7 COMMON REASONS YOUR A/C ISN’T WORKING (AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT)
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter A dirty filter restricts airflow and can cause your evaporator coil to freeze, preventing your AC from cooling properly. Tip: Replace your filter every 1– 3 months depending on usage, pets, and allergies.
2. Thermostat Settings
Yes, it happens more often than you’d think. Make sure it’s set to cool and the temperature is actually lower than the room temp. Bonus Tip: If you have a smart thermostat, check that it’s online and working properly. And if yours uses batteries, it might be time for a fresh pair.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels Refrigerant (like Freon) cools the air. If levels are low, there’s likely a leak. ⚠️ Warning: This needs a certified HVAC technician to locate, repair, and recharge. Don’t attempt it yourself—it’s regulated and can be dangerous.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coil Turn off your system and let the coil thaw. Frozen coils are often caused by restricted airflow (like from a dirty filter) or low refrigerant levels. Tip: Check for ice buildup around the indoor unit and leave the fan running to speed up the thawing process.
5. Dirty or Blocked Condenser If the outdoor unit is covered in dirt, leaves, or debris, it can’t release heat—and your home stays warm. Tip: Clean it gently and clear at least 2 feet of space around it. Trim back any plants or grass.
6. Breaker Tripped? Check the Power Panel
Sometimes your HVAC isn’t broken—it’s just lost power. A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can shut down the outdoor unit. Heads-Up: If you reset the breaker and it trips again, there could be a deeper electrical issue. That’s when you call in a pro.
7. Malfunctioning Compressor
If your compressor fails, your system can’t cool air. Unfortunately, this is a major component, and repairs can be costly. You’ll need an HVAC technician to assess whether replacement or repair makes sense. Good to know: If your system is over 10–15 years old, it might be time to consider a more efficient replacement.
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