Air conditioning units are a crucial component in a home. They have a filtration system that keeps indoor air free of allergens and clean, providing better air quality, which is key for comfort.
Properly functioning air conditioners minimize humidity levels in your space, preventing mold and mildew growth. They contribute to substantial energy savings while helping maintain consistent, comfortable temperatures.
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Common Signs of a Faulty Air Conditioner
Optimally performing air conditioners can help avoid heat stroke during extreme heat conditions and eliminate the need for additional cooling devices. Understanding the indications that your AC is no longer working can help you take prompt action to ensure comfortable temperatures and avoid other issues.
Outlined below are seven common signs your air conditioner stopped working.
Your AC Won’t Turn On
Your air conditioner not turning on is the first sign that it has stopped working. This could be due to the following reasons:
- Tripped circuit breaker: If the circuit breaker linked to your AC has tripped, the unit won’t start
- Flipped indoor and outdoor shutoff switches: If the shutoff switches in your air conditioner are in the ‘OFF’ position, it will not turn on
- Clogged condensate drain: If your AC’s condensate drain is backed up, the system may not start
- A full drain pan: A drain pan catches the water leaking from your AC. If your air conditioning unit has a wet or float switch, it will stop working once the drain pain is filled up
- Lack of power supply to the AC: This could be due to an issue with the high or low-voltage wire or a faulty circuit control board
While you can troubleshoot some of these issues yourself, others are better left to experts. Hiring a reliable air conditioning repair service can help determine why your AC unit isn’t turning on and find a suitable solution.
Warm Air
If your air conditioning unit is blowing warm air, it could be a sign that it has stopped working. The AC may blow warm air because of:
- Water build-up and clogged line: Since each air conditioning unit releases water as a byproduct of warm air conditioning, it has a drain system that removes it. If the condensate line or hose is backed up, it can cause issues and possibly leak water. Many AC systems have a safety mechanism that can shut down the compressor, causing the unit to stop working
- Low refrigerant level: If your AC’s refrigerant level is low, it will blow warm air
- Malfunctioning compressor: If your AC’s compressor isn’t functioning as it should, the cooling coil won’t be as cold as it needs to be to lower your space’s temperature, resulting in warm
No matter the cause of your AC blowing warm air, a trusted professional can diagnose the unit and fix the root cause of the problem.
Age-Related Breakdowns
Properly maintained air conditioners can last 15 to 20 years. An old AC is often unreliable because it’s prone to regular breakdowns that may result in the unit failing. If your air conditioner has served you for over 15 years and the breakdowns have become too expensive to repair, a replacement would be more reliable.
Understanding the indications that your air conditioning unit is nearing the end of its useful life can help you prepare for a replacement or repair service before it stops working. These signs include:
- Regular part replacements and repairs
- Unreasonably high energy bills
- You’ve had the unit for 15 years or more
- Strange noises from the AC
If you notice any of these symptoms, consulting an HVAC specialist can help determine whether you need a new AC system or repairs.
Dirty AC Coils
Your AC’s coils usually replace humidity and heat with cool air. When neglected, these coils become dirty over time, resulting in:
- More regular breakdowns: Dirty coils don’t function as they should, forcing your AC unit to work harder than usual. The more system strains, the higher the possibility of breaking down
- Frozen coils: Unclean evaporator coils have difficulties cooling hot or warm air, which leads to condensation freezing on the coils. As ice builds up, the AC ultimately stops absorbing heat completely, causing the unit to break down due to overheating.
- Increased damage: Since dirty coils cause your AC to work harder than it should, some parts may get damaged due to the strain, making the unit stop running
A professional AC coil cleaning service can help keep the coils in great shape while ensuring your air conditioner’s optimal function.
A Bad Thermostat
A thermostat turns your AC’s fan and compressor on and off. If you have a bad thermostat, your air conditioner won’t cool or heat your home as it should. To determine if your thermostat is the reason your AC isn’t working, look out for signs like:
- The AC not turning on or off: If you’re unable to turn on your AC or the system is constantly running, it could be due to an issue with the thermostat’s internal trigger or position
- Temperature changes from one room or corner to another: If your indoor temperatures feel different in different corners or rooms despite the settings on the thermostat, it could be a sign that the AC is damaged
- The indoor temperature doesn’t align with the thermostat’s reading: If your home’s temperature doesn’t match the thermostat’s reading, it may be because the air conditioner is damaged
If your thermostat isn’t working optimally even after changing the batteries and cleaning it, replace it with a smart thermostat or contact a professional for assistance.
Poor Air Circulation
Poor air circulation in your home may indicate that your AC has stopped working or isn’t working as it should. Signs your home has poor air circulation include:
- High humidity
- Excess dust accumulation
- Bad smell in the air
- Uneven indoor temperature
Poor air circulation could be due to the following:
- Dirty air filters
- Blocked vents
- Leaky ductwork
A trusted HVAC professional can help determine the cause of low or weak air circulation and find a relevant solution.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters trap pollen, dirt, dust, and other airborne particles from circulating through your AC and into your home. If your air conditioning unit has stopped working, it could be because you left your air filters clogged for too long. Upgrading to premium air filters and replacing them regularly can help prevent this issue.
Endnote
Understanding the indications that AC isn’t heating or cooling your home can help you find relevant solutions on time. Familiarize yourself with the signs your air conditioner has stopped working, including the unit not turning on, warm air, age-related breakdowns, and more.
