Your AC Stopped Working? Here is a list of What to Check

As a Homeowner myself, I know how frustrating it can feel when the air conditioning suddenly stops working, especially during the Texas heat. A few quick checks may help you resolve the AC problem before picking up the phone. Isn’t that awesome?

Check the Thermostat

This might be a very common and easily overlooked. Let’s make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. Batteries, yes, batteries. If the thermostat runs on batteries, let’s replace those, because let’s be honest, just like the batteries in the control remote, we probably forget those are there until they are not working. Lastly, check the “schedule” setting many times; this setting overwrites the thermostat, and it kicks in, stopping the thermostat.

Inspect the Circuit Breaker

We checked the thermostat and everything is correct, but the system is still not working. Let’s check the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker can shut down your AC system, sometimes making it appear as if the unit has failed. If there is a flipped breaker, let’s reset it and see if the AC turns back on. If the breaker trips immediately or shortly after being reset, DO NOT reset it again; this could indicate an electrical problem with the unit or wiring. Please call a professional.

Air Filter

A dirty filter is a very common issue, and it will stop your Air Conditioning from working. When the filter is dirty, it restricts the airflow of the system, which may cause several other issues like a frozen evaporator coil or motors overheating and eventually failing. If the filter is dirty and sometimes wet or damp, turn off the system and wait a couple of hours, since this is an indication that the evaporator coil has freeze and it will need time to defrost. Replacing the filter regularly reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns or expensive repairs.

Examine the Outdoor Unit

If we checked the inside unit, filter, thermostat, breaker, and everything is fine, let’s check the outdoor unit. If there is leaves, dirt, or grass clippings blocking the airflow on the condenser coil, this can cause the system to overheat and shutdown. Just like the filter, this coil needs to be clean and free of debris. Before continuing, turn off the unit from the thermostat or breaker if it’s properly labeled, clean any surrounding area with a water hose, but becareful of not bending the fences of the coil also per manufacture there should be at least two feet of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. Keeping the outdoor system clean and unobstructed helps your AC run smoothly and prevents overheating.

When to Call a Professional

If we have check everything and the AC still is not running, it is time to call a licensed technician. Some issues go beyond a simple checklist and require proper training and special tools. Warning signs include unusual noises, water leaks, burning smells, or a system that runs but isn’t cooling your home.

Get Reliable AC Service from TuffPaw Air

At TuffPaw Air, our technicians provide fast, reliable service to keep your home comfortable. We diagnose the issue, present honest solutions, and get your system back up and running as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule your AC repair.

Call TuffPaw Air at (817) 233-5050 to schedule AC repair in North Richland Hills, TX.