Trouble Turning On And Off: Do I Need AC Repair? | Flower Mound, TX
Trouble with your AC when we’re running quickly into the summer in Flower Mound, TX can be problematic, which is why you might be wondering whether you should be booking an AC repair service. If your air conditioning system has trouble turning on, there’s a number of avenues to check either before or during an air conditioner repair service:
- Check the settings of your thermostat first.
It should be set to “cool” so that the thermostat’s desired temperature is lower than the current temperature. Also, make sure to check if the fan has been set to “auto” (or “on”). If the fan is set to “auto”, it will only turn on when the AC cools down. The fan will run continuously if the AC isn’t cooling the air.
You may also want to consider relocating your thermostat if it’s located in direct sunlight or near appliances that give off heat, to potentially prevent future thermostat-related AC repair callouts. If your thermostat is not working, you may need to replace the batteries or a circuit breaker. This brings us to our next step…
- Make sure you check the circuit breaker panel in your home.
Air conditioners draw a lot through their electrical circuits. A brief surge in power can cause the circuit breaker to trip, preventing electricity from flowing through it. Your AC won’t turn on if this happens.
A circuit breaker that has tripped will change from the “on” position to the “off”. Flip any tripped circuit breakers back to the “on”.
- Check that the power switches on your HVAC system are turned on.
Most central air conditioners have two power switches. The indoor unit is powered by one switch, while the outdoor unit is powered by the other. For your AC to function, both switches must be in the “on” position.
The indoor unit switch is usually located near the furnace or air handler. The switch for the outdoor unit can be found next to it, usually in a metal box on your Flower Mound, TX home’s exterior.
- Check to see if your air filter needs to be replaced.
Dirty filters can cause airflow to be restricted, which can strain your AC and make it more likely for it to shut off or overheat. Most homeowners should change their air filters every three to six months, depending on usage. Cleaning and replacing filters helps to prevent overheating from causing major AC repair callouts.
You can replace your air filter if you aren’t sure when it was last changed or it is visible as dirty. You should keep at least one filter on hand to change as necessary.
- Verify that there are no plants or debris clogging the outdoor unit.
Your AC can overheat and shut off due to obstructions such as landscaping, dirt, and other debris. Clear away any obstructions to airflow and ensure there is at least 2 feet around the unit. Outdoor AC units are the most efficient at releasing heat from the top. They need ample space to breathe.
- You can reset the unit if you are skilled.
After a power surge, your air conditioner may start acting strangely. Sometimes all that is required is a hard reset. To avoid creating more problems, refer to the owner’s manual of your system.
If you’re uncomfortable performing AC repair checks on a faulty air conditioner that isn’t turning on, it’s better to draft in a professional HVAC technician, at least the first time you notice your AC is experiencing issues. You can ask the technician for maintenance tips or other information that may help you diagnose and prevent further AC issues.
Do You Need AC Repair If Components Won’t Turn Off?
Sometimes, you may have the opposite issue with your AC and you can struggle to turn it off. Although some may argue that an AC that runs continuously is better than one that doesn’t turn on at all, Texas summers can be very hot and cooling costs can run into the thousands. An AC that is constantly on will need to be replaced sooner, and you’ll also be more likely to need to book regular AC repairs. A constantly running AC can lead to the following issues:
Your thermostat needing calibration
Your thermostat might need to be recalibrated if there is a significant difference in temperature between your home and the thermostat readings. Most thermostats are calibrated by the manufacturer. However, dust buildup and events such as power outages can lead to inaccurate readings. If your thermostat is not working after recalibrating it, you may have a problem with its wiring or device. In this case, an HVAC technician will be helpful.
The fan switch on is “manual”.
Your AC system’s fan can circulate cool air, as mentioned previously. Near the blower of most AC systems is a switch that tells the fan to continue running regardless of what temperature setting it has. This switch will be located on your indoor AC unit. It can be switched to auto (the default setting) if it was set to manual. A simple fix that avoids the need for convoluted AC repair!
The contactor of your air conditioner is not working properly.
To run, your air conditioner must have electricity. Your air conditioner needs electricity to run. The contactor acts as a switch, allowing your fan and outdoor unit to turn on/off by controlling the flow. It can become worn out, usually due to poor maintenance. However, it can also get stuck in an event like a power surge. The equipment will continue running if it is unable to interrupt electricity flow to the outdoor unit. To avoid safety hazards, a professional technician will be required to help you replace the contactor or get it unstuck. You can book an AC repair service to sort out this issue.
Ultimately, both scenarios are troubling and may require AC repair to be performed by a licensed HVAC technician. With 24/7 emergency service availability, you’ve got the option to call for a One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas technician any time you need it in Flower Mound, TX. Alternatively, submit a request online.