If your air conditioner stopped working after resting all winter, don’t be too alarmed. Often the cause is a straightforward reason, but other times, it can signal a significant issue. Here we’ll go over common possibilities and how to prep your air conditioner for use this spring and summer.
Tripped Breaker, Blown Fuse, Or Emergency Shutoff
While highly unlikely, it’s possible the air conditioner circuit could have tripped while the unit wasn’t running. Check the breaker box and if the AC circuit tripped, turn the breaker from off to on. If the circuit continues to trip, turn it off and call an HVAC technician or an electrician; this can signal an electrical fault. It’s the same for a blown fuse — replace the fuse if necessary, but call a professional if a new fuse doesn’t resolve the issue.
Another possibility is the emergency shutoff switch may have been flipped. This switch is usually found outside near the condenser unit. Unless it’s covered with a box or cage, the switch can be flipped by bumping into it or hitting it with something, such as a yard rake.
Weather Damage (From Wind And Rain)
You don’t need to live in an icy and snowy winter climate to have weather damage to the air conditioner. While the condenser coils remove moisture from the air, the entire condenser unit is moisture sensitive. Repeated exposure to rain and salty air can cause internal parts to rust and corrode prematurely as winter winds drive the moisture into the uncovered condenser. Therefore, the air conditioner’s sensors may trigger a system shutdown until the issue is resolved.
Blower And Fan Failure
The blower motor and fan have a heavy workload in your air conditioner. Working in tandem, they push the cool air into your home. But, the workload can eventually lead to enough wear and tear that one or both components fail. One major sign a failure is imminent are unusual sounds from the unit, such as banging, rattling, or screeching.
Overheating Condenser
As mentioned, not covering the outdoor condenser unit over the winter can cause issues. One issue in particular is yard debris clogging the coils. Since the coils are tucked away inside the condenser, it can be tricky to see them and what is causing the clog. If the coils aren’t unclogged, the condenser may overheat and cause a full system shutdown.
Clogged Air Filter
The air filter has an important role in the air conditioner’s regular function. First, it blocks many particles floating in the air from entering the system, potentially building on wires and sensors. Then, the filter allows an adequate amount of air to enter and exit the system.
Without appropriate air flow, your home won’t be as cool as desired. Plus, there’s a good chance the evaporator coils will freeze over since the refrigerant inside of them can’t absorb heat from the air.
Refrigerant Leaks
When the air conditioner turns on and blows air, but the air isn’t cool or cool enough to match the thermostat temperature, you might have a refrigerant leak. Depending on the age of the AC system, the evaporator coils can begin to corrode, causing a leak.
One sign of a refrigerant leak is an air conditioner that runs normally for a little while then stops. If this happens, look at the evaporator coils — if you see frost or ice, you likely have a leak.