Having your air conditioner stop working can be alarming, especially if it quits on a really hot day. Your first instinct will probably be to call a company that repairs AC units. This is definitely a smart approach, but you may want to slow down a bit and check a few things before you make the call. Here is a short list of steps to take to ensure that your AC system does, in fact, need repairs and has not failed for a much simpler reason.
Is the power turned on?
Most air conditioners have an on/off switch on the outdoor compressor. On rare occasions, this switch can be triggered if a branch falls on the unit or a dog rubs against it in just the right way. Make sure the switch is in the "on" position.
Also, check the breaker box and make sure the circuit breaker associated with your AC unit is turned on. If it is not, flip it back into the "on" position, and try running your AC unit. If it flips again, then you do, indeed, still need AC repairs. Your AC unit may have an electrical issue, such as a worn contactor, that is causing it to trip the breaker to prevent a shock or power surge.
When was the last time you changed the filter?
If it has been more than a few months since you changed the AC filter, that could be the source of your problem. When an AC filter gets too clogged with dirt, it becomes hard for the AC to send air through that filter. The AC may sense the high pressure and resistance and turn it off in response to it.
Swap out the old AC filter for a new one, and see if that solves the problem. If your AC keeps turning off quickly or does not turn on at all, this points to the need for repairs.
Does your thermostat have batteries?
If you have a battery-operated thermostat, check to ensure that the batteries inside still have "juice." If the thermostat batteries die, the thermostat cannot tell your AC unit to turn on, so it will not run.
When your AC fails, the answer often is to call an HVAC repair team. However, it is still wise to check the items above to ensure there's not a simpler explanation at play. Talk to an HVAC contractor to learn more.
For more info about AC repair, contact a local professional.
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