AC Not Working? 10 Common Problems and How to Fix Them
How To Keep Your AC Working |
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Central AC not working? Your central air system may stop working due to problems like:
- Low coolant levels
- Blocked or dirty air filters
- Frozen coils
- Electrical issues.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, you can troubleshoot them using the information below.
Why Is My AC Not Working?
AC not working? There are a few things you can do.
1. Check Air Filter – A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow and prevent your AC from cooling your home.
2. Check Thermostat – Try resetting your thermostat and check back after 2 hours.
3. Check Breaker Box – A circuit breaker tripped can lead to an air conditioner not cooling.
Check air filter, thermostat, and breaker box; if your HVAC system isn’t working, you may have a more serious problem. If your AC is not working due to one of these problems, it is best to call Just Fix It Katy.
In addition to troubleshooting AC problems, performing preventative maintenance on your AC unit is important. Preventative maintenance includes:
- Servicing your AC twice annually.
- Cleaning or replacing the air filter every month.
- Keeping the condenser coils clean and free of debris.
- Inspecting refrigerant lines.
- Checking the thermostat.
This is why we offer our Just Maintenance Plan saving you time and money!
Why Is My AC On But Not Cooling?
Your air conditioner is supposed to keep your home cool and comfortable on hot days.
But what happens when your AC is on but blowing warm air, not cold air? If you have an AC not working or you suspect the AC isn’t cooling your home, there are a few common reasons why.
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common reasons why an AC unit isn’t working is due to a dirty air filter. Air filters help to remove particles from the air before it enters the AC unit. If the filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow and prevent the AC unit from cooling your home.
Closed Or Blocked Vents
Blocked or closed vents are another common reason why an AC unit doesn’t cool properly. The vents allow the cool air to circulate throughout your home. If the vents are closed or blocked, the cool air won’t be able to reach all of the rooms in your home, keeping your space at room temperature.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is the control center for your AC unit. It tells the AC unit when to turn on and off and what temperature to set. If the thermostat is faulty, it may not send the correct signals to your AC unit, preventing the AC unit from cooling properly.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance that helps to transfer heat from your home to the outside air. You may notice your AC not working if the refrigerant levels in your AC are low.
Why Is My AC Unit Freezing Up?
While summer may be the hottest time of the year in Houston, your AC unit can still freeze up, causing your system to improperly cool your home. You can check for freezing by opening the panel on your home AC and looking for ice. Now it’s important to remember that your system can freeze and still not show visible ice.
Why Is My AC Unit Making Noise?
Odd noises can be the first sign that you have an AC not working. A noisy AC unit can often indicate a faulty fan motor. But it’s not just limited to your motor. The problem could be the motor inside the condenser system’s compressor.
A dirty or clogged air filter often causes a whistling noise. The filter restricts airflow, which can cause the fan to work harder.
A humming noise is a normal noise that is made by the compressor. The compressor is the brain of the AC unit and is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the system.
A problem with the compressor often causes a grinding noise. The pistons that compress refrigerant gas can become worn out, sometimes requiring a full replacement.
A problem with the condensate drain often causes water noises. The condensate drain is a hose that carries water away from the AC unit. If the drain is blocked, the water will flood your drip pan and make water noises.
A ticking noise is often caused by a loose or damaged part in the AC unit, such as the fan blades that, over time, can become misaligned or even bent, causing them not to turn properly. A damaged fan can lead to your AC not working properly.
How To Fix Your Air Conditioner
Suppose your air conditioners not working and you are willing to get your hands dirty. In that case, you can do some simple fixes, such as replacing air filters, ensuring thermostat connection, routine duct cleaning, and melting ice that may have accumulated in your AC.
Change The Air Filters
AC filters are often neglected. However, many issues can be prevented or fixed by simply replacing your air filters regularly. Well-maintained filters help make sure your unit’s airflow is uninterrupted. Remember to check air filter every 3 months, or you may experience your AC not working or cooling.
Check AC Thermostat Connection
You can check your thermostat by confirming if it has power. Remove the cover, and take a pic of the wiring so you don’t forget what wires go where. Then make sure each wire is properly connected. AC not working after this? Call Just Fix It to have us take a deeper look.
AC Duct Cleaning
Air ducts can become homes for all sorts of things. By removing your filters, you can sometimes see nearby blockages. You’ll need a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes to clean your air duct completely. Our Katy HVAC repair techs can do this all for you to skip the frustration.
Melting AC Ice
If you suspect your AC not working because it looks frozen or you can see visible ice, you may be able to fix this on your own. Start by turning your unit off and running the fan to help melt the accumulated ice.
How To Prevent Your AC From Breaking – Regular AC Maintenance
The best way to prevent your AC not working is through regular AC maintenance. Life can get hectic, and it’s easy to forget something. Our Just Maintenance Membership Plan allows you to save time and money by letting the pros handle your regular AC maintenance.
Regular AC Tune-Ups
AC Tune-Ups are pivotal to getting the most out of your home AC, avoiding a Katy AC repair. A Tune-Up guarantees your system is running at peak performance. During this time, our techs can find repairs while they are early on, preventing larger repairs down the road.
Regular Cleaning
It’s also important to regularly clean your home AC. You can do this by removing debris that builds up from lawn work and spraying your AC unit with a water hose to remove caked-on dirt and dust.
Regular Filter Changes
Our Katy AC repair contractors recommend replacing your home air filters every 90 days (3 months). Regular filter changes allow your home AC to run free of resistance and provide your home with clean, fresh air. Not doing so could lead to AC not working.
Keep Your Hands Clean and Wallet Protected
Now that you know how to diagnose the various concerning sounds in your home AC and how to troubleshoot many common AC problems, you’re ready for the Katy summer heat. But suppose you are not ready to give up your time and get your hands dirty. In that case, you can call Just Fix It AC Repair in Katy. Our Houston technicians can help diagnose any issue for an AC not working and have your home AC running quickly. Plus, with our Just Maintenance Membership Plan, you can rest easy knowing the JFI team has your back.
It’s not recommended to run the AC if it isn’t cool, as it can waste energy without providing the desired cooling effect. You likely have an AC not working for a reason. Troubleshoot the issue or seek professional help before using the AC again.
If your AC is just blowing air or not cooling, it could indicate a problem. Check settings, filters, and vents first. If you still see your AC not working, contact a Houston technician for a proper diagnosis and Katy AC repair.
AC blowing hot air could be due to a malfunctioning compressor, refrigerant leaks, a faulty thermostat, a blocked condensing unit, or electrical problems. Have a JFI technician inspect and identify the specific cause of your AC not working.
Air conditioners may struggle on hot days due to high outdoor temperatures, improper sizing, inadequate insulation, could be a leak, or maintenance issues. Regular maintenance, proper insulation, and addressing underlying problems can improve AC performance. Consult an HVAC professional in Katy if you have an AC not working.
Just Fix It provides quality, timely, and cost-effective HVAC services near Katy, TX, and the Houston Metro. Trust us to recommend the best cooling and heating solution for you. Our specialties include AC repair, AC installation, AC maintenance, Furnace replacement, Heating tune-up, Heating repair, and Mini-split installation.
We are the HVAC contractor Katy trusts for heating and cooling solutions. Call us today!