There are a few reasons why your air conditioning unit would suddenly stop working, like an old filter, a bad thermostat, or a tripped circuit breaker. However, you may be able to troubleshoot some of these issues yourself before you spend the money on a professional.
However, some central air problems are more severe or complicated, and it’s best to call for help rather than risk injury or damage to your system. Our team of technicians at Ambient Edge is here for you around the clock so that we can help you when you need it the most.
What Happens If My Home Thermostat Is Not Working?
If your central air isn’t working, the first thing you should check is your thermostat. Your thermostat tells your system what to do, but it can’t control anything if it’s been accidentally turned off. Double-checking that the switch is in the “on” rather than “off” position can save you a lot of grief – and money on a service call.
If the switch is “on” and your thermostat is programmable, the issue may lie with its batteries. When replacing spent batteries, make sure you follow the instructions in the manual. Putting the batteries in incorrectly can also cause the thermostat to malfunction.
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Will a Tripped Circuit or Blown Fuse Stop My AC?
Sometimes, the reason the central air unit does not work lies with its power source. First, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure you don’t have a tripped circuit or a blown fuse. This is an easy enough fix, as all you need to do is flip the circuit back or replace the blown fuse.
However, if this happens regularly, you may have a more complicated electrical problem. In this case, you should have a technician check your system before the situation escalates and potentially causes a fire.
What Is the Condensate Pan Switch on a Central Air Unit?
The more humid it is, the more condensate your air conditioner will produce. The water drains through the pipes, triggering your condensate pan switch to shut off your AC unit. The purpose of this switch is to prevent your home from experiencing water damage from excess runoff.
A clog in your runoff pipes can also cause the condensate pan switch to shut off your AC.
This is a situation that calls for an air conditioning professional. The technician can use a chemical treatment to unclog the pipe and can then provide you with suggestions on how to prevent similar clogs from forming in the future.
You may also be interested in signing up for a preventative maintenance plan with Ambient Edge. Preventative maintenance allows us to inspect your system twice a year and take steps to prevent problems like this from occurring.
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Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause My AC to Not Work?
Some central air units come with a sensor that causes the system to shut down if the air filter gets too dirty. Some manufacturers design their systems this way to prevent their customers from breathing in polluted air that could instead be filtered throughout their homes.
Be sure to check the filter regularly and change it if necessary – at least once every three months. You may discover your unit begins working again almost immediately after doing so.
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Could My Air Ducts Be Leaking?
Perhaps the problem does not lie with whether your system is running but how effectively it is running. For example, if your central air unit is on, but the house does not feel any cooler, your air ducts could be at the root of the issue.
If there are leaks or holes in your ducts, either from rodents or improper installation, you’re paying for the cold air that isn’t making it to your living spaces. These energy losses cause your system to work harder, which can lead to its early demise – not to mention higher electric bills for you.
If it is inconvenient or difficult for you to check your air ducts for leaks, our experienced HVAC technicians can help.
How Do I Reset My Air Conditioning Unit?
Sometimes, your central air unit needs a reboot to get it back on track. This can help reset the electrical components so that they are better able to communicate with each other again.
Follow these steps to reset a malfunctioning AC unit:
- Turn your thermostat setting to “off.”
- Turn off the AC using the unit’s shutoff switch. This is usually an individual circuit breaker or on/off switch near the unit itself. It may be in a separate small box that you’ll need to open to find the switch.
- If you do not have an AC shutoff switch near the unit, go to your circuit breaker box and turn off the switch that powers your AC.
- Wait 60 seconds and turn the circuit breaker or shutoff switch back on.
- Wait another 60 seconds and turn on your thermostat.
How Long Do Central Air Units Last?
The lifespan of an air conditioning unit can vary based on its quality, how much it is used, and how well it is maintained. However, on average, central air units should last around 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced.
An older AC can stop working because when it is worn out or its parts begin to fail. It may not be cost-effective to repeatedly call for service and pay for the expensive repairs needed to keep an older system going.
Some signs that it might be time to start shopping for a new air conditioning system include:
- Your unit is more than 10 years old
- It breaks down frequently
- Your utility bills are higher than usual, which indicates the AC is working harder than it should to keep your air cool
- Your AC uses an R-22 refrigerant, an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) that has unfortunately become harder and harder to find when needing a recharge due to the EPA’s ODS phaseout
Central Air Unit Not Working? Call Us!
If you’ve exhausted every do-it-yourself trick in the book and your central air unit is still not working, give our team at Ambient Edge a call. We proudly offer our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Plus, our emergency services are there for you whenever and wherever you need us – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can set up a service call by using the contact form on our website, or if it’s an emergency, you can give us a call. We look forward to getting you back up and running in no time!