When your air conditioner stops working, doesn’t it always seem like it happens on the hottest day of the year?
The average temperature in July throughout Texas is around 87-degrees F. Living in a house during this type of heat is not pleasant.
So, what do you do when your AC stops working when it’s really hot outside?
If you’re not sure what to do, here are some tips to help you know precisely what you should do when this happens.
Check the Thermostat
When you initially notice that your AC stopped working, you should check your thermostat. Your thermostat is the device that controls your AC’s operations.
If someone changed a setting on the thermostat, your AC system might not be turned on. If it’s not on, it can’t work.
Therefore, your AC system might not have anything wrong with it. It might simply be turned off. If this is the case, you can turn it back on by switching the setting to “on” or “auto.”
There is also a chance that your thermostat might be on the correct setting but might not be working correctly. You probably won’t be able to tell if your thermostat is faulty on your own, but you could find this out by hiring a contractor.
If you have a bad thermostat, there’s a chance that your AC system is fine. In this event, a contractor could replace the thermostat to get your system running once again.
Examine Both Parts of the Unit
If you can’t find a problem with your thermostat, you should check both parts of the central AC system. There are many reasons for an AC system to stop working, and one of the issues might involve a component of the system.
A central AC system has many components, but these systems have two main parts: the indoor part and the outdoor part. Examining both parts can help you find the problem.
As you check these parts, look for ice buildup. Ice buildup on an AC system is relatively common when a system stops working. When you see ice on either part of the system, it can indicate several issues.
The first issue it can indicate is low coolant in the system. The second issue is the restriction of airflow. An AC system needs enough coolant in it and proper airflow for it to run efficiently and accurately.
These are two common reasons that cause systems to stop working.
Remove and Check the Filter
One of the easiest fixes for an AC system that is not working is replacing the air filter. If you don’t replace your air filter regularly, your system will not work correctly.
The air filter controls the quality and flow of the air the system receives. The system must receive enough airflow to process and cool the air, and it must receive clean air.
When is the last time you changed your filter? If you never changed it, you’ll likely find a dirty, clogged filter in your device. After replacing it, you might notice that your system is running just fine.
If you are not sure if you need to replace the filter, remove it, and look at it. A new air filter is white. If your filter is black, it’s an excellent indication to change it.
You can buy air filters from a local hardware store. You should check your filter’s size before going to make sure you buy the right size.
Contact an AC Repair Company When Your AC Stops Working
By this point, you’ll likely know if you can fix the problem or not. If you can’t fix it yourself, the best thing you can do is contact a local AC repair contractor.
By calling soon, you’ll receive services faster. AC contractors tend to have busy schedules during hot spells, so you might not receive same-day repairs, but you will receive repairs soon.
When calling an HVAC company, make sure you tell them the problems you have with your system.
For example, if the system is running but is blowing hot air instead of cold air, tell them. If your system doesn’t even turn on, make sure you tell them that, too. Explain the issues you are experiencing, and tell them when you first noticed the problem.
Keep Up on the Repairs and Maintenance
While you’re waiting for the repair technician to arrive, you might want to learn more about the proper maintenance of your system.
If you are not currently providing the right maintenance to your system, you will probably experience more problems.
Your AC system needs maintenance, and here are several things you should consider doing to keep up with this vital maintenance:
Replace the Filter Regularly
The first thing you should do is change your filter regularly. If you’re not sure how often you should do this, ask the technician when he or she arrives. They might tell you to do this every other month or three to four times a year.
Schedule a Tune-Up in the Spring
Next, you should consider scheduling an AC tune-up every spring. A tune-up involves several steps, and the purpose is to keep your system running efficiently.
A tune-up includes cleaning your system and checking the coolant level. It also includes replacing any worn-out parts.
If you get a tune-up each year, you might be able to prevent outages in the future. You may also save money on utility expenses, as a well-maintained system operates more efficiently.
Stay Cool in the Meantime Through These Methods
When your AC stops working, it might be challenging to stay cool while waiting for the contractor to come and fix it. If you’re having trouble staying cool, turn on your ceiling fans, and turn on additional fans around your house.
You can also stay cool by wearing fewer clothes and by avoiding the use of your oven.
If your AC is not working, give us a call right away. When you contact us at P&M Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ll send a technician to your home to evaluate and repair your system. After getting the necessary repairs, you’ll be cool in no time!