Air Conditioning Not Working? How to Troubleshoot Your AC Problems

Air conditioning not working? You’re not alone.

According to the Department of Energy, air conditioning accounts for about 6% of all the energy used in U.S. homes. When your AC isn’t working, it can be a huge inconvenience – and potentially lead to health problems if the temperature gets too high.

But don’t worry. Keep reading our guide on how to troubleshoot your AC system so you can get relief from the heat as soon as possible.

The Filter Is Dirty

One of the most common reasons why air conditioners stop working is because the filter is dirty. A dirty filter can block airflow and prevent the AC from cooling your home effectively. To clean the filter, simply remove it from the unit and rinse it off with water.

If the filter is extremely dirty, you may need to replace it. Filters are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.

The AC Is Low on Refrigerant

Another common issue that can cause your AC to stop working is low refrigerant levels. When the AC is low on refrigerant, it means that there’s not enough coolant in the system to effectively cool your home. This can be caused by a leak in the AC unit or simply by evaporation over time.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to have a professional recharge the AC unit with a new refrigerant. This is generally not a do-it-yourself job, so it’s best to call a professional AC repairman to handle it.

The Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

If the thermostat is set incorrectly, you may be experiencing the air conditioner not turning on. In most cases, the thermostat should be set to “cool” mode and the temperature should be set to at least 5 degrees below the current room temperature. If the thermostat is set any higher than that, the AC unit may not turn on.

The Condenser Is Dirty

The condenser is a vital part of an AC unit, and if it’s dirty, the AC may not work properly. The condenser is responsible for dissipating heat, so if it’s covered in dirt and grime, it won’t be able to do its job effectively.

Fortunately, cleaning the condenser is relatively easy. Simply turn off the power to the AC unit and remove the protective casing. Once you have access to the condenser coils, simply use a brush or hose to remove any dirt or debris.

The Evaporator Is Dirty

The evaporator is another important part of the AC unit, and if it’s dirty, the AC may not work properly. The evaporator is responsible for absorbing heat, so if it’s covered in dirt and grime, it won’t be able to do its job effectively.

Fortunately, cleaning the evaporator is relatively easy. Simply turn off the power to the AC unit and remove the protective casing. Once you have access to the evaporator coils, simply use a brush or hose to remove any dirt or debris.

If you have a broken air conditioning unit, you will need a new one. You can learn more about air conditioning installation here.