If you live in Houston, you know how important it is to have a working AC. When your air conditioner stops cooling, it doesn’t take long for your entire home to become stuffy and unbearably hot.
At Mission AC & Plumbing, we’re here to help. Although having a broken AC is annoying, there’s likely a solution to get it cooling again. The best thing you can do is a little troubleshooting to figure out if your system only needs a small tweak or a more hefty AC repair.
Check The Thermostat
If you’re wondering, “Why is my AC not cooling?”, start by checking your thermostat. Make sure it is set correctly. It sounds obvious, but it’s not uncommon for homeowners to realize that their system wasn’t set to cool. It’s also possible that a roommate or relative set the system to a warmer temperature without you knowing.
You can also make sure that your thermostat is set to “AUTO” instead of just “ON.” When the system is set to “ON,” it runs constantly but only blows out lukewarm air. However, the “AUTO” setting makes sure that the fan turns on automatically and blows cold air when the room starts to warm up.
Check The Circuit Breakers
A common culprit of many household malfunctions is a tripped circuit breaker. Your AC can trip a circuit when it is overheating due to a dirty air filter or condenser coil. Using many appliances at one time can also lead to a tripped circuit.
Check your home’s circuit breaker panel for any tripped circuits. If you notice that one has been tripped, turn it back on. If there are no tripped circuit breakers, then the problem lies somewhere else.
Clean Your Filter
If the problem is not your thermostat or a tripped circuit breaker, it could be your air filter. Dirty, dusty and clogged-up filters make it much harder for your AC to function. This forces the unit to work harder to cool and restricts air-flow.
It’s good practice to change your filters about every 2-3 months to prevent your AC from overworking and to keep your air quality pure. Not only can a dirty air filter affect your health and ability to breathe, but it can also cause your AC to shut down completely in some situations.
Clean Your Condenser Unit
Another common culprit of AC malfunctions is a clogged condenser unit. The condenser is a large outdoor unit that helps complete the cooling process. Since the unit is outside, it’s easy for dirt, grass, leaves and other debris to clog the condenser coil, which is meant to help remove hot air from your home.
You can clean the outdoor unit by removing the top grate and using a vacuum to remove any debris inside. Don’t hesitate to contact Mission AC & Plumbing for professional assistance if you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the condenser on your own.
When To Call A Pro
Other problems can cause your AC to stop cooling. However, many of them require a professional air conditioner repair. Even so, it’s helpful to know what the issues are so you can prepare for a potential repair.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can make an AC stop cooling. Refrigerant is a chemical inside your AC that is very important in the cooling process. This chemical absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it in the outdoor unit. When refrigerant leaks, it can lead to warmer temperatures in your home as well as negative health effects if you breathe it in.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil can also cause your AC to stop cooling. The evaporator coil helps filter hot, humid air so that the air blowing into your home is cool. If the evaporator coil freezes, this process can’t be completed, which leads to a warmer home.
Schedule Your Professional AC Repair In Houston
When your AC stops cooling your home, you can count on Mission AC to help! We can provide a professional air conditioning repair in Houston and offer the solutions you need. If you’re looking for a quality HVAC repair, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
