What To Do If AC Suddenly Stops Cooling?

Ever had one of those moments on a scorching summer day when you return home ready to bask in the glory of air-conditioned comfort, only to be met with a blast of warm air? The panic sets in—what now? Has your relationship with your AC unit finally gone sour? Before you call it quits with your often-overlooked yet indispensable appliance, let’s figure out what to do if AC suddenly stops cooling.

Check the Thermostat Settings

First things first, head over to your thermostat. Imagine it’s an old friend who might just be playing a prank on you. Sometimes, settings get changed, and it might be as simple as bumping it back to “Cool” from “Heat” or “Fan.”

Fan vs. Auto Mode

Take note of whether your fan is set to “AUTO” or “ON.” If it’s “ON,” the fan will blow air constantly, regardless of the temperature. This can trick you into thinking your AC isn’t working when it’s actually just enthusiastically circulating warm air.

Inspect the Air Filters

Ah, the air filters—the unsung heroes of clean, breathable air and a well-functioning AC unit. These little marvels work tirelessly to keep dust, dirt, and other nasty particulates out of your air supply.

Dirty Filters, Big Problems

When air filters get clogged with dirt and debris, the airflow is restricted. This can make the AC unit work harder than it should, leading to a breakdown. A visual inspection or a quick replacement can sometimes solve your problem immediately. Aim to replace these filters every 1-3 months, depending on the usage and environment.

Examine the Circuit Breakers

Before you decide that your AC unit has abandoned you in your time of need, take a quick trip to your circuit breaker panel. AC units require a lot of power, and sometimes, the breakers trip.

Tripped Breaker Troubles

If the breaker for your AC unit is in the “off” position, flip it back to “on.” If it immediately trips again, you’ve got a pretty definitive sign that something more serious is wrong, and it’s time to bring in a professional.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit, or the condenser, can be the source of many issues. It’s out there in the wild—battling elements, debris, and perhaps the occasional neighborhood squirrel.

Clear the Debris

Take a look at the outdoor unit. Ensure it’s free of obstructions like leaves, grass, and other debris. If the condenser is covered, it can’t expel heat efficiently, leading to poor cooling performance.

Check the Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is to your AC unit what blood is to your body—it needs to be at the right level for things to function smoothly. Low refrigerant usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the system.

Signs of Low Refrigerant

Low cooling efficiency, hissing noises, or ice buildup on the refrigerant line can be telltale signs. Addressing refrigerant issues is not a DIY job; bring in a professional to locate and fix leaks before refilling the refrigerant.

Investigate the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat and are located inside your indoor unit. These coils need to be clean and functioning well for your AC to work correctly.

Frosty Situation

A common issue is the accumulation of frost or ice on these coils, often due to low refrigerant levels or poor airflow. The unit might need to be turned off to allow the ice to melt before a more thorough diagnosis can be done.

Look at the Ductwork

Ducts are the hidden highways carrying cool air from your AC unit to the various rooms in your home. If these are compromised, your entire cooling system could be too.

Leaky Ducts

Over time, ducts can develop leaks or become disconnected. A way to test this is to see if some rooms are cooler than others, indicating that air is escaping en route. Sealing these leaks will restore your AC unit’s efficiency.

Assess the Age of Your AC Unit

Let’s face it, nothing lasts forever—not even your trusted AC unit. The average lifespan of an AC unit is about 10-15 years.

When Old is Too Old

If your unit is pushing past the decade mark, it might be nearing the end of its optimal performance life. In this case, replacing the unit might be a more efficient and cost-effective solution than constant repairs.

Call KadeCo Inc. for Professional Help

If you’ve gone through all these steps and still find yourself sweating more than you should be, it’s time to call in the experts. Who better than KadeCo Inc.?

Why KadeCo Inc.?

KadeCo Inc., based in Pensacola, FL, has been in the HVAC business since 1997. Kade Youmans, the owner-operator, brings years of experience and a vision of honest, quality work to the table. Unlike many HVAC service companies, KadeCo doesn’t upsell or fix things that aren’t broken.

Contact Information:

• Address: 209 Brandywine Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507
• Phone: (850) 516-7552

What sets KadeCo Inc. apart?

1. Honest Pricing: No upselling; you pay for what’s necessary.
2. Quality Work: Proficient technicians who know their trade inside out.
3. Customer-Centric: Your needs come first. Free quotes on all jobs.

Summary Table: Steps to Take When AC Stops Cooling

Conclusion

Dealing with a malfunctioning AC unit can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially when the heat is relentless. By following these steps, you could potentially identify and fix the problem yourself. If not, KadeCo Inc. is just a phone call away to provide professional assistance.

When your AC decides to take an unplanned vacation, don’t let it ruin your day. Addressing the issue systematically and calling in the experts when needed will have you back in cool comfort before you know it. Now, wasn’t that a neat little crash course in amateur HVAC troubleshooting?

So next time your cooling system throws you into a panic, remember these steps and give KadeCo Inc. a call. We might not be able to change global warming, but at least we can help you keep your cool at home!