Your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home, and when it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. There are a number of things that can cause your AC to stop working, and in this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common causes. Keep reading to learn more about what can cause your AC to stop working.
Dirty Air Filter
Dirty and clogged air filters are one of the most common issues that can cause an AC to malfunction. If your AC has stopped cooling your home, you should check your air filter first. A clogged or dirty air filter can prevent adequate airflow to your equipment and cause your AC unit to work harder. Eventually, a dirty air filter can cause your system to stop cooling completely. Aside from decreased system performance, a dirty filter can also allow dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens to circulate in your home and impact your indoor air quality.
To prevent your AC unit from stopping cooling, be sure to change your air filter home regularly. Most experts suggest changing your filters at least every three months. However, if you have pets or live in an area with high amounts of allergens, you might need to change your filter more frequently. You can also clean your air filter if it's visibly dirty. If you're not sure how to change or clean your air filter, consult your AC unit's owner's manual or contact your local HVAC technician.
Damaged or Clogged Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is an essential component of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outside environment. If your AC condenser unit is damaged or clogged, it may not be able to properly cool the house. This means that the air inside the house will be much warmer than usual, and it may be difficult to sleep or be comfortable in the house. You may also notice an increase in your energy bills, as the AC will be working much harder than usual to try to cool the house. If your condenser is damaged, an HVAC technician must inspect your equipment and address the issue.
If the condenser becomes clogged with dirt or other debris, the AC will also not be able to function properly. If this is the case, you can clean the condenser yourself using a garden hose or cleaner. If you aren't comfortable cleaning your AC condenser unit, you can call a professional to come and take care of it. Also, as part of the annual HVAC service, a technician will clean your condenser for you.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your house and transferring it outside. If this coil becomes frozen, the AC will stop blowing cold air. Coils freeze when the temperature in your evaporator coil drops too low. This is most likely to happen if there is a leak in the refrigerant line, causing the fluid to escape and freeze the coil. This problem can be caused by a variety of other factors, including a dirty filter or dirty coils. If the evaporator coil becomes frozen, you will have to wait for it to thaw out before the AC will work properly again. Once it thaws out, you need to address the issue.
When your AC stops cooling your home in the middle of summer, it can create some pretty miserable indoor conditions quickly. By understanding the potential causes of AC failure, you can take proactive steps to prevent costly and inconvenient breakdowns.
