AC Not Working? 7 Simple DIY Checks!

Is your AC not working? Are you curious about DIY air conditioner repair? Residents in Snappy's service area and many other locations across the country rely on a properly functioning air conditioning system to get through hot and humid months. If your AC is not working on those incredibly balmy days or during extended heat waves, then your home may become almost unbearable. Fortunately, routinely checking your air conditioner unit helps ensure that it is working to its full potential and running at peak efficiency. If your AC is not working or you are otherwise wondering what to check to monitor its operation, learn about 7 DIY AC checks below!

How to Check Your Air Conditioner

Before beginning any home improvement or maintenance project, it's important for homeowners to consider their readiness for these tasks. As per Realtor.com, money is not the only cost of these efforts. From the financial consequences of a job done wrong to the emotional stress that projects can generally cause in the household, these efforts take time to complete, not to mention skill and specialized tools (in some cases). Fortunately, the majority of the DIY AC checkpoints on the following list are observational, but you can turn to your local AC maintenance specialist for help if needed!

1. Look at the Thermostat

If the AC is not working, then check the thermostat batteries, as they may be running low. Often, a battery symbol or light on your thermostat indicates when the batteries need to be changed. Additionally, thermostat setting issues also impact AC operation, so make sure that they are set appropriately. As a first step in DIY AC maintenance, checking the thermostat may save you both hassle and headache.

In general, regularly checking your thermostat or employing a programmable thermostat, like a smart thermostat, offers numerous benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to supporting energy efficiency and reducing utility bills, limiting the use of air conditioners helps reduce the strain of continuous use on this system's components.

2. Listen to the AC

To monitor your HVAC system throughout the year or your individual AC units, your senses come in handy. A well-maintained and properly functioning air conditioning system is meant to run quietly and efficiently. Consequently, changes from usual system sounds often indicate that your AC is not working. Often, noisy AC units point to issues with the compressor motor or condenser fan, which can compromise the system's efficiency. If your AC is making a ruckus especially during initial start-up or more subtle sound changes are accompanied by other system issues, contact an AC repair expert to diagnose and fix the problem.

3. Check the Temperature

For older homes and AC systems, the external temperature can make a difference. On those unbearably hot days, the temperature outside could be too intense for older systems to function at maximum efficiency and may result in a system failure. Whether your AC is not working well or at all, it may be time for an HVAC repair or replacement. After a reputable HVAC company, such as Snappy Services, assesses your system and shares its current value relative to the necessary repair costs, consider the 50% rule as you anticipate potential next steps. In short, if the cost to repair your HVAC system is LESS than half of its value and its previous maintenance and repair costs have been relatively low, a repair may be a less expensive yet effective option in comparison to a complete replacement.

4. Assess the Outdoor Unit

The outside portion of your air conditioner or condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat from your inside air to the air outside. If the condenser is compromised, the heat that is removed from your home will have nowhere to go. Since the unit is outside and exposed to the elements, it's especially important for homeowners to stay vigilant about its care. To maintain this component of your HVAC system, be sure to check the fan and the area around the unit.

During seasonal yard work or the occasional "spot check," clear weeds, accumulated leaves, or any other debris from around these components. Also, give some attention to the fan because you should be able to see and hear it running. If this sound is absent or unusual, then this finding may point to why your AC is not working as it should be. Scheduling regular professional HVAC maintenance in addition to your own DIY AC upkeep helps ensure effective and efficient system operations.

5. Examine the Drain Line for Water

Water leaks anywhere in the home are cause for concern. Similarly, any water surrounding the indoor AC unit is a clear sign that the AC is not working properly. Typically, this scenario indicates that the drain line is likely plugged. However, there are other reasons for water around the drain line, so it is best to have a professional expert inspect the air conditioner system to diagnose and resolve the issue.

6. Replace the AC Air Filter

As with the outdoor unit of your HVAC system, your AC air filter may be similarly out of sight and thus out of mind. Although it is located in your home's interior system components, this filter also becomes dirty and clogged over time. Dirty air filters can allow airborne contaminants to circulate through your home as they build up on the filter and are pulled into the system, reducing overall air quality. Plus, clogged filters force your AC to work overtime, leading to potential system damage and reduced cooling efficiency. When your system struggles to pull in clean air, it essentially "chokes," preventing proper airflow. This not only causes performance issues but also accelerates wear and tear, leading to premature part failure. Regular filter replacements keep your air clean and your AC running smoothly!

Therefore, simple maintenance is one of the single most important things you can do to keep your equipment running properly and efficiently. Changing the filter is a quick DIY air conditioner repair, which allows the system and your household to breathe easier. If you aren't comfortable performing this task, be sure to talk to a quality HVAC specialist about including filter replacement as part of your scheduled maintenance.

7. Inspect the Circuit Breaker

Whether caused by an AC unit or any other appliance, an overworked appliance can trip the circuit breaker. Sometimes, this tripped circuit breaker may simply require a reset. However, if it happens more than once, then you may have a bigger problem. At Snappy Services, our team includes both HVAC specialists and electrical experts, so we'll be able to help you resolve issues quickly and effectively!

Whether you execute one or more of these simple DIY AC checks, your efforts help keep your home cool and your system operating as it should. If you've completed the checklist and your AC still is not working, contact the professionals at Snappy Services for assistance. In addition to identifying and solving any AC repair or maintenance needs, Snappy also conducts home energy checkups to help homeowners identify other ways to reduce energy use and save money on energy bills! Contact our team with any questions about our HVAC, plumbing or electrical services or request an appointment if your AC is not working!