conditioner lines, it’s best to turn the unit off. The lines need to thaw before any diagnostic work can be performed on the system. If a technician shows up and ice is still present, then they won’t be able to fix the AC right away and will have to return later. It can sometimes take multiple hours for the ice to thaw.
Pro Tip: In Extreme Heat Your system might not get down to the exact temperature you set it to
During times of more extreme high temperatures, you might notice that your air conditioning is not getting down to the temperature you set it to. Let’s say, for example, it’s 92 degrees outside, you have your thermostat set to 70, yet the house is only cooling to 74. Your first thought might be that your ac unit is busted.
Before you rush to dial for help, take into account that your AC unit is sized and designed to cool during average seasonal temperatures. When temps skyrocket way above average, your unit simply can’t keep up with the heat. That doesn’t mean it needs fixing; it’s just the way it’s designed.
As long as your vents are still blowing cool air, you’re in good shape, even if it isn’t getting down to the exact temperature you set it to.
Still Not Working? Call Quality Comfort.
If you’ve run through this list and your AC still isn’t cooperating, it’s time to bring in the pros. Give Quality Comfort a call at (513)-620-4822 or schedule online for repair!
