Ideally, your air conditioning unit should run all the way through its warranty, expected life span, and in many cases for some additional years beyond that. However, with most air conditioning units, there will likely be some repairs and maintenance needed along the way.
While recommended annual inspections and following proper maintenance guidelines should alleviate most concerns, there is always that ‘what if?’ What should you do in the event your air conditioning unit condition shuts down?
Sometimes your air conditioning unit shutting down is the sign of a bigger issue, but other times it is a simple DIY fix. Either way if your air conditioner happens to shut down in the middle of a heat wave, time is of the essence. Follow the tips and steps below to see if you can get your AC running again with a simple fix. If you still experience problems, a professional air conditioning company can help you diagnose and repair any issues to get your air conditioning unit running smoothly and efficiently.
Check Your Air Conditioning Unit for Signs of Damage
Check the Thermostat
Sometimes your air conditioning unit shutting off is no emergency at all, and can actually be resolved with a simple adjustment of your thermostat. Therefore, one of the first locations you should check if you experience problems is the thermostat. It is possible that the thermostat was accidentally bumped into the ‘off’ position, the temperature was adjusted to a higher setting, or the battery has died in your thermostat.
Inspect to See if Breakers Have Tripped
Your AC consumes a lot of energy, especially at peak hours or when used in conjunction with other household appliances. When your air conditioning unit shuts down it could be caused by a surge that has tripped the breaker. Check your circuit board and see if flipping the switch has any effect. If the breaker continues to trip, try to lighten the load on your circuits by unplugging other appliances. This should temporarily address the problem and give you time to call a professional electrician or AC repair technician to get to the root of the problem.
Is There Leaking / Condensation?
Sometimes your air conditioning unit turning off is a good thing as it is a sign that the safety features are in proper working order. When condensation drains are backed up or the air-conditioner is low on refrigerant it could trigger the air conditioning unit to shut down. In these cases, an HVAC company can help address the problem.
Are There Any Blockages or Extra Debris on the Outdoor Unit?
Your air conditioning unit needs a breathable space on the exterior of your home to function properly as well. Check for blockages around the exterior compressor/condenser housing. Over the summer, this area can build up with grass clippings and other debris that restricts air flow or can cause the coils to stop working. If this is the case, often cleaning around the unit will restore your system.
Stay Calm, Stay Cool, and Call an Air Conditioning Unit Service Tech
If these simple fixes do not help and it turns out that your air conditioning unit is down for a more severe issue, experienced HVAC technicians can help diagnose and address the problem.
In St. Louis, call Galmiche & Sons for 24/7 emergency service. Running a unit as-is while it is constantly cycling or shutting down will not only raise your utility bills, but could also cause irreversible damages and safety risks, so let our heating & air conditioning technicians get your system back in working order!
