Why Did My AC Stop Operating All of a Sudden?
During the 1960s, having a cooling system at home was a symbol of opulence. Only a few individuals could afford it, so families that did not have a cooling system had to sleep on their patios to cope with the heat.
In this modern period, if your AC stop working all of a sudden, you might have to face the same thing. When the AC stops working abruptly, it means that something is wrong with it. But there are a handful of reasons why a cooling system might stop operating. Once you know the reason, you can get it repaired before something harsh happens to the unit.
8 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Stops Functioning:
When the AC stops working all of a sudden, it can make you pretty frustrated. In this section, you will learn about the reasons why an AC unit stops operating abruptly.
Troubles in the Electrical System
Electrical malfunction is one of the main causes of air conditioner problems. Improper connections or exposed wires are also major causes. If you believe that the AC unit’s failure to function was caused by an electrical issue, contact an HVAC expert.
They can diagnose the problem and perform any necessary replacements and repairs. The expert may identify the complete system to ensure everything is operating as it should. After a professional inspects and fixes your AC, it will function properly once again.
Improper Connections
Poor connections are another cause of your air conditioner stopping unexpectedly. An air conditioner has several parts, and they should all be linked correctly. The unit won’t function if any connections are loose.
Although loose connections can happen anywhere in the AC unit, they most often occur in the “electrical department.” Both aging and vibration can cause them to come free. If you think there may be issues with the electrical connections, you need to get in touch with an expert. They can quickly analyze the problem and, if necessary, correct it.
Disconnected Switches Have Shut Down
An ordinary on/off button is not equivalent to a “safety” or “disconnect” button. This switch totally cuts off the air conditioner’s electrical circuit, allowing an AC repair professional to operate the equipment securely by turning it off.
The disconnection switch is located in both the interior and outdoor air conditioning systems. Occasionally, you may inadvertently knock against the switch and flip it. To prevent this problem, make sure that the outside and interior disconnect switches are in the “ON” position. That way, the electricity will reach the air conditioner.
Broken Thermostat
Before you examine why the AC stop working all of a sudden, you should first check whether the thermostat is operating. This device can easily sense the temperature inside a residence and adjust the cooling system properly according to your inputs.
If this device does not operate, your cooling system will not work either. Check to see whether the thermostat is functioning, switched on, and not accidentally turned off.
A Failing Capacitor
Capacitors are not equipment for time travel. These devices transport energy to the AC’s fan motor and also help power up the system when it requires energy. Capacitors might be smaller in size, but are the primary workhorses that keep the AC functioning. That way, it will not stop working unexpectedly.
But when the capacitor starts facing problems, you will hear a humming sound coming from the system. This means you should contact an AC technician. When the cooling system shuts down randomly or in short cycles, it’s due to a failing capacitor. You cannot resolve this matter on your own; it’s better to let the experts take care of it.
Condenser Coil Contains Grime
A bit of dust or dirt can cause issues throughout the entire air conditioner, including the condenser coil. The condenser coil releases heat outside the residence. When the coil is filled with dirt, the heat gets trapped inside the AC unit.
This can make the AC stop working all of a sudden and prevent it from reaching the cooling temperature. You can clean the condenser coil on your own (if you know how to do it). Otherwise, hire an HVAC technician to get the work done.
Blocked External Unit
If you don’t take proper care of your lawn, it can also make your home hot. Twigs, shrubs, and various other plants can block the air to the external AC unit. If the condenser coil contains leaves or grime, the heat transfer gets restricted. The air conditioner might have to work harder to release cool air. This can surely cause a system failure.
As a homeowner, you should make sure the law is well-maintained. You must also use the garden hose instead of a pressure washer to eliminate all the debris and dirt found in the fins of the outdoor unit.
Try to keep around 60 cm to 91 cm (2 feet to 3 feet) of space between the plants and the external AC unit. Also, keep a 1.5 m (5 feet) gap between the trees and the top section of the outdoor unit.
The AC Fan or Compressor Shuts Down
An air conditioner has an indoor and outdoor system. The external unit contains an AC fan and a compressor. The compressor circulates the Freon (refrigerant) in the system, and the fan helps cool it down. Your unit will not run if the compressor or fan shuts down. In most circumstances, the compressor is at fault.
The relay can turn off/on the AC compressor, which might not happen because of electrical problems. If the relay doesn’t work, the compressor will not run, which will prevent the AC unit from running.
At times, issues can also occur with the AC fan. The fan will not function when there is a motor-related problem or if it gets overloaded. Call an HVAC expert when the AC fan or compressor has completely shut down.
Wrapping Up
There are many potential reasons why your cooling system might suddenly shut down. Being aware of these “reasons” will help you stay prepared if your unit stops functioning. If you notice an issue during the early stages, contacting the experts at Smile HVAC is the right thing to do.
We offer comprehensive AC solutions to all our customers. When an AC unit stops working, we thoroughly inspect every part of the system to identify the problem. Using the latest technology and equipment, we make it a point to resolve all AC-related issues quick and effectively.
To learn more about uss, please visit our website at https://smilehvac.ca/ or call us at (+1) 437-777-4555.
