Your air conditioner isn’t turning on. What do you do now? Here are 7 things to check on that can help determine why your AC might not be working and if you actually need to call for AC repair.
Your Thermostat
Your thermostat probably has a few different buttons and settings—so take a closer look and make sure everything is correctly programmed. Is it set to “cool” and not “heat” or “fan”? Do the batteries need to be replaced? If it’s a smart thermostat, is the Wi-Fi working?
Your Air Filter
Air filters help keep the air circulating in your HVAC system clean, but if you don’t change them regularly, pollutants and contaminants will build up, leading to reduced air flow and in some cases cause your evaporator coils to freeze.
Your Circuit Breakers
Your AC could have tripped a circuit or blown a fuse—check your breaker panel and flip the circuit switch if necessary. If the problem continues, your AC unit may require professional attention.
Your Condensate Drain Line
Your condensate drain line gets rid of excess moisture created by your AC’s evaporator—but if it gets clogged or backed up, your AC’s safety switch will turn the system automatically off to prevent leaks.
Your AC Motor
Was your AC making strange noises before it stopped working? The fan motor could have died. A qualified technician can evaluate your air conditioner and recommend the best solution, from AC repair to central air replacement.
Your Evaporator Coils
AC evaporator coils tend to collect dust and dirt over time, leading to reduced efficiency. If there’s enough build-up, it can cause your coils to freeze, clogging the condensate drain line.
Your Refrigerant Line
AC refrigerant shouldn’t need to be refilled or replaced, unless there’s a freon leak. Refrigerant leaks can not only be hazardous to your health, but can also cause your AC to malfunction.