If warm weather has arrived and you find that your air conditioner simply won’t fire up, or isn’t cooling to your preferred temperature, you’ll likely find yourself wondering, “Why is my AC not working?”
However, fixing the problem is not as simple as turning your AC unit off and on again. In order to properly diagnose the issue, you should follow these troubleshooting steps to really determine why your air conditioner is not working, and whether or not a professional is required to fix it.
Why is My AC Not Working? 6 Troubleshooting Steps
If your air conditioner is not working at all, or is not working at peak performance, follow these steps:
- Check your Thermostat
Many times, when a home owner asks themselves, “Why is my AC not working?”, the problem is caused by an issue with their thermostat. Make sure that your thermostat is set to cool and the desired temperature is set to a lower temperature than the room currently sits at. - Check the Electrical Panel
Ensure that your AC unit is indeed receiving power by checking the breaker associated with it. If the breaker is tripped, reset it by shutting it off and turning it on again. Also look for any signs of damage to the wiring that may have occurred in the off season. - Check the Evaporator
If the unit’s evaporator is dirty, carefully clean it and check for blockages. Located above the furnace in the plenum, open the evaporator and clean the underside with a stiff brush. If you are not comfortable cleaning this component, a professional can assist you. - Check the Condenser
If your AC unit is running, but is not blowing cold air, head outdoors to see if the condenser is dirty or blocked by grass, leaves or other debris. Clean and remove any blockages before you turn the unit on again. - Check the Drain Pan
The interior portion of your AC unit has a drain pan to collect condensation. If this pan is overflowing, you’ll want to look for a block or kink in the drain line and make sure the pump that moves the water is functioning properly. - Check the Compressor
If your AC unit is still not working, you may have an issue with the compressor or need a top-up of your refrigerant. In either case, a professional will need to assess and fix these problems.
Still wondering, “Why is my AC not working?” It’s time to call a pro. The expert air conditioning technicians at Evam Canada would be happy to help you troubleshoot and repair any AC unit issues you may have encountered. Call us today