Summer is around the corner and this means that many homeowners will be relying on their air conditioning. While you may enjoy hitting the pool and lounging around in shorts, if you are indoors, you’ll want to feel comfortable. Unfortunately, this increased demand for AC does mean that it is more likely to quit working. If you switch on your air conditioner and it does not work, there could be a number of reasons why. So, here we’ll explore the reasons why your AC may fail this summer.
Thermostat Batteries:
Something as simple as a dead battery can bring your AC to a standstill. Many of us overlook the importance of the batteries inside our thermostat, but the thermostat is the brain of your AC system. It lets the AC equipment know when it needs to start and shut off to maintain your desired temperature. But, this does rely on batteries. So, before you panic that your AC system isn’t working, it is well worth checking if you need a new set of batteries in your thermostat.
Your Thermostat Settings:
This follows on from the previous point, but your thermostat settings could be causing chaos with your AC performance. It can be very easy to knock the settings or inadvertently change them, so they are not set for optimum performance. Double check that your thermostat is not set to heat or you’ve not set the temperature too high.
Tripped Circuit Breaker:
There are all kinds of things that can cause a breaker to trip. Unfortunately, since you’ve not been using your AC, you may not have realized that the breaker has been tripped. So, check your breaker box and reset any breakers. One caveat, if your breaker trips again, it may indicate an underlying problem and you’ll need to get an HVAC pro to check your system.
Blown Fuses or Transformers:
If your system has blown a fuse or transformer, it will need to be replaced. But, it is a good idea to get professional assistance to avoid potential damage or injury.
Damaged Components:
Your AC system relies on a number of components to both start up and continue operating. Unfortunately, if one or more components has been damaged, the system will fail to operate correctly. You may be able to troubleshoot the problem, but the best bet is to call in a professional HVAC technician. An experienced pro can evaluate your system and diagnose any damaged or failing components.
Dirty Coils:
Although many people assume that air conditioners refrigerate the air, what they actually do is move the heat from inside to outside. This is done through the use of refrigerant and coils, which change the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas state and back again. If your coils are dirty, they will not effectively remove heat from the home.
Cleaning the coils should be part of your regular maintenance routine, but if it has been a while since you cleaned both the indoor and outdoor coils, it could be worth checking them.
Dirty Air Filters:
Air filters are an essential component of an HVAC system and if the filters become clogged with dirt and debris, it can compromise air flow. If the filters in your AC units are clogged, it could cause the system to freeze up and prevent it from working properly. Some systems even have a safety feature which will shut down the system if the filter is clogged. So, check your owner’s manual as you may need to reset the tripped safety feature.
Blocked Vents:
During winter, many of us make our homes feel as cozy as possible, but this may mean that when it comes time to cool your home, the vents may be blocked by furniture, fabrics or even dust and debris.
If you find that your AC is not putting out sufficient cold air, it is a good idea to check your vents to make sure that they are not blocked. Rearrange any furniture away from the registers and check that there are no toys, furniture or closed dampers compromising air flow.
Burned Out Fan Motor:
This is a more serious issue that will require some professional assistance. While the fan motor inside your condenser is not a particularly complicated part, when it fails, it will prevent your AC from cooling your home.
The fan motor works hard, which can lead to a great deal of wear and tear, so they are vulnerable to burning out. You may notice an odor, but there are some more subtle signs that your fan motor is failing. This includes slow turning fan blades, intermittent running or the fan won’t turn at all.
While regular maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your fan motor, if it is failing or has burned out, you’ll need to speak to your HVAC technician to arrange a replacement.
Failing Condensate Pump:
There is a fairly easy test that anyone can do to check the performance of the condensate pump. Condensate pumps typically have a shorter lifespan compared to AC and furnaces, as they run when you’re both heating and cooling your home, so they are used for most of the year.
Fortunately, condensate pumps typically have a test button. You will need to check that there is some water remaining in the basin and then press the button to see if it pumps the water out. If the pump is failing, you may also notice a pool of water near your HVAC equipment or that your equipment is tripped by the safety feature.
Air conditioners typically operate quite quietly, with only the occasional noise. But, if you notice unusual noises when you turn the equipment on or when it is running, it is often a sign that there is an underlying issue. Persistent noises are a warning sign that your AC unit needs some attention, So, switch off the AC and call your HVAC professional. An experienced technician will be able to troubleshoot your system to track down any underlying issues and guide you through the repair options.