When the Texas summer temperatures climb to 80°F and higher, a reliable AC is necessary to beat the Amarillo heat. When your AC isn’t cooling the house, it causes discomfort and even potential health issues. Fortunately, the team at Frank’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning provides professional AC repair solutions in Amarillo to get your home cool again in no time.
Explore these six common causes of an AC not working.
1. Thermostat Issues
A faulty thermostat may prevent your AC from turning on. Check that your thermostat is on, set to the correct temperature, and that the batteries are working.
The location of your thermostat in your home is also important. A thermostat directly in front of a vent, in a sunbeam, or beside a window can cause an inaccurate temperature reading, which may impact your AC.
2. Tripped Breaker
If you’ve recently had a power outage or power surge, you may need to reset your breaker in order to turn on your AC. Open your electrical panel and find the circuit breaker for your AC. If it’s in the OFF position, simply switch it to ON and test your air conditioner.
A tripped breaker can signal other problems that may require AC repairs or new AC installation. If you notice your AC breaker is being tripped regularly, call your local HVAC technicians at Frank’s to check for AC overheating and other issues that can trigger the safety switch.
3. Blown Fuse
Sometimes your AC may blow a fuse, particularly if there’s an electrical surge during peak season when it’s working hard to cool your home. When a fuse breaks, electricity can no longer flow through the AC’s circuit, so the AC can’t turn on. A blown fuse requires a professional AC repair to get the system up and running again.
4. Clogged Air Filter
Dirty or clogged air filters prevent air from flowing smoothly through the system. This can cause issues like overheating, triggering the AC to turn off, or preventing it from turning on.
Energy Star recommends changing your air filters at least once every three months, or as specified by the manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to clean your filters once a month to reduce the risk of a clog.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils transfer heat from inside your home to outside. If your AC suffers from poor airflow due to a blocked vent or clogged filter, or if there’s an issue with the refrigerant, ice may build up on your evaporator coils. If your AC freezes up, it may stop facilitating the heat transfer process, preventing your AC from working properly.
6. Faulty Capacitor
The capacitor is the component inside your AC that directs power to the fan motor. If the capacitor fails, your AC won’t be able to turn on. You might hear a humming noise while the system tries to start up. This is a sign that it’s time to call a pro to check whether you have a faulty capacitor.
Why Is My Outdoor AC Unit Not Running? Troubleshooting Tips
When your air conditioner isn’t turning on, the following troubleshooting steps may help to diagnose the issue.
Check the thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is set to the proper temperature. You can also take this opportunity to check the batteries and thermostat placement. Ideally, it should be located away from windows, vents, and direct sunlight.
Check the breaker
Check that the AC breaker is switched to the ON position and that the power to your AC unit is turned on. Some air conditioners have separate power switches for the indoor and outdoor units, so you may need to check both.
Change the air filters
If it’s been more than a month since your AC filters were cleaned or changed, take them out and give them a good cleaning. Note that you may have to clean your AC more often during peak use season, or if you live with pets or in a dusty area.
Examine the outdoor unit
Do a visual examination of your outdoor unit, checking for any dirt or debris that could be clogging the air intake vent. Keep an eye out for other signs of trouble, including ice, heavy condensation, or liquid pooling around the air conditioner.
If you notice ice or pooling liquid, call a pro. These can both be signs of a refrigerant issue, which requires professional tools and knowledge to repair safely.
When To Call for Professional AC Repair
While minor issues like clogged filters can be solved DIY, most AC repairs require a professional solution. If you suspect any of the following issues, it’s a good time to call an HVAC pro for help.
There’s an electrical issue
If you suspect a blown fuse or other internal electrical issue, it’s best to call a professional. Try flipping the circuit breaker to see if the power comes back, but avoid attempting DIY repairs on any internal electrical components because this can cause further damage to the unit.
You hear unusual noises
A broken air conditioner can make a wide variety of unusual AC sounds to signal an issue. Many of these noises indicate a faulty part that can cause further damage if left unaddressed. Turn off your AC and call a technician if you hear unexpected noises.
You suspect a refrigerant leak
Refrigerant is a key component of your air conditioner, but it can be dangerous if it escapes the system. Common signs of a refrigerant leak include a sweet chemical smell or liquid pooling on or around the AC unit. You may also notice a buildup of ice. Refrigerants are a health hazard, so turn off your AC, evacuate the home, and call a professional if you suspect a leak.
You’re not sure what’s wrong
As a general rule, if you have to unscrew anything to access a part, it’s best to call an expert. If you’ve gone through the basic troubleshooting steps and you’re not sure what the issue is, a pro can diagnose the issue and get your AC up and running again.
Contact Frank’s for AC Repairs in Amarillo, TX
When the Texas summer heats up, keep your home cool with the experienced team at Frank’s. Our licensed technicians are on call for your AC repair needs in Amarillo, from clogged filters and broken capacitors to emergency refrigerant leaks. If your air conditioner has stopped working, contact us today for professional AC repairs.
