Don’t lose your cool when your AC stops working. Troubleshoot the system to see whether you can easily resolve the issue; if you can’t, contact SM Mechanical Services LLC for HVAC services in Bristol, CT. We’ll show you what to do before calling us.
What To Do When Your AC Stops Working in Bristol, Connecticut
First, find out what every Bristol homeowner should know about their cooling equipment. For instance, it’s not the heat but the humidity that makes things so uncomfortable in Bristol, Connecticut. If you can better manage indoor moisture levels, you can reduce your air conditioning use.
Next, you need to know how to conduct basic AC troubleshooting to find a potential cause for the system shutdown. You’ll learn how to inspect your system when your AC stops working below.
Look at Your Thermostat
Do you know your current thermostat settings? Someone you live with may have changed the settings without you knowing, or you might have forgotten to switch the device on.
Perhaps a thermostat malfunction prevents the thermostat from sending signals. Change the batteries, refresh the settings, and see whether the device records the correct temperature. If you can’t find a problem with the thermostat, move on to the next step.
Replace Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which forces your system to overwork and potentially overheat. This can trigger an air conditioner shutdown. Can you remember when you last changed it?
Most Bristol households need filter changes every three months with some variances. Remove and examine your current filter for caked-on dust, discoloration, and other indications that it needs a replacement. Place a fresh filter into the return register, and see if your unit starts working again.
Examine the Vent Grates and Ducts
Blocked vents or leaky ducts are other airflow inhibitors. If your AC stops working, one of these problems might be the cause. First, check each indoor and outdoor vent for debris, stored belongings, and other items that might prevent air from flowing freely.
Then, look for cracks, fractures, or punctures in any exposed ductwork. Each issue may force the air conditioner to work harder, placing undue stress on the components and triggering a failure.
Check the Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a tripped circuit breaker. Did you recently experience a local power outage? Has your circuit box been on the fritz lately?
These problems can contribute to an air conditioner suddenly not working. Look for flipped breaker switches and correct their positions. If the trips persist, you might need to contact a Bristol electrician for help. They’ll determine whether the trips are a general circuit-box malfunction or an air conditioner hiccup.
Inspect the Equipment
Most household air conditioners have indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit, known as the air handler, conditions indoor air while the outdoor unit releases the heat removed from inside. Debris buildup or collected belongings can damage or hinder both components.
Check the outdoor unit for leaves, grass clippings, and twigs caught in the grates. You might also look for water streams or puddles indicating a refrigerant leak. Give this equipment two feet of space and remember any extraordinary observations.
Inspect the air handler for excess moisture, as this might mean a frozen evaporator coil. Move any belongings at least two feet away to give it some breathing room, too. If your AC stops working, it could be as simple as excess items storing heat around these key parts.
Take Note of What You Discovered
Record any strange or new activity you found during your troubleshooting efforts, including:
- Where you found water leaks and how much liquid you discovered.
- Whether your thermostat is responsive or displaying the correct temperature.
- Whether you needed to change the air filter.
- If you noticed leakage or blockages around vent openings.
- Your circuit breaker’s behavior and whether the trips are specific to the HVAC system.
- If you cleared blockages from the indoor and outdoor equipment.
Cut the Unit Power
Finally, turn the air conditioner off completely while you wait for a technician. Discuss your findings with them to help them diagnose the problem faster. Anything from a faulty compressor to too much dust in the interior could cause the failure.
Last but Not Least, Call SM Mechanical Services LLC for Cooling Repairs in Bristol, Connecticut
Contact SM Mechanical Services LLC when your AC stops working. We diagnose and fix common HVAC issues, like major causes of house humidity with the AC on or proper HVAC sizing. Our cooling repairs in Bristol, Connecticut will bring the brisk airflow back to your home.