Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner Working? Several Common AC issues and How to Fix Them

“Summertime and the livin is easy” – unless your air conditioning unit isn’t working. With so many working parts inside a typical AC system, it isn’t always easy to get to the root of the problem, or to make a quick fix. Fortunately, there are several common culprits that cause air conditioning issues, and our years of experience make them all relatively simple to repair. 

Here are several of the most common AC issues we encounter, and how to fix them (in no particular order): 

  • The AC unit won’t turn on. If your AC is failing to power up, it could be as simple as flipping a switch at the panel box. Flipped breakers are common when your air conditioning unit turns on for the first time in the season, or if you have recently installed other major appliances that might be running on the same circuit. To prevent overloading, you’ll want to examine which breakers are being used at any given time. 
  • The thermostat is faulty. The thermostat is the brains of the AC unit. If it isn’t sending the right signals to your HVAC system, you’ll likely experience issues such as room-temperature air (or warmer), or an air conditioner that turns on and off more frequently than necessary. Fixing a thermostat can be as simple as adjusting a few wires or replacing a battery, but it can also require professional HVAC repairs. 
  • The fan is louder than usual. A loud air conditioner unit doesn’t always necessarily mean a broken unit, but it can be annoying to deal with. If the fan within your AC system is running louder than normal, there could be a blockage in the condenser coil fan or debris partially blocking the fan motor. In either of these cases, please do not attempt a DIY approach to remove the blockage, as reaching in or accessing the interior of your AC unit can result in severe injury. Call a professional technician to do the job properly and safely.
  • Ice is evident outside the unit. Icy buildup is a very common issue, and one that is relatively simple to fix by a professional. Again, PLEASE do not attempt to clear the ice on your own, as this can result in physical injury to yourself or irreplaceable damage to the AC unit. Ice typically builds up because of an old or dirty filter, which results in the air conditioning working harder than necessary (ultimately cooling the air TOO MUCH before it leaves the unit to pass through your HVAC system). 
  • The AC is blowing hot air. If the air conditioner is working more like a heater, there’s a chance you need to recharge the refrigerant in the system. This isn’t as simple as it sounds, and refrigerants can be hazardous if not handled professionally. 

Air conditioning service in Fredericksburg

Experiencing one of these issues – something difficult but equally as frustrating? At Robert B. Payne, Inc., we’ve seen it all when it comes to faulty air conditioning units. To schedule a professional diagnostics and repair appointment, call us today at (540) 373-5876.