Causes of an AC Unit Not Working and What To Do About It

Whether it’s the middle of a heatwave or the dead of winter, the last thing you want is for your AC unit to stop working. Your air conditioning unit is the workhorse of your home, providing comfortable temperatures and combating outdoor conditions. If something goes wrong with your AC, you’ll want to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

If you are having problems with your AC unit not turning on, it could be something as simple as a clogged air filter to something more substantial like a condenser issue. In this article, we’ll go over the most common causes of an AC unit not working and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more about common AC problems.

Dirty Air Filters

Most people don’t think about their air filters until they start having problems with their HVAC system. Contrary to popular belief, air filters are not just there to keep your system clean; they also play a very important role in your comfort. One of the most common issues with AC equipment is a dirty or clogged air filter. Your air filter catches and traps dirt, dust, and other allergens and debris in the air. When air filters are clean, they provide clean, fresh air for your home and improve indoor air quality. However, when they’re dirty, your comfort could be in jeopardy. In fact, a dirty air filter can lead to reduced airflow, frozen evaporator coils, and system failure.

This is because a dirty air filter can impede airflow and prevent the coils from maintaining the right temperature. Dirty air filters lead to a number of problems, including a decrease in comfort and an increase in your energy bills. Most experts recommend cleaning or changing your air filters every three months. However, if you have pets or if you smoke, you may need to change them more frequently. This is especially true during the summer when your AC is running more often.

Damaged or Clogged Condenser Unit

The condenser unit is an essential component of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outside environment. If your AC condenser unit is damaged or clogged, it may not be able to cool the house properly. This means that the air inside the house will be much warmer than usual, and it may be difficult to sleep or be comfortable in the house. You may also notice an increase in your energy bills, as the AC will be working much harder than usual to try to cool the house. If your condenser is damaged, an HVAC technician must inspect your equipment and address the issue.

If the condenser becomes clogged with dirt or other debris, the AC will also not be able to function properly. If this is the case, you can clean the condenser yourself using a garden hose or cleaner. If you aren’t comfortable cleaning your AC condenser unit, you can call a professional to come and take care of it. Also, as part of the annual HVAC service, a technician will clean your condenser for you.

Low Refrigerant Levels

If the AC unit is not cooling, there could be an issue with the refrigerant levels. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as a leak in the system. If you suspect that the problem may be due to low refrigerant levels, you will need to check the levels and add more if necessary. In general, you should have a qualified HVAC professional check the refrigerant level and address any problems. AC refrigerant is a highly toxic substance that should be handled by an expert.

There are many reasons why an AC unit may not be working, but some of the most common are a clogged filter, a lack of refrigerant, or a problem with the condenser. If your AC unit is not working, you can try to troubleshoot the issue before calling a technician. However, if you can find the problem, an HVAC professional will be able to diagnose and remedy the problem quickly.