Why Is My AC Not Working?

It’s summer, the first really hot day and you turn on your West Milford air conditioner. And it’s not working.

You try turning it off and on, but it still isn’t working. Great.

Now what?

There are several things you can do to troubleshoot your AC system.

Some you can remedy yourself, but others will require a professional air conditioning technician. Read on to learn more about what they are or simply reach out to the West Milford HVAC experts at Mark Lindsay and Son Plumbing & Heating today!

4 Ways to Troubleshoot Your Air Conditioner

1) Check Your Thermostat

It’s that easy. Make sure your thermostat is set to cool. Someone may have set it to “Fan”. The fan setting will blow air through your system but not cool the air. Switch the setting to “Automatic” and the cooling system will come on. Also check to see what the temperature setting is. If these don’t work, contact Mark Lindsay and Son to come and see if the thermostat has failed.

2) Check the Air Filter

A quick look at your air filter will tell you if it needs to be replaced. If you haven’t replaced it in a few months, replace it. Use a high-quality filter that will filter the air more effectively. This is a part of regular air conditioning maintenance in West Milford you should be doing to help prolong the life of your AC system and make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible.

3) Look for a Clogged Outside Condenser

Your AC system has an exterior coil. The coil wraps around the unit and has fins that are close together. These fins are prone to clogging. Any kind of debris such as grass, dirt, leaves, and so on can get trapped and block the airflow. Check the condenser for clogs and if it’s clogged, clean it. You can either use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or use your garden hose to gently wash away the debris. Don’t use a power washer, as the high pressure will damage the cooling fins.

4) Look for a Frozen Evaporator Coil

This is located in the indoor part of your air conditioning system. When warm air is drawn into your system, the heat and humidity are removed from the air and the cool, dry air is blown into your home. Occasionally these coils will freeze and stop your system from cooling the air. Here are some signs of a frozen evaporator coil: Increase in energy bills, poor cooling, frost on the copper refrigerant tubing, excessive condenser drainage. Fixing a frozen coil is best left to a professional West Milford air conditioning repair technician.

What Else Can Cause Problems?

Other issues can be leaking refrigerant, leaky ductwork, and an old system. These issues are best dealt with by a professional HVAC technician. 

Help from the West Milford Air Conditioning Pros

If you’re having problems with your air conditioner not cooling or any other issues, call us at Mark Lindsay and Son Heating & Plumbing, and we’ll be there to fix your air conditioner and keep you cool all summer!

Learn More About AC Repair in West Milford

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• 6 Tips to Keep You Cool This Summer
• Why Is My AC Short-Cycling?