An air conditioning system, whether it has an outdoor condenser or is a tidy window unit, is complex. There are many reasons for it to suddenly quit on the hottest day of the year. That’s why it’s important to have your air conditioning — indeed, your entire HVAC system — checked by a professional at least once a year. But here are some reasons why your outdoor A/C unit might stop working.
The Unit Is Turned Off
This, of course, is the simplest explanation for your outside air conditioner not working. It’s also the easiest problem to fix, though the switch might be a little challenging to reach. It might be located in your crawl space or attic, for example. But once it’s turned on, the problem is solved.
Problems With the Thermostat
The outside AC component also won’t run if the thermostat is broken since this essential part tells the air conditioner which temperature to reach. You’ll need to call an HVAC specialist to repair your thermostat. Another problem with the thermostat is that it’s not in Cool mode. Adjust it, and see if it cools the house. If it doesn’t, you may need to call a professional.
Low Refrigerant Level
The refrigerant helps the air conditioning unit pull heat from the air. If the levels of refrigerant are low, your air conditioner can’t adequately cool your home. Signs that there’s a problem with the refrigerant are ice on the condenser coils and strange noises. Refrigerant problems must be handled by a professional.
Clogged A/C Filters
The importance of changing or cleaning your air conditioner’s filters can’t be stressed enough. Filters that are clogged with dust and dirt make your air conditioner work harder than it should. This shortens its working life and raises your energy bills. If the filter is really filthy, it can cause the system to overheat. When that happens, it will shut down.
The Circuit Breaker Has Tripped
A power surge can cause the circuit breaker that serves your outdoor AC component to trip. If you suspect this has happened, go to the circuit box, and turn the breaker off and then on again. If the air conditioner still doesn’t work, and the circuit keeps tripping, you may need to call an electrician. The outdoor AC unit might have its own fuse that may have blown. Call a professional to replace it.
Call Us if Your AC Is Having Problems
A cooling system that quits during the hottest part of a hot day is such a terrible thing that it might feel like an emergency. If your AC stops working, or you need any other kind of HVAC repair in Myrtle Beach, SC, call our HVAC technicians at Waccamaw Cooling.
