You may be wondering- why is my AC not working? We expect our air conditioners to function properly all the time. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Your AC can stop working for many reasons, ranging from mechanical problems to refrigerant leaks. In some cases, the AC could not be working due to dirty filters, a broken thermostat, or obstruction or leakage in the ductwork. Let’s explore some of the most common causes for an AC not working. If you are unable to determine why the AC is not working, it may be beneficial to contact a company that provides AC repair in Las Vegas to give you professional guidance.
Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant is one of the most important components in the air conditioning system. It’s a compound that’s optimized for heat transfer. In other words, the refrigerant carries heat from inside the room and dissipates it outdoors.
While an air conditioning system is designed to not need any new refrigerant, various issues can cause leaks. Even a small hole in the system can cause the high-pressure refrigerant to leak. If there’s low or no refrigerant in the system, the AC will not work. It will certainly not blow cold air as it should.
To determine if there is a refrigerant leak, you can have an HVAC technician access the refrigerant line and check the pressure. If the pressure is low, there is a leak in the system that needs to be found and repaired. The leak can be anywhere, and there could be multiple leaks, so a complete leak detection and repair service could be needed.
Electrical Issues
There are a variety of electrical issues that can cause the AC to stop working. One of the most common electrical issues for an AC that has no power is a tripped circuit breaker, which is designed to switch off the power supply if there is a short circuit, high voltage fluctuation, or surge in electrical load. You can reset the breaker to check if that fixes the problem. However, the breaker may trip again if there’s a greater issue.
Other electrical problems include issues with the wiring, which can get damaged over time. A single burned or loose wire can cause the air conditioning unit to stop working. Issues with sensors or capacitors can also cause issues with the AC. If you’re trying to identify electrical issues with the AC unit, you must be careful as it can be a serious safety hazard. If you don’t have the skills or experience, it may be best to call an HVAC technician.
Thermostat Problems
The function of the thermostat is to control the temperature of the AC system. If the AC reaches the set temperature, the thermostat triggers a system to stop blowing cool air until the temperature rises again.
The thermostat relies on sensors to detect the temperature. If the sensor malfunctions or is not properly calibrated, the thermostat may relay a false signal to the AC unit causing it to stop even though the actual room temperature is above the thermostat setting. Older ACs have mechanical thermostats with simple controls, but some new models have smart thermostats with programmable features. While these features are useful, if there is an issue, it can be more challenging to diagnose.
Air Flow Issues
For an air conditioner to continue cooling properly, it needs proper airflow through the system. Airflow issues can be caused by a dirty air filter. While air filters are designed to catch airborne contaminants, they need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to avoid getting clogged.
Air flows can also be caused by duct leakage. If the air inside the ducts is allowed to escape, it can impact the AC’s efficiency. In some cases, furniture, curtains, or other obstructions can restrict airflow from the AC indoor and outdoor unit. A poor design and size of the ductwork could also reduce the volume of cool air through the AC.
Mechanical Failure
Various mechanical failures can cause your air conditioning system to stop working. The compressor is one of the most crucial components of the air conditioning cycle, and if the AC compressor malfunctions, the entire refrigeration cycle becomes disrupted. Compressor failure can be a result of overheating, wear and tear, or other types of issues.
Other potential mechanical failures include problems with the condenser fan motor or a frozen evaporator coil. While a skilled technician might be able to repair the faulty component, in some cases, you may have to replace the component. While the upfront cost of a part replacement might be more than getting a repair service for your cooling system, you can save money by avoiding regular repairs.
Air Conditioner Preventive Maintenance Tips
An AC that isn’t working can be a source of stress and frustration, especially during the hot days of the summer. The best way to avoid such a situation is to keep up with routine maintenance. Each component of the AC has unique maintenance requirements. For example, AC filters might need regular inspection while some of the other components like the condensate drain line or condenser coil might need less frequent inspection or maintenance.
To help maximize the life and performance of the air conditioner, you should consider setting the thermostat to a higher temperature so the unit isn’t overburdened to reach the desired temperature. Any parts that you replace should be original from the OEM or brands that offer comparable quality. In addition, you should schedule an annual or bi-annual inspection from an HVAC technician.
If your AC isn’t working, get in touch with us at Active Plumbing and Air. One of our HVAC technicians can visit your site and check the AC. We can fix all types of issues, including an AC that is blowing warm air or not switching on. Our HVAC system technicians are trained, skilled, and equipped with the best tools to complete AC repair, part replacement, routine maintenance, and other services.