Quick Checks to Restore a Broken AC During a Heat Wave

When a heat wave settles in, your air conditioning system has to work much harder to maintain a comfortable environment. That extra strain can increase the likelihood of experiencing a broken AC. Before you assume your AC needs professional repairs, you can do some safe and simple checks to restore proper cooling to your home. Below, we’ll go over some quick troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional AC repair technician.

Why Heat Waves Put Extra Strain on Your AC

During a heat wave, your AC will run much longer than normal. Instead of cycling on and off throughout the daytime, it may run continuously to try to keep up with the extreme outdoor heat. Extended run times put additional strain on the components of your system, like your fan motor, compressor, and capacitor. If your system already has restricted airflow, worn-out parts, or another underlying problem, the added workload can make the issue more noticeable. Many times, this leads to a breakdown that seems to come out of nowhere.

Check the Thermostat

One of the best places to start checking your broken AC is at your thermostat. Make sure that it is set to cooling mode and that the temperature is lower than your current room temperature. If your thermostat screen is blank, you may need to replace the batteries, or you may need to reset your circuit breaker. It’s a good idea to review your programming and schedule to ensure that it hasn’t been accidentally changed. Sometimes all it takes is a simple thermostat adjustment to get your AC back up and running.

Check the Circuit Breaker

Another culprit behind your broken AC during a heat wave event is a tripped circuit breaker. If your air conditioner isn’t working at all, check your home’s electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker for your HVAC system is tripped. Sometimes, a temporary electrical overload can cause the breaker to switch off. Turn it off and then back on again to reset it. If the circuit breaker immediately trips, it’s best to shut it off and have a professional perform a thorough evaluation. Black-Haak also offers professional electrical services for homeowners throughout the Fox Valley.

Inspect the Air Filter

Another issue behind your broken AC that’s easy to resolve is a dirty air filter. As dust and other debris build up inside the filter, it restricts the flow of air throughout your system. This makes it harder for your air conditioner to circulate cool air throughout your home. Sometimes the airflow can be restricted so much that it causes your evaporator coil to freeze or triggers a safety shutdown. All you need to do is pull your filter out and replace it if it looks dirty. You can also visit Black-Haak’s online shop for quality HVAC products like replacement air filters.

Check the Air Vents

Take a moment to walk through your home and check all your supply and return vents. Make sure that air is flowing out of all the vents and that it doesn’t feel warm or weak. Make sure that no curtains, rugs, furniture, or other objects are blocking the vents. Additionally, make sure all the vent grates are fully open. Any restriction in airflow can reduce your system’s efficiency and make it harder to keep your home comfortable during a heat wave.

Look for Ice on the System

If you see ice forming on the surface of your indoor evaporator coil, outdoor unit, or refrigerant lines, it’s best to shut your system off. Ice buildup indicates an underlying problem like restricted airflow or a dirty coil. It’s best to have a professional assess issues like low refrigerant and dirty coils to restore functionality to your AC. You can try replacing a dirty air filter or checking for blocked vents if you suspect one of these may be why your coils froze.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit

For your air conditioning system to release your indoor heat to the outdoors, it needs to go through your condenser unit. Any restriction in airflow at your condenser unit can reduce the cooling capacity of your cooling system. Items like grass clippings, branches, and leaves all restrict airflow. Overgrown plants and shrubs can minimize the heat output from your condenser unit. Be sure to remove any debris against the unit, and trim back shrubbery to provide 2 to 3 feet of open space around it.

Check the Condensate Drain Line

When your air conditioning system operates, it naturally extracts moisture from the air. This moisture falls down into the drain pan and leaves your home through the condensate drain line. Unfortunately, if the drain line has a clog, it could allow water to back up into the drain pan. Most modern air conditioners have a safety float switch that automatically shuts the appliance off when water backs up in the drain pan. This prevents water from overflowing into your home. Clearing the blockage from your condensate drain can allow the excess water to drain and your AC to turn back on.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

Unusual noises coming from your air conditioning system can provide important clues about what’s wrong. If you hear a humming or a buzzing noise, it typically indicates an electrical problem, while a repeated clicking noise indicates a faulty relay or capacitor. Rattling noises indicate loose components, while grinding sounds suggest worn motor bearings. If you hear a noise that’s out of the norm, turn off your AC, and avoid running it until a professional does a thorough diagnosis.

Quick Checks That Are Not DIY Repairs

There are certain issues with your air conditioning system that will require professional intervention. If you suspect you have an electrical problem, compressor issue, refrigerant leak, frozen coils, or repeated breaker trips, you need a professional. A DIY attempt could void the warranty on your system.

How to Stay Cooler While Waiting for Repairs

While you’re waiting for a professional to service your air conditioning system, you can do some things to keep your home feeling cool. Close your blinds to limit heat gain from sunlight, minimize appliance usage, use ceiling fans, and stay well hydrated.

How Maintenance Helps Prevent Heat Wave Breakdowns

Seasonal AC maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid experiencing a broken AC during a heat wave. Seasonal maintenance catches dirty coils, weak parts, airflow problems, and clogged drain lines before extreme heat arrives. We recommend scheduling a maintenance appointment early in the spring. Black-Haak also offers home protection service programs that include routine air conditioning inspections and maintenance benefits.

Schedule Professional AC Repair Today

When you experience a broken air conditioner during a heat wave, you need to check your air filter, thermostat, vents, and outdoor condenser unit. If your AC still will not cool, freezes up, keeps shutting off, or shows signs of an electrical or mechanical malfunction, you need professional help.

Contact Black-Haak today for professional AC repair in Fox Valley, WI.