There’s nothing worse than the heat of summer and suddenly, your air conditioning stops working. Whether it happens in the middle of the day or at night, a broken AC can make your home uncomfortable.
Don’t worry, though! There are simple steps you can take to handle the situation and get things cool again. Keep reading to find out what to do when your AC breaks down unexpectedly.
Stay Calm and Check the Basics
The first thing you need to do is stay calm. It’s easy to panic, but staying level-headed will help you solve the problem faster. Start by checking some basic things.
Is the power on? Sometimes the problem is as simple as a flipped breaker. Head to your circuit breaker box and check if the AC breaker is off. If it is, flip it back on and see if that fixes the problem.
Next, check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to cooling mode and the temperature is set lower than the room temperature. If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, the AC might not turn on, so this simple check could fix the issue.
Inspect the Air Filter
One common reason your AC unit may stop working is a dirty air filter. When the filter gets clogged, the airflow is blocked, which can cause the AC to overheat and shut down.
Turn off the power to the unit and remove the filter. If it looks dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one. A clean air filter can help the AC run more efficiently and reduce the chance of it breaking down.
Check the Condenser Unit
Another part of the AC system to check is the condenser unit outside your home. Sometimes, dirt, leaves, or debris can build up around the unit, blocking airflow. Look at the unit and make sure there are no blockages.
Clear away anything that may be preventing air from flowing freely. If you don’t do this regularly, the system could become less efficient, causing problems over time.
Call a Professional If Necessary
If you’ve checked the basics and your AC still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. While some small issues can be solved with a little DIY effort, more serious problems should be handled by someone who knows what they’re doing.
HVAC Contractors are experts who can find the problem and fix it. Trying to repair complex issues on your own could make things worse or even be dangerous, so it’s best to rely on a professional.
Keep Your Home Cool While You Wait
While waiting for a technician to arrive, there are things you can do to stay cool. Close curtains or blinds to block out the sun and keep your home cooler. You can also use fans to circulate the air and create a breeze. If possible, stay in the coolest part of the house, usually the basement or lower levels, until the problem is fixed.
Prevent Future Problems
In conclusion, dealing with a broken air conditioning unit doesn’t have to be too stressful. By staying calm and checking the basics, you can often fix the issue yourself. However, for more serious problems, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.
To keep your AC working well all summer long, schedule regular maintenance, clean the filter often, and check the condenser unit for debris. Taking care of your AC now can help prevent bigger issues later.
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