Air Conditioner Not Working? Keep Calm and Find Out How to Fix It

Blue Valley Heating and Cooling is a licensed company specializing in HVAC installation, maintenance and repair works, with over 35 years in business, ready to help you fix any AC problems you may experience.

During the hot season, a professional HVAC contractor will get many phone calls concerning an air conditioner not working. In some cases, the problem is serious and requires a licensed technician’s intervention. However, there are several simple AC problems that you can fix yourself, without requiring any special training and skills.

We understand how terrible it is to have an air conditioner not working during this heatwave. For this reason, we prepared a detailed list of AC problems and solutions, which we hope will help you solve the issue and enjoy a pleasant temperature in your home.

Please note that if we specify that you need to call an HVAC specialist for air conditioning troubleshooting, you should definitely not attempt a DIY repair. It could damage your AC system beyond repair, requiring you to buy a new one.

Common AC Problems

In many cases, an air conditioner not working is due to a very simple issue which you can quickly correct on your own. Thus, we encourage you to look over the issues below and follow the steps we indicated. If you still cannot solve any of these AC problems, you should call a licensed HVAC contractor.

The Room Is Not Cool Enough

If you feel that you never get the temperature you set, the problem can be very simple: the thermostat batteries are dead. Thus, the new temperature input was not actually transmitted to the central AC unit and you are getting the last value that the unit actually received from the thermostat.

The Airflow Is Weak

This is one of the most common AC problems, and it is usually caused by dirty filters. You need to change them because their role is to retain all impurities and debris in the air blown into the room.

Thus, over time, the filters become dirty and clogged. To avoid the issue of the air conditioner not working properly, you should inspect the filters on a regular basis and change them when they appear to look dirty. In other words, check monthly and change as needed.

The Unit Does Not Start at All

Before you start panicking, check your electrical panel, more specifically, the circuit breaker. Air conditioners require a lot of electricity, and they may trip circuit breakers.

For starters, make sure that there are no other large appliances working while the AC is on. A permanent solution to this issue is upgrading the electrical panel.

Please note that a unit that won’t start at all may be a serious issue, not one of the most common AC problems. If there is no problem with the breaker and the AC unit actually is supplied with electricity, you should call a specialist.

Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Sometimes, a broken air conditioner requires a licensed contractor to inspect and repair it. These are some common AC problems that are best left to professionals:

The AC Is Running Constantly

Air conditioners have a cycle of working and turning off. Understandably, the running period is longer in hot weather. However, if the AC simply does not turn off at all, you need to call a technician. Otherwise, you may end up with an air conditioner not working at all or a very expensive electricity bill.

In some cases, you may find out that you have an undersized AC unit for the volume of the room. This is why you should call an HVAC contractor to evaluate your air conditioning needs before you purchase a unit.

Refrigerant Is Leaking from the Unit

This is one of the AC problems which may cause severe damage to the compressor if you do not call an HVAC contractor as soon as possible. It is also not something you can fix by yourself. Instead, turn off the air conditioner immediately, and call specialists to identify and repair the problem and top up the refrigerant.

The AC Emits Strange Smells or Noises

AC units are not completely silent, but you should not hear squeaks or rumbling noises coming from them. Also, if everything is working fine, there should be no specific odor in the room. Any noises or odors are signs of an air conditioner not working properly. Especially if you feel a burning smell, you should turn off the AC immediately and (if you can do it safely) unplug the indoor unit.  

Frozen Coil or Lines

Check your filter or it could be a bad fan motor.  Any oil around the condenser could be an indication of a leak.  Please call for service immediately.  

Our Specialists Can Fix All AC Problems!

Blue Valley Heating and Cooling is a team of licensed HVAC contractors with a combined experience of over 100 years. We have been in business for over 30 years and have seen all the common AC problems you may experience. Whenever you have an issue with an air conditioner not working, you can rely on our know-how and experience to fix the issue or let you know whether you need to consider upgrading to a new AC unit.  

We are based in Longmont, CO, but our service area also covers:

• Denver
• Boulder
• Loveland
• Firestone
• Louisville
• Brighton
• Westminster
• Broomfield
• Thornton
• Erie
• Lyons
• Niwot
• Frederick

Air conditioner not working? Call us now at 303-993-2645!