Why Is My Central Air Conditioning System Not Working?

What causes the central AC to stop working?

Most people in this area have a central air conditioning system to keep them cool throughout the year. As much as you might not want to think about it, your AC could stop working.

Here are 7 common reasons why:

• Low refrigerant: Refrigerant removes heat and humidity from your home. If your refrigerant is low from a leak or bad compressor, your air conditioner will stop cooling and you’ll need to get it repaired.
• Frozen evaporator coils: Refrigerant stored inside the evaporator coils absorbs heat. If the coils don’t have warm air around them, they can freeze and cause the whole system to shut down.
• Dirty condenser coils: The coils inside your outdoor unit–the condenser–can get dirty and clogged and stop the cooling cycle in its tracks by failing to remove the heat the evaporator coils have absorbed.
• Blower fan failure: The blower fan blows air over the evaporator coils to help create the cool air that cools your home. If these fans fail, the cooling cycle is disrupted.
• Duct leaks: Any tears or crimps in the ductwork will restrict airflow and interrupt the cooling cycle. Instead of sending cool air through your vents, broken ducts end up cooling spaces like the attic or the inside of your walls.
• Thermostat problems: Thermostats regulate the temperature inside the home. Older thermostats may need to be recalibrated or upgraded to ensure your home is cooled at a consistent temperature.
• Clogged drains: Your coils create moisture and that moisture has to drain out of the system. If the drains get clogged, it can cause the air conditioner to stop working. If it gets backed up too much, it can also cause water damage.

Age and poor maintenance also factor into your need for air conditioner repair. And, if your air conditioner is more than 15 years old or you’re spending more and more on repairs, it may be time to consider investing in a new system.

How do I know if my central air conditioning thermostat is broken?

Your thermostat regulates the temperature inside your home. When it breaks down, it can cause all sorts of problems that can lead to costly air conditioner repairs.

Here are 5 things to look for that could signal a problem with your thermostat:

• Air conditioner cycling becomes irregular: If your air conditioner begins to cycle between off and on rapidly or randomly without changes in the temperature setting, this usually means you have a problem with the thermostat. The usual culprit in this case is frayed or bad wiring.
• Incorrect reading: If your thermostat is showing an incorrect temperature, the sensor inside the thermostat may be failing or have a defect. The thermostat may need to be replaced or upgraded. You can test the reading by comparing it to a reading from a portable indoor thermometer.
• Increase in utility bills: Your AC uses a significant amount of energy and increases in your electric bill may indicate a problem with your AC. Your thermostat is a good place to start when checking for problems with your air conditioner.
• Constant temperature swings: If your thermostat won’t stay on the same setting no matter how many times you reset it, it’s time to get the thermostat repaired or replaced.
• Outdated thermostat: If your thermostat is more than 10 years old, you might want to consider replacing it. An upgrade to a programmable thermostat will allow you to better regulate the temperature inside your home year-round.

What is the life expectancy of a central air conditioner?

With regular maintenance and upkeep, you can expect your central air conditioning system to last 15 to 20 years. One of the most important maintenance projects to adapt is changing your filter out about every six months. This simple act can extend your air conditioner’s lifespan and reduce your expenditures on air conditioner repair.

Dirty air filters restrict airflow and put more strain on your air conditioner’s parts. Not only does this strain lead to breakdowns, but it also uses more energy, which costs you more in electricity bills.

If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may also be harder to get parts and warranties may have expired. You may also be spending more money on repairs. In this case, it’s usually better, and more cost-effective, to replace the system.

Is it bad for your central AC to be constantly running?

For the most part, modern air conditioning systems are designed to run 24 hours a day and can do so and still keep cooling your home.

But, if the AC is constantly running and not cooling, if it’s blowing warm air, then you have a problem and you’ll need to get the AC fixed.

There are also several downsides to setting your AC to running constantly rather than having it cycle off and on throughout the day. The biggest downside is the strain it puts on individual parts like the compressor. The more wear and tear that’s put on the unit, the more likely you’ll be spending more money on parts repair and replacement. You’ll also be spending more on electricity bills because of the energy used by a constantly running AC.