There are few things worse than spending a hot summer day at home when, all of a sudden, the AC goes out. Don’t panic — you may not need to call an AC repair service right away. We have plenty of tips to offer for you to troubleshoot the problem. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what to do when your air conditioner goes out.
Quick Recap
- If your AC shuts down, try checking your thermostat, circuit breaker, and air filter before calling a pro.
- If you suspect an issue with your condensate drain, compressor, evaporator coils, or refrigerant is causing the issue, shut the power off and call a professional.
- While waiting for your AC repair pro, be sure to stay cool with fans, cool showers, and lots of water.
First Steps to Take When Your AC Stops Working
Before doing anything else, confirm that your power is still on. If it is, then you know the issue is likely with the air conditioner. Before you go calling a professional for an emergency AC check-up, try the following troubleshooting methods and see if you can get it up and running yourself.
Check the thermostat settings
The first thing you’ll want to do if your AC is not working is check the thermostat. If you have air that’s controlled by a thermostat, make sure a faulty thermostat isn’t to blame. In some cases, the batteries may have died, or the unit may be malfunctioning. Reset the thermostat to see if that turns the AC unit back on. If not, then try turning the AC on manually. If that does the trick, then it’s time to replace your thermostat.
Inspect the circuit breaker
Another thing to check before declaring your AC in need of repair is the power and circuit breaker. Air conditioners can cause surges in power use, especially if it’s really hot outside and the AC is working too hard to keep your house cool. You can easily locate and check the circuit breaker to see if the switch has flipped. If so, flip the switch back on and see if that starts up the AC again.
Look for a dirty air filter
In some cases, a very dirty and clogged air filter can lead to an AC shutdown. Take a look at your air filter, and if it’s visibly dirty, replace or clean it (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions) and try resetting the system. In many cases, this is all your unit needs to start running again.
Why Did My AC Stop Working Suddenly?
Like we mentioned above, a malfunctioning thermostat, tripped circuit breaker, or dirty air filter can easily shut down a system. But there are other potential causes to consider, too.
Common causes
Other potential reasons for an AC shutdown include:
- Clogged condensate drain, causing excess moisture buildup
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Low refrigerant levels
- Malfunctioning compressor motor
- Failing capacitors
Because these issues are more complex and sometimes more dangerous to repair yourself, we strongly suggest leaving these repairs to an AC professional.
How to Cool Your Home While Waiting for AC Repair
If you’re dealing with an AC breakdown or an AC blowing warm air, you’ll need some way to keep your home cool while you wait for an AC repair pro. While there’s no real replacement for a functioning air conditioner, you can make your space bearable by using fans, using blinds to keep sunlight out, staying hydrated, and taking cool showers.
When Should I Call an AC Professional?
If the AC shutdown isn’t fixed by adjusting the thermostat, flipping the circuit breaker, or changing the air filter, it’s time to contact a pro. Attempting to DIY air conditioner repairs, particularly related to refrigerant and electrical components, puts both you and your system at risk.
Signs it’s time for emergency service
Besides a shutdown that you can’t fix yourself, there are a few other signs you need emergency air conditioner repair. If you notice any of the following issues, shut off the power to your air conditioner straight away and contact a 24/7 emergency HVAC repair pro:
- Strange, loud noises from the system (banging, screeching, etc.)
- Smoky or burning smells from HVAC vents
- Any signs of fire, such as sparks or smoke
- Signs of hazardous refrigerant leaks
- Water leaks
- Short-cycling (system repeatedly turning on and off)
- Visible freezing on your unit
Benefits of booking with Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air
Now that we understand what to do when your AC stops working, how do you know who to call for AC repair in the San Gabriel Valley? At Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air, emergency AC service is one of our top offerings.
We’re highly experienced in fixing HVAC units of all kinds, including conventional central air units, heat pumps, and zoned air conditioners. Plus, we help make the big jobs accessible through coupons, special offers, and affordable financing, ensuring you can always get the repairs you need when you need them.
How to Prevent Your AC from Going Out in the Future
The best way to deal with AC shutdowns is to prevent them in the first place! To avoid this summertime calamity, we recommend:
- Changing your air filter every 1 to 3 months, or according to manufacturer instructions.
- Clean your outdoor AC unit at least once a year.
- Periodically check your thermostat to make sure its batteries are working.
- Keep HVAC vents and registers clear of furniture, rugs, and other obstructions.
- Invest in annual AC maintenance, tune-ups, and duct cleanings.
Service Areas in San Gabriel Valley, CA
We proudly serve homeowners in San Gabriel Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, and Glendora, CA as well as in these nearby ZIP codes:
91702, 91706, 91722, 91723, 91724, 91731, 91732, 91733, 91740, 91741, 91744, 91745, 91746, 91748, 91750, 91754, 91755, 91765, 91766, 91767, 91768, 91770, 91773, 91775, 91776, 91780, 91789, 91790, 91791, 91792, 91801, 91803
Final Thoughts — Stay Cool and Call the Experts
An AC breakdown is never part of our summer plans, but unfortunately, these things happen from time to time. The good news is that the Accurate team is here to help. We’ll arrive quickly, troubleshoot thoroughly, and only leave when your system is up and running again. For more info or to schedule AC repairs today, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reset my AC unit after it stops running?
If you’re trying to troubleshoot your AC yourself, make sure to only attempt to repair it when the power is shut off to the unit at the circuit breaker. After making your repairs, leave the breaker flipped off for about 30 minutes, then turn it back on to see if your AC will run again.
Should I turn off the AC if it’s blowing warm air?
If your AC is blowing warm air instead of cold, it could be a sign of electrical issues, a dirty air filter, or damage to other components. Switch off the unit at the circuit breaker and contact a professional for emergency AC repairs.
How long does it usually take to get emergency AC service?
While exact emergency AC repair service times vary depending on current demand, your location, and traffic conditions, we do everything in our power to arrive within 24 hours of your call when you need emergency air conditioner service.
