Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working?

Isn’t it a bummer when, in the middle of a scorching summer, your trusty air conditioner decides to take a break? Just when you’re enjoying that cool, blissful air, everything goes haywire, and suddenly, you’re back to sweating it out. Sounds familiar? You’re definitely not alone. It’s a common headache for many, especially when the heat turns up.

The scorching Florida weather has led to a soar in demand for air conditioning units, causing prices and repair times to climb. According to the EIA’s 2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, “More than a quarter (27%) of the energy consumed in Florida homes is for air conditioning, which is more than four times the national average”.  Hence, it’s vital to keep your air conditioner in top-notch condition.

We totally get how annoying and stressful it is when your AC gives up on you. Having a working air conditioner is more than just about keeping cool; it’s about making your home a safe and comfy place to be. That’s why we’re here to help you figure out what might be going wrong and how to fix it so you can get back to chilling in no time.

12 Common Reasons Why Air Conditioners Stop Working

1. Thermostat Settings and Issues

Thermostats can sometimes face malfunctions that impact your air conditioning’s performance, including dead batteries, improper settings, or internal defects. Make sure your thermostat is switched to “cool” instead of “heat.” If your attempts at troubleshooting don’t fix the issue, consider enlisting a professional to help examine your thermostat.

2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining your air conditioning system’s efficiency by trapping dirt and dust particles. A congested filter can obstruct airflow, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially causing system failure. Regularly checking, cleaning, or replacing your air filter is vital for ensuring peak performance.

3. Circuit Breaker and Power Supply Problems

A common cause of AC shutdowns is a tripped circuit breaker. Inspect your home’s electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers. This problem is often due to frequent power surges. For safety reasons, if the issue continues, it is wise to seek advice from a professional.

4. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can significantly diminish their efficiency and pose a threat to the environment. Key indicators of a refrigerant leak are hissing noises or the presence of ice on the coils. Given the technical complexities involved, it is advisable to have refrigerant-related issues resolved by a certified technician.

5. Capacitor or Contactor Malfunctions

Capacitors and contactors regulate the flow of electricity in your AC unit. If these parts start to malfunction due to wear and tear, it can cause your air conditioner to stop working. Regularly inspecting and replacing these components can help prevent major breakdowns.

6. Dirty Condenser Coil

The condenser coil expels heat outdoors. However, when it becomes dirty, its ability to dissipate heat efficiently is compromised, impairing the performance of your air conditioner. While cleaning the coils can be a straightforward task for the DIY enthusiast, opting for professional maintenance guarantees prolonged operational efficiency.

7. Evaporator Coil and Drain Line Clogs

Just like the condenser coil, the evaporator coil is crucial for absorbing indoor heat. Blockages in the coil or the drain line can result in malfunctioning or water leakage.  Regularly cleaning these components can prevent potential issues.

8. Ductwork Leaks and Obstructions

Issues with ductwork can result in inconsistent cooling and diminished air quality. If you observe these indicators, it’s important to check for any leaks or obstructions. Fixing these issues can lead to improved performance, reduced energy consumption, and better indoor air quality.

9. Fan Problems (Blower and Condenser Fan)

The fans within your air conditioning system are responsible for two key tasks: circulating cool air throughout the interior spaces and expelling hot air from the system. If either the blower or the condenser fan starts to malfunction, it can cause your air conditioning system to stop working entirely, leading to discomfort and potentially requiring costly repairs or replacements.

10. Compressor Issues

The compressor functions as the core of your air conditioning system, responsible for circulating refrigerant. Indications that it may be malfunctioning include insufficient cooling or the unit failing to power on. Since compressor repairs are intricate, they typically necessitate the expertise of a professional.

11. System Age and General Wear-and-Tear

As your air conditioning unit ages, it will inevitably begin to deteriorate, resulting in increased repair frequency and costs. It is vital to identify the point at which replacing the unit becomes more economical than continuing to repair it.

12. Incorrect System Size or Poor Installation

If an AC unit isn’t properly sized or installed for the space it’s intended to cool, it can lead to several problems. Inefficient cooling means the unit struggles to reach the desired temperature, making some rooms too hot or too cold. Additionally, incorrect sizing can cause the unit to cycle on and off more frequently than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear on the system, higher energy bills, and a reduced lifespan for the unit.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

While homeowners can confidently tackle simple tasks such as cleaning filters or checking circuit breakers, more complex issues demand the skill of a certified technician. Recognizing when to seek professional help is crucial for preserving your air conditioning system’s efficiency and longevity.

To avert future complications, regular maintenance, like cleaning, servicing, and timely filter replacement, is imperative. Additionally, adjusting thermostat settings and ensuring proper home insulation can significantly enhance your AC’s performance.

When to Consider a Replacement

Choosing between repairing your current AC unit and investing in a new model hinges on considerations such as the unit’s age, operational efficiency, and anticipated repair expenses. Often, opting for a newer, energy-efficient model proves to be the more financially prudent choice in the long run.

Conclusion

Facing an AC malfunction can be incredibly frustrating, yet it’s comforting to know that B&J Heating and Air Conditioning are always ready to assist, offering routine maintenance and ac repair services. Let our team of expert and licensed technicians help you avoid future complications and keep your air conditioning system running smoothly all year round. So, next time your AC acts up, instead of sweating it out, just contact us online or give us a call at (727) 281-8718.