Spring is a great reminder that what was once cold and gray is coming back to life again. But not everything has the same comeback ability that nature does. What do you do if your AC stopped working over the winter and warmer weather is just around the corner?
We know a few common reasons why and also review some quick fixes you can get started on today.
#1 Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker
A common problem with an easy fix is a tripped breaker. Simply go to your breaker box and check that it’s flipped to the on position. If that doesn’t bring your AC back to life, you might have blown a fuse that needs to be replaced before your unit can function again.
Blown fuses are a result of your AC unit overloading its circuit. If you blow a fuse, this might signify a larger problem with your electrical system that would require a professional to take a closer look. Change out the fuse, and if it continues to happen, it might be time to call in some reinforcements.
#2 Emergency Shutoff
Like many pieces of equipment, your AC unit has an emergency shutoff feature that protects the system itself before major damage can occur. Just like with a tripped breaker, this is a simple fix. Find the condenser unit and check to see if it’s in the off position.
If so, flip it back on and be prepared to figure out the root of why it shut off, to begin with. Likely, your unit ran into some issues and turned itself off to prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one. If that’s the case, then it’s best to ask for professional help.
#3 Weather Damage (from wind and rain)
Another reason your AC may have stopped working over the winter is due to weather damage. Wind, rain, snow, and ice can all have an effect on how well your unit runs. If leaves or twins got blown onto your unit during a storm or ice developed in the fan, your AC wouldn’t run as efficiently. The elements could have even caused damage to the unit itself or clogged filters and drains that need to be cleaned for it to function properly.
Once the storms settle, clear off your unit and check the lines for clogs to prevent any long-term damage to your AC system.
#4 Blower and Fan Failure
Your breaker is turned on, you’ve dealt with the emergency shutoff switch, and your unit is clear of debris. Now what? Time to check your blower and fan.
If your fan blades are bent, it will make your entire AC unit less efficient. Straighten out the fans with a tool and see if that fixes the problem. If not, move on to your blower motor. Old blowers can seize up over the colder months, so if you don’t feel air coming from the vents in your house, you might have an issue with your air handler. This requires professional help to fix, so find a trusted company you can trust to get things up and to run again.
#5 Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can cause a lot of damage if it’s not addressed quickly. That’s because it affects the other parts of the unit – like the evaporator coil and condenser – wearing them out and potentially causing larger issues you’ll have to address in the future. Also, your AC unit will automatically shut off if your drain pan is full. This happens when your condensate line is blocked or clogged. Preventative maintenance is your best bet to ensure clogs are cleared quickly so your unit can function effectively.
How To Prepare Your AC For Spring
Now that you know why your AC stopped working over the winter, how do you prepare your AC unit for the spring weather to come?
Clean Debris Around the Condenser
When the ice has thawed and the snow has melted, take a few minutes to clear off debris on and around your condenser. This will prevent your filters and drains from getting clogged, which can shut your unit off entirely. You don’t want that happening when the weather is finally getting nicer!
Change The Air Filter
Speaking of filters, it takes just a few minutes to swap out your AC’s air filters, and doing this can save you a lot of time, money, and energy in the future. You should change your filter every three months as part of a routine maintenance schedule. If you have pets inside, you might want to consider changing it even more frequently since dust, hair, and fur can collect and clog filters more quickly.
Schedule A Tune-Up
Routine maintenance includes hiring a professional to come to check out your AC unit. Because this is their area of expertise, they may be able to notice small problems before they become much bigger. The goal here is to extend the life of your unit and improve efficiency.
Call The Professionals at Moore Home Services
If your AC stopped working over the winter, have no fear. Call the professionals at Moore Home Services to get it back up and running again in no time!
If so, flip it back on and be prepared to figure out the root of why it shut off, to begin with. Likely, your unit ran into some issues and turned itself off to prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one. If that’s the case, then it’s best to ask for professional help.
Call The Professionals at Moore Home Services