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The summer heat is certainly a concern for many residents in Orange County, CA, but it’s not the only thing to watch out for.
Air conditioners are a key component of a home’s cooling system. These devices remove the warm air from inside a room and pump it outside from the outdoor unit’s condenser coil. At the same time, they release cool air back into the room through cold evaporator pipes, making the inside temperature drop.
Just like all mechanical devices, air conditioners can sometimes experience problems. The most common issue is that the air conditioner stops blowing cold air.
In this case, you probably want to call an AC maintenance specialist. However, you are afraid of getting ripped off by some shady AC guy who will either overcharge you or leave your unit worse than before. But don’t worry! We’re here to help.
In this blog, we’ll cover why your AC might not be working and how to fix it. If you cannot find the source of the problem, or if it persists after taking these steps, then it is time to speak with an AC professional. Call our HVAC pro company in Orange County, Haven Air Conditioning!
The thermostat is the brain of your AC system, so it stands to reason that a malfunctioning thermostat is one of the leading causes of AC problems. If your air conditioner won’t turn on, first check if the thermostat is set to “on” mode. Then, try adjusting the temperature setting to see if the AC kicks on. If the AC does not turn on, the problem is likely caused by the thermostat itself, so you’ll need to call a pro in AC repairs.
Low refrigerant is one of the most common reasons an air conditioner won’t turn on. If your AC unit is low on Freon, it can cause the unit to malfunction and prevent it from turning on.
To check if your unit is low on refrigerant, look for an icy coil. This is a sure sign that your Freon levels are low and need to be replenished. You can check for leaks in the refrigerant line if you don’t see any icy coils. You must repair the leak before adding more Freon to the unit.
Once you’ve repaired any leaks and topped off the Freon, your air conditioner should turn on and work properly.
Another common reason an AC unit might fail to turn on is a clogged air filter. The air filter is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, so they don’t enter the unit and cause damage. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with debris, restricting airflow and causing the AC unit to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to several problems, including the unit shutting down completely.
If you suspect your AC unit’s air filter is the problem, you should first check it and replace it if necessary. Most air filters can be replaced relatively easily, and doing so will likely solve the problem and get your AC unit up and running again.
If your AC unit isn’t starting up at all, there’s a good chance that its capacitor has died. The capacitor is responsible for supplying the initial power to the motor. Over time, capacitors can wear out and no longer be able to provide an adequate charge. Replacing the capacitor is typically a fairly simple and inexpensive repair.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your AC unit, it’s likely that the capacitor is the culprit. A clicking noise is usually an indication that the capacitor is trying to start the motor but isn’t able to.
If your AC is unresponsive when you try to turn it on, there’s a good chance it’s simply in dormancy mode. Many modern air conditioners come with this feature, which essentially puts the unit to sleep when it’s not needed – saving you energy and money.
To “wake up” your AC, simply press the “on” button again. If it doesn’t respond, check your thermostat to ensure it is set to “cool” mode, and the temperature is below the current room temperature.
Dirty condenser coils are one of the most common reasons your AC unit isn’t working. The function of the condenser coils is to release heat from the refrigerant. So if they are dirty, it prevents them from doing their job properly. Over time, the dirt and debris will build up and make it harder for the coils to release heat, which makes your AC unit work harder and can lead to a complete breakdown.
To clean the coils, you’ll need to turn off the power to the unit and remove the fan blade. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove the dirt and debris from the coils. Rinse them thoroughly with water before turning the fan blade back on and turning the power back on.
One of the most common reasons your AC unit may not work is that it has tripped the circuit breaker. This usually happens when a power surge or spike overloads the system and causes the breaker to trip. The best way to fix this is to reset the breaker.
If your AC unit is over 10 years old, it may be time to start shopping for a new one. Even with proper maintenance, AC units only have a lifespan of about 15 years. So if your unit is on the older side, it may just be time for an upgrade.
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your AC unit and see if it’s truly broken or just needs a little TLC. Start by checking the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, simply reset it and see if that solves the problem. If not, look at the thermostat to see if it’s set properly. If it is, then the issue may be with the actual AC unit itself.
If the cord that supplies power to your AC unit is damaged or frayed, it may not be able to provide enough liquid to turn on your unit. Check the power cord for any visible damage and replace it if necessary. If the cord looks fine, try plugging it into a different outlet to see if that does the trick.
The problem may be with the outlet itself if you have an older AC unit. Make sure that the outlet you are using is rated for 20 amps and that it is not controlled by a light switch. If the outlet is old, you may need to replace it.
If your thermostat is set to “Off” mode, your AC unit won’t turn on. If it’s set to “Fan”, the unit will turn on but won’t actually cool your home. Ensure that the switch is in the “Auto” position so that your AC unit will turn on and cool your home as needed.
You may also want to check the batteries in your thermostat. If they’re low or dead, the thermostat won’t work properly and could cause your AC unit to malfunction.
One of the first places to check is your fuse box or electrical panel. If you have a central air conditioner, it will have its own dedicated circuit breaker or fuse. Look for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse.
If there is a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. If the breaker has tripped, flip it back on. If neither of these is the problem, you may have a blown transformer. This will require a professional to fix it.
If your AC is not turning on, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. We’ve outlined some of the most common reasons why your AC might be malfunctioning and how to troubleshoot each issue.
If you’ve tried all these tips and your AC is still not working, it’s time to contact a local HVAC pro. Call Haven Air’s team of AC experts in Orange County, California, and we’ll help you get to the root of the problem. Check our AC repair services in Orange County.
A local HVAC company with a stellar reputation throughout Southern California. Free estimates for homeowners!