An air conditioner breakdown in the middle of July is the worst, but why did it happen? You'll hear lots of reasons about why the A/C stopped working, but Warner Service is here to end the conversation. This is a comprehensive, end-all-be-all list of why the air conditioning unit can break down.
- The air conditioner isn’t plugged in. Before you call us, make sure that the power is working.
- The weather outside is too hot. The air conditioner can't function when the weather is more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On scorching days, reaching 62 degrees Fahrenheit in your home is hard. You may not need to have your AC unit fixed if it is struggling on an unusually hot day — but you may need to find other ways to cool down.
- The A/C outside fan stopped working. This piece handles the flow between outside air and your home. If it’s not working, cool air won't go into your home and/or the compressor could blow. To fix this issues, you will need a professional to install a replacement part.
- The A/C has a faulty motor, compressor, or wiring. This is a problem that should be handled by an HVAC professional, so call us before everyone melts.
- The air conditioner isn’t the right size. Many homeowners don’t know this, but you need the right size air conditioner for your home. Improper sizing causes inadequate home cooling. If you believe this could be your issue, talk to a professional about which size air conditioner is right for your home.
- The air conditioner fuse blew, or the circuit breaker tripped. This causes the condenser to stop running. If there is an issue with the fuse or circuit breaker, Warner Service will gladly come out to replace them.
- The air conditioning has dirty coils. Air conditioners suck heat out of the air to cool it. They don’t add coolness to the air. Dirty coils bring bacteria into your home, and build slime that can’t absorb the heat. Clean the coils as soon as possible if you suspect they are dirty, or replace them if needed.
- The programmable thermostat isn’t set. The thermostat and air conditioning depend on each other. Lower the thermostat about 5 degrees Fahrenheit to see if the air conditioner kicks on. If the thermostat was your issue, then you have an easy fix. If the unit doesn't kick on, you may need to call a professional.
- The air conditioner is old. Even the best A/C units last between 7 to 10 years. If you home is nearing a decade in age and hasn't had the unit replaces, it may be time to start considering the investment.
- The evaporator or condenser is dirty. If the air conditioner works but shuts off and/or doesn't cool, the evaporator is dirty. Clean it, and then let the air conditioner run for a few hours.
If the air conditioner is running without cool air, check the condenser, which could be blocked or dirty. If so, remove the debris and try again.
- The thermal expansion valve (TXV) stopped. The TXV is like a needle that moves back and forth to allow refrigerant to pass. If it’s not moving, neither is the flow of the air conditioner. Call a professional to correct the TXV if it is not functioning properly.
- The air ducts are leaking. This is the biggest waste of energy in homes. Air duct leaks waste cool air and bring debris into your home. Call an HVAC technician to take a look if you suspect leaky air ducts to be your culprit.
Homeowners can troubleshoot most of these cooling problems with cleaning and inspection. When a bigger problem is at hand, like a faulty part that needs replacement, contact Warner Service.
In the meantime, download our HVAC Maintenance Checklist by clicking on the button below:
