What Should You Do If Your A/C Goes Out This Summer?   

Aug 16, 2022 | A/C, Air Conditioning, Air Filter, Blog, Dublin, Hilliard, Hilliard-Dublin, OH, Ohio, Summer, Thermostat, Tips & Tricks

Have you ever had your air conditioner stop working on you out of nowhere? Of course, situations like this almost always occur at the most inconvenient time. Unfortunate A/C situations always happen on the hottest day possible. Preventative maintenance and regular upkeep are crucial to keeping your A/C system up and running. But sometimes, unpredictable scenarios still surface. Maybe the circuit breaker flipped. Perhaps a recent power outage sparked some issues. Whatever the reason, Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air believes it’s essential for every homeowner to be familiar with some basic troubleshooting in case a situation like this arises. Stay prepared with these tips:  

If Your A/C Stopped Working, Do You Know How To Troubleshoot?   

Thermostat batteries are frequently forgotten. Therefore, the first thing you should inspect if your A/C isn’t responding are the thermostat batteries. The thermostat’s batteries are likely pretty low or already wholly dead. When this happens, the thermostat can communicate with the air conditioner as it is purposed to, therefore, this causes it to malfunction. However, if you’ve checked the batteries and find they are not the culprit to your A/C woes, you should move on to the next troubleshooting step. Step two is checking the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker could have flipped without you noticing it. So, it would be good to perform a quick check to see if the switch needs to be converted back to the “on” position. This could resolve your issue.  

Next, if the problem persists, try checking the compressor unit. This component is typically positioned on the side of your house or in the backyard. You will want to confirm that there is no structural damage or harm done to the unit. It’s possible that if there was a recent storm or strong winds, things like tree branches, outdoor items, or loose debris like tiny twigs and loose leaves could have fallen on top of the compressor or got stuck in the compressor’s fan blades. Upon inspecting the unit and its surrounding area, if you find that there is damage or if you hear an unusual noise coming from the unit, this is an indication that it’s time to call a licensed professional HVAC company like Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air.  

If Your A/C Stopped Working, What Should You Avoid?  

Your A/C is a complicated system that functions to distribute cool air and maintain the temperature in your home. We know that it can be frustrating when your A/C isn’t working. But we do not recommend doing anything that could harm your air conditioning system. For example, you may consider yourself handy, but please remember that it is not safe to work on your unit unless you are a licensed HVAC professional. DIY repairs and extensive troubleshooting can lead to many safety hazards. It is best to use a professional rather than attempting it on your own.  

In addition, in the middle of your wait, it’s okay to try and find relief from the relentless heat. But although you may be tempted, you shouldn’t open the windows or external doors in your house. Letting in a cool breeze may sound tempting, but with high temperatures this summer, if you decide to open the windows and doors, it will only make the temperature within your house rise more swiftly. In addition, you should avoid using heat-generating appliances like a stove, dishwasher, or dryer, as these will also aid in the accumulating heat of your home. And last of all, whether you believe it or not, it’s common for people to think that opening the kitchen freezer will provide relief. However, the tiny bit of cool air an open freezer door may provide is not worth risking spoiled food over.   

If you find yourself in a pickle and your air conditioner suddenly stops working, understanding the basic troubleshooting steps safe to practice and what to look for can help ease your mind and alleviate any stress. Furthermore, Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air is here to assist you in tackling this issue head-on. We’d feel privileged to serve you, and we are proud to say we provide emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. So, if you have a heating or cooling need or concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached at (614) 490-7520, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here