It’s a scorching summer day, the sun beating down mercilessly. You crank up the AC, expecting cool air to wash over you. But instead, only warm air greets you. Panic starts to set in – what could be wrong with your AC when you need it most?
Many homeowners face this situation during hot spells: Their air conditioner, the protector of their coolness, suddenly appears to have a problem. Don’t worry! This blog post from Anderson Air, your reliable partner in keeping Northwest Arkansas families cool, will discuss five reasons why your AC might stop working in hot weather.
We’ll also offer fixes to get your AC running again and tips to prevent these issues. So, get a cold drink, relax, and let’s look into why an AC might malfunction during a heatwave.
5 Reasons Your AC Might Not Be Cooling Your Home
Here are the five main reasons your AC may stop working on a hot summer day when it gets boiling and how fixing it quickly can save energy.
1. Loss of Cool Air
Your AC’s lifeblood is refrigerant, a special coolant that absorbs heat indoors and releases it outside.
Several key components, including the expansion valve, facilitate this critical process. The expansion valve plays a vital role by regulating the pressure and flow of refrigerant within the system. When refrigerant levels become low, the AC’s ability to cool your home significantly diminishes. This can be a severe issue, especially during a heatwave.
- Urgency and Diagnosis: If you suspect low refrigerant leaks or malfunctioning components affecting refrigerant flow, consider calling an HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair. Anderson Air offers emergency AC service during heatwaves to quickly get your cool comfort back on track.
2. Dirty Air Filter
A blocked air filter is often why your AC isn’t working well. When the filter catches dust, allergens, and debris, it can limit airflow to the window and vents, making it harder for the AC to absorb heat properly.
- Solution: Maintaining optimal AC performance is easy! Check and replace your air filter regularly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations (e.g., monthly for most homes).
- Prevention Tips: Scheduling regular AC maintenance checks before summer ensures a thorough cleaning of your system, including the air filter, to prevent future issues.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Ice buildup on the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from indoor air, can make your AC stop working properly. This might occur because of blocked airflow from a dirty filter or low refrigerant levels.
- Urgency and Diagnosis: A frozen evaporator coil can lead to damage if not addressed in a timely manner. To avoid further failure and problems, consider calling a professional for diagnosis and repair.
4. Clogged Condensate Line
The condensate line removes moisture collected during the cooling process. However, a clog caused by mold, mildew, or debris buildup can prevent proper drainage and lead to inefficiency in your AC system.
- Solution: You can troubleshoot basic clogs yourself. However, for persistent clogs or if you’re uncomfortable tackling the problem, calling a professional AC technician is the best course of action.
5. Overheated Compressor
The compressor, the heart of your AC system, pumps refrigerant. Several factors can contribute to an overheated compressor, including dirty condenser coils, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning fan. When the compressor overheats, it can shut down the motor completely, leaving you without cool air.
- Urgency and Diagnosis: An overheated compressor is a serious issue that can damage your AC. Don’t wait! Call a professional for immediate repair to ensure your system doesn’t sustain permanent damage.
Addressing Your Concerns
Before you reach for the toolbox, here are some quick troubleshooting tips to see if you can get your AC back up and running yourself:
- Check the Thermostat: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the answer! Ensure your thermostat is set to “cool” and the desired temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
- Reset the Thermostat: Occasionally, a reset can resolve minor glitches. Try switching off the thermostat for a few minutes and then powering it back on.
- Inspect the Circuit Breaker: A tripped breaker could interrupt your AC unit’s power. Locate your breaker box and check if the AC breaker is switched to the “off” position. Reset it to “on” if necessary, but if it trips again, consult a professional.
- Clean the Air Filter: As mentioned earlier, a clogged air filter is a common culprit. Refer to your AC unit’s manual for instructions on removing, cleaning, or replacing the air filter. If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t solve the problem, consider calling a professional AC technician in the following situations:
- Loss of Cool Air: If your AC blows warm air despite being set to cool mode, it could indicate low refrigerant levels. A professional can diagnose the issue and safely recharge the refrigerant if needed.
- Frozen Evaporator Coil: Signs of a frozen evaporator coil include unusual noises from the unit and reduced airflow. Attempting to fix this yourself could damage the system. Call a professional for proper diagnosis and repair.
- Clogged Condensate Line: While you can tackle a basic clog with DIY methods, persistent clogs or concerns about damaging the system warrant calling a professional.
- Overheated Compressor: A humming sound or complete shutdown of the AC unit could indicate an overheated compressor. Don’t delay! Call a professional for immediate repair to prevent permanent damage.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Cool All Summer Long
A working AC is crucial for keeping your home pleasant and healthy, especially on hot summer days. If it stops working, your space can get hot, but fixing it quickly can save energy.
Don’t suffer through a sweltering summer! At Anderson Air, your trusted partner in home comfort for 57 years, we’re here to help. Schedule a pre-season AC maintenance check today to ensure your AC operates at peak performance and is ready to keep you cool all summer.
We also offer fast and reliable AC repair services should you encounter any unexpected issues.
Contact our friendly and qualified technicians for a free quote.
At Anderson Air, keeping families cool and comfortable is our passion. We’re dedicated to providing top-quality service and guaranteed satisfaction. Let us help you beat the heat and enjoy a stress-free summer!