Air Conditioner Replacement: what to do when your air conditioner stops working

May 28, 2015

Summer and comfort go hand in hand, but when you’re dealing with an air conditioner that isn’t giving the comfort you expect, you may need to consider air conditioner replacement. Take a minute and think about this scenario: it’s only a few weeks in to the summer and you’re enjoying a relaxing day at home. As lunchtime comes around, you notice that it’s starting to feel awfully warm inside. You check the thermostat and all appears to be well with the settings, but the temperature is reading 85 degrees.

It’s quite possible that you rode it out as much as you could, but now it’s time to call in an expert and find out what’s wrong. So what does that mean for you as a homeowner? Well, there are a few reasons that you may be facing air conditioner replacement. And considering the weather in Lincoln, you don’t want to be stuck without what may be the single most substantial piece of home comfort equipment you own.

Here are a few things you should be watching for if you think your air conditioner has stopped working:

  • Insufficient air flow. If you recognize a change in air flow, check for a blocked return-air or supply-air grille. Be sure all of these grilles are not covered by furniture or other items.
  • Non-working outdoor fan. If you go outside to view your air conditioner’s outdoor fan and it doesn’t run, you’ll want to give the professionals at AW Heating & Air Conditioning in Lincoln a call. That fan is responsible for the transferring of heat from your home to the outdoors. If it doesn’t run, that heat transfer isn’t occurring and can cause various issues, including overheating of the compressor and other potential internal damage.
  • Outside obstructions. If your air conditioner is currently bordered by shrubbery or other potential obstructions, there could be a problem with good air flow to the unit. Over time this could also mean that dirt and debris end up clogging your system and inhibiting its cooling abilities. Ensure your system is free from obstructions and is cleaned routinely to potentially reduce your chances of needing air conditioner replacement.
  • Dirty filters. One of the most common problems that AW Heating & Air Conditioning has is improperly cared for filters. Dirty filters not only decrease airflow, they can also impact your system’s efficiency and can drive up your bills. They also affect air quality and when allergy season is in full-swing, a dirty filter can have a great impact on your home comfort.

If you have checked all of these and your air conditioner still isn’t working, follow these step-by-step instructions, only going to the next step if the system doesn’t start.

  1. Check that the thermostat temperature set-point is set below indoor temperature, and the system switch is in the COOL position.
  2. Is the outdoor unit power supply switch "on"?
  3. Is the furnace/air handler power supply "on"?
  4. Check the house fuse box/breaker box for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
  5. If the system still does not operate, call AW Heating & Air Conditioning at 402-438-7992.

Having a broken air conditioner and dealing with air conditioner replacement doesn’t have to be a headache. Sure, your system may not be running , but that’s why the pros at AW Heating & Air Conditioning in Lincoln is here to help. Give us a call at 402-438-7992.