Why Your Air Conditioner Isn't Working: 5 Common Problems
With how hot it gets during the summer months, it's crucial to keep the air conditioner in great condition to help it keep working. Unfortunately, there are times when it can still break down. Some of the reasons why this can happen include the following.
Frozen Coils
One of the most common reasons why the air conditioner is broken may be because of the coils. While it may be hot outside, the coils on the air conditioner can freeze, causing it to stop working. As the coils thaw, they can cause blockages in the system that prevent it from running. It is important to be careful thawing out the system to prevent further damage, so this is something that should be left to the professionals. They can also provide advice to help prevent this in the future.
Damage to Fan Blades
The fan blades need to be able to move freely for the air conditioner to operate. If they are damaged, stuck, or otherwise unable to work, the air conditioner can completely stop working. If the fan blades are damaged, they will need to be replaced right away. Due to the inherent safety risks in doing this, it is crucial to have it replaced by a professional.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat dictates when the air conditioner turns on and off throughout the day. If the air conditioner isn't turning on at all, is turning on too frequently, or otherwise isn't working as expected, it could be because of the thermostat. Replacing the thermostat may be the best way to get the air conditioner working again. If the thermostat does need to be replaced, it may be beneficial to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat.
Leaking Refrigerant
Air conditioners use refrigerant in a closed system to operate. If the refrigerant starts to leak, it can cause the system to stop working properly or to have other issues. It can also be dangerous for anything near the air conditioner. If there are signs of a refrigerant leak, it is crucial to have a professional take a look at it. They can repair the leak as well as top off the refrigerant so the air conditioner is able to work properly again. If the refrigerant needs to be replaced regularly, it may be time to consider having the air conditioner replaced.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
If the circuit breaker is faulty, it may turn off even though there is no reason for it to do so. If the air conditioner turns off, this might be one of the first things to check out. To tell if a breaker has tripped, turn the breaker for the air conditioner off and on again. It can look like it's still on even though it has tripped, but this will reset it. If it trips again, there could be an issue with the breaker or with the air conditioner's electrical system, so it's time to call in the professionals for help.
Even with excellent care, air conditioners can still break down. When they do, it is important to find the source of the problem and have it repaired to get the air conditioner working again as soon as possible. Call in the pros for help fixing the air conditioner so you don't have to worry about the home getting too hot.
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