When your air conditioning goes out during a heatwave, it’s crucial to take fast action. This is especially important if you have kids, seniors, heat-sensitive individuals, or pets in the home. While deciding what to do next, these steps can help you stay safe and comfortable.
Check for Common AC Problems
If your AC fails, it may not necessarily require professional assistance. There are certain things you can check first to determine if it’s necessary.
Start with your AC’s air filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and may cause the evaporator coils to freeze. Turn the unit off, replace the air filter with a clean one, and turn it back on to see if that fixes the issue.
Head to your electrical panel if your AC isn’t running at all. If the breaker tripped, reset it to the “On” position. If it flips back to “Off,” leave it as-is, as it may indicate an electrical issue that needs professional attention.
You should also make sure that there isn’t anything blocking your outdoor condenser. Clear away items, including toys, outdoor furniture, grills, and patio umbrellas, to ensure there’s unobstructed airflow.
Also, check your thermostat. Make sure that it’s set to “Cool” and that the batteries aren’t dead.
Look for signs that your evaporator coils are frozen. You may spot ice on the refrigerant line or notice weak airflow. If you suspect this is the issue, turn the AC unit off and leave it for 12 to 24 hours to fully defrost the coils. After that, turn it back on to see if adequate cooling returns. If it doesn’t, your AC needs professional service.
Lastly, look for water near the indoor unit. This may indicate a clogged drain line that causes water to back up. Take pictures to document the damage, remove the standing water, and contact us for help.
Professional vs. DIY Repairs
If none of the DIY attempts worked to get your AC back up and running, it’s time to call in the professionals. For your safety, don’t attempt any additional fixes, as it’s likely a situation that requires an expert. You may also accidentally further damage the unit in the process. We offer 24/7 emergency assistance, so you never have to wait days for help during a heatwave.
Staying Cool While Waiting
We offer fast help, but you still need to stay safe and cool in the meantime. Close the blinds to reduce the amount of sun streaming in. Turn your ceiling fan on, but make sure it’s rotating counterclockwise. Box fans can also be helpful.
Stay in the coolest room of your home, avoid any strenuous activities, and wear lightweight clothing. Consider using a draft blocker to keep the remaining cool, conditioned air in as much as possible.
Why a Protection Plan Is Ideal for Summer
Our protection plan offers numerous advantages that can help prevent issues with your AC as well as work to your advantage if problems happen. For example, you’ll get “front-of-the-line” priority during peak demand and receive discounts on energy-efficient upgrades. Ask us about it today to learn how it can benefit you.
AC Repairs vs. Replacement
Experiencing problems with your air conditioner will usually result in either repairing or replacing your system. For example, leaking refrigerant is one reason your AC may stop working. Having a technician fix the issue and replenish the refrigerant may be possible. Severe and/or repeated issues with your AC could mean replacing the unit entirely.
In addition to repeated repairs, there are two other signs that can help you decide whether to repair or replace your AC. Its age is one indicator. Central ACs typically last about 15 to 20 years. Once they reach age 10, they typically lose efficiency and experience more problems. If your AC has already reached its mid-teens, you may want to consider replacing it.
The repair costs are also a major factor. If they’re more than 50 percent of what you would pay for a brand-new unit, upgrading your AC might be the more cost-effective choice.
How to Prevent Future AC Failure
Unfortunately, some AC problems are unavoidable, especially due to normal wear and tear as they get older. However, there are ways you can help prevent future AC problems.
Scheduling annual professional inspections and tune-ups is crucial. Book an appointment in early spring so we can conduct a full assessment of your unit and make sure it’s working optimally. If we notice any problems that require repair, we suggest addressing them promptly.
Self-inspections throughout the season are also important. You may be able to notice issues while they’re minor so you can contact us immediately. Check for potential problems like pooling water by the indoor unit, unusual noises, and foul odors. Don’t delay professional AC repair. Problems don’t get better on their own, putting off assistance only allows them to worsen.
Make sure to change the air filter during the self-inspections or any other time the filter is clogged. Replace it every 1 to 3 months to ensure proper airflow.
Keep the outdoor unit completely clear of items at all times. You should also keep the greenery trimmed to prevent ivy, grass, and plants from clogging or blocking it.
There’s never a good time for your air conditioner to break down, but it’s especially problematic when it breaks down right in the middle of a heatwave. It’s even worse if it fails at night and affects your sleep. Our team is available at any hour to help restore cooling to your home.
Contact Omni Home Comfort now to schedule a standard or emergency AC repair appointment so we can identify why your unit has completely failed. After troubleshooting, we’ll recommend the ideal solution for your home and cooling needs.
