Why Isn't My AC Working?

Posted: July 3, 2023 by Hey Neighbor

Your central air conditioning system is one of the most essential and expensive appliances you'll purchase for your home. That's why it's crucial to maintain it regularly, so it works the way it's intended to. Our experts have put together a list of common reasons why your AC isn't working properly. Recognizing what the problem might be helps you determine when it's time to call us out for a visit, and it helps us get your system back up and running just that much faster!

When did you last change your air filter?

Replacing your air filter frequently is the most important preventative HVAC maintenance you can do. We recommend changing it at least once every few months, especially during the hot and humid summers here in Northeast Ohio. If you have pets or a large family, it's wise to change your filter every month.

Your system's air filter prevents dirt, dust, mold, and other contaminants from polluting the air in your home. Over time, your filter becomes clogged with debris and no longer lets air pass through efficiently. Restricted airflow can cause your system to turn itself off - or worse, cause considerable damage to your air conditioning system, leading to an expensive repair bill.

Neighborly tip: You can set a filter-change reminder in the Calendar app on your smartphone, so you won't have to wonder when it's time to swap your filter out or forget to do it in the first place!

Have you checked your thermostat lately?

If your AC won't turn on, have a look at the thermostat. It could be malfunctioning due to dead batteries, or be set incorrectly or turned off. The last two issues are especially common in households with large families, where people tend to bicker about the thermostat settings.

You might also consider upgrading from that old manual model to a smart thermostat, which removes the hassle of manually setting the temperature in your home. Many smart models also allow you to control your thermostat remotely via an app on your smartphone! They will also maximize energy savings and provide optimal whole-house comfort.

When was the last time you had your condenser professionally cleaned?

Your AC system's condenser unit is responsible for cooling the refrigerant to release the heat it has absorbed from your home. Since this unit is located outdoors, it gets dirty over time. It also sucks in dirt and debris through its fan, possibly preventing it from working correctly.

You can clean the condenser yourself with a stiff wire brush and a hose, but if you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own, we're always happy to come by, give your condenser a thorough cleaning, and make sure your whole system is working the way it's supposed to.

Are you neglecting your system's condensation drain?

Repairing our Ohio neighbors' heating and cooling systems for 20+ years now, a common issue we've noticed when someone's AC isn't working is a full condensation drain pan. This problem typically happens because the drain line is plugged. Algae will grow in the line without regular attention, restricting water flow and allowing other crud to clog it up. The blockage, in turn, causes the pan to fill up, which then trips a switch and shuts your system down.

Neighborly tip: Once a month, grab a funnel and pour half of a drinking cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain line. Wait half an hour, then flush it with a full cup of warm water. The vinegar kills any algae that's growing, and the warm water rinses out the crud the vinegar loosened up.

Have we visited to do seasonal HVAC maintenance recently?

Naturally, the best way to prevent an air conditioner breakdown is to have the pros at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling perform thorough preventative maintenance on your system each year before the cooling season starts. However, if we haven't been out recently and your AC is under the weather, don't worry! We're always happy to come out and fix your unit - no matter what make, model, or how old it is. Whatever your home comfort needs, we're here to help. Give us a call today at 330-262-4100 to set up an appointment, or conveniently schedule online.

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