Why Would My AC Unit Stop Working?

A functional air conditioner cools and dehumidifies indoor air to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level within your home.

If your unit isn’t cooling your space effectively, schedule air conditioning repair to address the underlying issues. Here are some reasons why your AC unit would stop working:

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant absorbs heat inside your home and releases it outside, allowing your air conditioning system to cool the air. If there’s a refrigerant leak, warm air comes from the vents instead of cool air due to insufficient coolant.

When refrigerant levels are low, the AC system runs longer cycles to achieve the desired indoor temperature.

Prolonged operation with low refrigerant levels puts additional strain on other components of the AC system, such as the compressor and condenser.

This accelerates wear and tear and leads to premature failure of these parts. A qualified HVAC technician can fix the leaks and recharge the refrigerant to boost better performance.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Clogged air filters, blocked return vents, closed or blocked supply vents, or obstructed ductwork restrict airflow. If the airflow is restricted, the evaporator coils become cold, causing moisture in the air to freeze on their surface. When refrigerant levels are insufficient, the coils get cold, causing condensation to freeze.

When the evaporator coils freeze, it interferes with the cooling process. The ice buildup insulates the coils, preventing them from absorbing heat effectively from the indoor air.

To resolve the issue, the technician turns the AC unit off to allow the evaporator coils to thaw. The professional can check for any obstructions or blockages in the airflow path, clean or replace dirty air filters, and recharge refrigerant.

Blocked Condensate Drain

The condensate drain prevents the buildup of excess moisture in the system and helps maintain proper humidity levels indoors. Dirt, algae, debris, mold, and dust could clog this drain, preventing water from draining properly and causing it to back up within the system.

The air conditioner may shut off unexpectedly due to a safety switch that detects the water backup.

When the drip pan fills with water, it restricts airflow and hinders the system’s ability to remove humidity from the air, reducing cooling performance. Water backup can damage the evaporator coils, blower motor, and electrical components, causing your AC to stop working.

If there are water leaks or puddles around the AC unit, hire a reputable technician to inspect your cooling system. During air conditioning repair, a technician can clean the condensate drain to remove clogs and restore normal operation.

Faulty Fan Motor

The fan motor circulates air through the air conditioning system, boosting indoor comfort. When this component has underlying issues, rooms experience inconsistent temperatures due to insufficient air circulation.

Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises may emanate from the indoor or outdoor unit, indicating motor issues.

Inadequate lubrication, accumulation of dirt and debris, or loose connections can contribute to motor malfunction. Problems with the motor’s wiring, capacitor, or electrical supply can cause it to stop functioning.

To fix such issues, a technician lubricates moving parts and tightens loose connections to restore proper functioning. This professional can also repair or replace damaged wiring to enhance efficient airflow within the air conditioning system.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils can become coated with dirt, dust, pollen, leaves, and other debris. This accumulation forms a layer of insulation on the coils, preventing them from efficiently releasing heat into the outdoor air.

The inability of dirty condenser coils to release heat efficiently can cause the system to overheat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to component failure, such as compressor damage or electrical issues.

To address dirty condenser coils, a technician inspects and cleans this component to remove obstructions.

If the coils are excessively filthy, a professional HVAC technician performs a thorough cleaning using specialized equipment and cleaning solutions. Regular inspection and cleaning improve the AC’s performance and extend its service life.

Book an Appointment For Air Conditioning Repair

If your cooling unit produces peculiar noises and warm air, it has underlying issues that a technician can resolve. This professional checks coils, condensation drains, and fan motors to understand the cause of the problem and fix it. Book an appointment for air conditioning repair to boost effective and efficient AC operation.