Is your home suddenly feeling warmer than it should? You adjust the thermostat, but nothing happens. So what’s going on? Is the air conditioner the problem, or is it just the thermostat acting up?
Let’s walk through how to figure it out and what you should look for.
Could The Thermostat Be The Culprit?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the AC at all; it’s the thermostat. It’s the brain of your HVAC system, after all.
- Is It Getting Power? A dead thermostat could simply be due to dead batteries or a tripped circuit breaker.
- Are The Settings Correct? Double-check that it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
- Wiring Troubles? Loose or corroded wires can cause miscommunication between the thermostat and the AC.
- Sensor Malfunction? If your thermostat is reading temperatures incorrectly, your AC may not run when you need it most.
- Physical Damage? A cracked or loose thermostat can cause problems even if everything else is set correctly.
What If The Problem Is In The AC Unit?
If your thermostat checks out, your AC unit might be to blame. There are several common culprits:
- Refrigerant Leak: If your system is low on refrigerant, it can’t cool your home effectively.
- Dirty Air Filter: A clogged filter blocks airflow and reduces system performance.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils: Ice buildup can stop your system from cooling altogether.
- Dirty Condenser Coils: These prevent heat from escaping your home, reducing efficiency.
- Compressor Issues: A damaged compressor means no cooling—no matter what your thermostat says.
- Electrical Problems: A tripped breaker, faulty capacitor, or loose wiring can all shut your AC down.
How Can You Troubleshoot The Problem?
Start simple:
- Check the thermostat: Replace batteries, verify settings, and inspect for damage.
- Change the filter: A dirty air filter is an easy fix that often solves performance issues.
- Inspect the outdoor unit: Clear away leaves and debris. Look for signs of damage or dirt buildup.
- Call in a pro: If things still aren’t working, it’s time for a professional HVAC checkup.
Still Unsure? Let Bell Brothers Figure It Out
Whether it’s a faulty thermostat or an AC unit on the fritz, the pros at Bell Brothers can diagnose the issue and get your system running smoothly again.
Give us a call and let’s bring the cool back into your home!
