You’re in the South, and your house feels more like a magma pit than a home- did your AC stop working? If you’re in the South, you may be at a loss in terms of fixing it. If you don’t know where to get your AC repaired, read on to learn more about possible causes and solutions to your issue. 

Why Did Your AC Stop Working?

As we mentioned before: ACs are complicated machines. So if it’s not working correctly, there are unfortunately several problems that could be the cause. Here are a few basic ones to get you started:

• Make sure the AC is on: The AC simply being turned off is the easiest cause to fix and is surprisingly common. First, ensure your AC is plugged in, then turn it on. If it is plugged in and won’t turn on, consider either testing the outlet it’s plugged into or moving the plug to an outlet you know is working correctly.

• Dirty or blocked air filters: This is the first thing you should check when diagnosing your air conditioner. Swapping out or cleaning an air filter can be done in minutes and should improve your AC’s performance. Avoid further problems like this by checking your filters regularly. A dirty air filter can result in contaminated air, decreased AC performance, or permanent damage to the air conditioner.

• Clogged drainage pan: Depending on your AC type, it might have a pan that collects humidity and excess water created by the machine. These pans typically drain into a pipe routed outdoors or to another collection location. Several types of problems can occur in and around these pans, but the most common is a clogged drain that results in the pan filling, triggering the air conditioner’s kill switch. If this is the case, you should be able to find some home remedies to unclog the drain and get your AC going again. Check out our blog post on the topic for more advice on clearing your drains.

• Your air vents could be blocked: The upkeep of these vents is fundamental for homes with an AC that runs through multiple vents. Improperly kept or clean vents can lead to a restriction or stoppage of airflow or even cause various health risks to you and your household. Be sure to regularly clean your air vents to avoid wondering, “why did my AC stop working?” in the future.

It May Be a Technical Problem

If checking the causes mentioned above doesn’t solve your issue, the problem may reside deeper within the machine. A few common technical issues include:

• A failed compressor: A compressor’s job is to circulate refrigerant throughout the machine using the various coils placed inside. If the compressor is faulty, your AC will likely cease to blow cool air throughout the house. Overheating, electrical issues, and incorrect refrigerant amounts are some of the many causes that can lead to a faulty compressor. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to determine what caused the compressor to fail without diving into the machine itself. To help you with this, it’s always recommended you contact a professional. 

• Thermostat failure: One of the first things you should do when diagnosing your AC failure is to check the thermostat to ensure it’s on and working correctly. In some cases, a faulty or inaccurate thermostat can cause an AC to malfunction or to cease functioning entirely. Unfortunately, fixing them at home can be difficult and time-consuming, particularly with digital thermostats. However, you may be able to replace the thermostat if it’s stopped working, or you may need to call someone to repair it. 

• Your starting components have stopped working: Every air conditioner is different, but all ACs have one thing in common: they all have starting components. If these go out or begin to work improperly, your AC may start at incorrect times or fail to start at all. If your starting components have failed, the good news is that the rest of the AC may still be intact and working correctly. The bad news, however, is that replacing these starting components can be a technical process that requires a professional’s aid.

• Dirty evaporator coils: Evaporator coils are the mechanism by which air conditioners can absorb the heat from inside your home. If these are dirty, their efficacy will be significantly reduced and may lead you to wonder, “why did my AC stop working?” Luckily, this is one of the more straightforward technical issues to resolve. If you’re going to clean the coils yourself, first ensure that there is no power to the system and that there hasn’t been for some time- these coils may be hot. Then, after you’ve ensured that the AC has been off for at least an hour, you should be able to clean the coils with any coil cleaner you find in a hardware store.

Potential Dangers of a Faulty AC

Particularly in the South, having an AC that doesn’t work or doesn’t work correctly causes many potential health risks. Of course, everyone knows that your AC being out makes you feel exhausted, hot, and lethargic. But did you know that extended periods of high heat can lead to reduced brain function and an increased risk of stroke? 

Additionally, poorly maintained or old air conditioning units can be linked to a high risk of asthma or may exacerbate any preexisting respiratory conditions you or your family may have. This is why it’s essential that when you notice your AC stops working, you act fast. It could save you and your household some sweat, as well as some health risks.

Keep Your Plumbing in Check With Goodbee

A faulty air conditioner can be caused by poor plumbing, or its effects worsened with a flawed piping system. To avoid this, schedule routine maintenance on your pipes with a professional. Goodbee Plumbing offers routine maintenance services on various plumbing fixtures throughout your home. Contact us today to see what Goodbee can do for you, or visit our website to browse our services!