AC Not Working? Here’s What To Do

If the central air conditioning unit in your home is not adequately cooling your entire dwelling or if it is blowing lukewarm air, several things could be wrong.

Fortunately, most of these problems have a solution. However, when you are facing an “AC not working” scenario, the difference is to know what you can do to try to remedy the issue and what you should leave to the professionals.

Trying to figure out how to fix an air conditioner that is not cooling is not a DIY project. HVAC technicians go through extended testing and field work to earn their certifications and with good reason. There is a lot to know. Therefore, it is best to handle the simple tasks and leave the rest for a licensed professional.

When you need a reputable HVAC company that specializes in air conditioning repairs, be sure to reach out to PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer fast, affordable, and effective solutions that can get your AC up an running again. Be sure to give us a call today to schedule a free estimate. We service West Windsor NJ and the surrounding areas.

Call Today: (800) 253-9001

The following are some different problems, plainly categorized into those you can solve on your own and those that require the assistance of a professional AC repair technician:

AC Problems: DIY Vs. HVAC Technicians

Problems You May Solve

Problem Number One: Thermostat Settings

If you are wondering “why is my air conditioner not cooling the house?”, it could be your thermostat. Check the batteries. Also, make sure you place your thermostat to the “auto” setting instead of the “on” or “fan” setting. The “fan” setting runs the fan at all times, even if it is not cooling the air.

The solution is to place the thermostat in the “auto” setting at all times. Also, this is the more energy efficient setting.

Problem Number Two: Dirty Air Filter

Several problems may be caused by a dirty air filter, as dirt reduces the unit’s airflow.

The air conditioner must struggle to consistently circulate an appropriate amount of cold air to lower the temperature of your home to a comfortable setting. Therefore, if the air filter is dirty, you may set your thermostat at 75, but the temperature may remain at 80 or higher.

The component that cools the air, which is called the evaporator coil, may freeze up and turn into a block of ice if the filter is clogged. This situation means that your home will not cool down as desired.

The solution is to check the air filter on a regular basis. Replace it when it appears to be clogged.

Problem Number Three: Dirty Exterior Unit

The way an air conditioning system cools a home is to absorb heat from the air. It transfers it to the exterior of the house through the use of components such as an evaporator and condenser.

However, if the outdoor unit is dirty or clogged with debris, the condenser cannot dissipate heat. The obstruction causes your air conditioning system to labor to appropriately cool your home.

The solution is to ensure that the outside unit is sprayed gently with a garden hose. Doing so will loosen up dirt and debris. However, it is essential to avoid blasting it on the highest setting, as this may bend the unit’s fins. It is also wise to give the AC unit a bit of breathing room. Be sure to remove any weeds or overgrowth surrounding the unit.

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Tasks For A Professional

As previously mentioned, there are also specific issues that an AC professional must solve. Below are some problems that require you to contact a professional contractor:

Problem Number One: A Broken Or Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

Heat cannot be dissipated to the outdoors if the unit’s fan motor is bad. A malfunctioning fan motor means that you cannot enjoy cooled air in your home.

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Problem Number Two: Refrigerant Leak or Low Refrigerant Charge

The refrigerant is the liquid that removes warm air. If the coolant is low or if it is leaking out, your air conditioner cannot absorb a sufficient amount. Consequently, your home will remain warm even if your AC is running. You will be able to feel that the AC is not cooling enough.

Some signs that a refrigerant leak may underway include a hissing or bubbling noise. Also, the build-up of ice on the outside unit or the refrigerant line is an indicator.

Another sign is when your unit cools your home at night or on days that are not extremely hot. However, it cannot cool in the same fashion on days that are unusually warm.

If you see any of the signs mentioned above, turn off the unit. Contact a professional as soon as possible. By running the air conditioner in this state, it can damage the compressor and harm the unit beyond repair.

Problem Number Three: A Bad Compressor

An air conditioning system’s heart is its compressor. It circulates refrigerant between the outside and the inside of the unit. If it becomes damaged, or the AC compressor is not running, the AC will be unable to cool the air in your home.

The compressor may need a replacement, but unfortunately, compressors are quite expensive. Therefore, unless it is under warranty, you will probably need to replace the outside unit.

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AC Not Working West Windsor NJ

When searching for a trusted AC repair company in your area, be sure to call the professionals at PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. Our NATE certified technicians have the experience and training to correctly resolve any issues with your cooling system. If possible, we will offer a range of solutions. This way, you can choose the best one that meets your needs and fits within your budget. If your air conditioner is not turning on, take advantage of our affordable emergency services. You can also call to schedule a free estimate.

Call Now: (800) 253-9001

Some of the areas we service include Kingston, Plainsboro, Princeton, Princeton Junction, and these zip codes: 08528, 08536, 08540, 08550 as well as all surrounding areas in West Windsor Township, New Jersey.

Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!