At Five Star Heating & Cooling Group, we like being prepared to take on whatever Mother Nature throws our way! Likewise, we want our customers to be prepared for unpredictable events. Even with regular maintenance and upkeep of your air conditioning system, power outages and severe storms can still cause issues for your A/C. In the event that something caused your air conditioner to suddenly go out, are you familiar with some basic troubleshooting steps you can safely perform to get it working again?  

Did You Try Checking the Thermostat?    

If your A/C has stopped working randomly, it’s easy to overlook the thermostat. However, dead or low thermostat batteries are frequently the reason homeowners experience A/C issues. So, if you don’t recall the last time the batteries were changed, try swapping them out for a fresh pair of batteries to see if that resolves the issue!  

Did You Try Checking the Circuit Breaker?   

Next, think about the circuit breaker. Suppose the switch flipped in the middle of the night or at a time when you weren’t at home, then the answer to your A/C troubles may lie within the circuit breaker. This possibility is often missed, so be sure to inspect the breaker! You can also try toggling it on and off to see if that kickstarts the power back on. 

Did You Check the Air Filter?   

If your A/C is still acting up, check your system’s air filter to see if it is clogged. Typically, air filters need to be changed every one to two months due to dust, dirt, and particle buildup. So, if they aren’t changed as suggested, a filthy air filter can cause your A/C to malfunction. 

Did You Try Checking the Compressor?   

If checking the air filter did not resolve your issue, move on to inspecting the compressor located outside. It’s essential to ensure that the compressor has not been physically damaged. Things like tree branches or small sticks and loose leaves can fall on top of the equipment or get caught up in the fan blades. Upon inspecting the unit, if you find this to be the case, you will want to call a professional as soon as possible. If you do not see any damage to the unit, listen for any unusual sounds from the compressor. If you hear any unfamiliar noises like rattling or clanking, please contact us as soon as possible.  

So, What Should You Avoid Doing?    

Along with a list of things that are safe to troubleshoot, also accompanies a list of things we do not recommend doing. Number one, please don’t lose patience with us. We are in the hottest season of the year, so there are undoubtedly many other homeowners who are also experiencing issues. However, our clients’ comfort and well-being are essential to us. Therefore, we’ll do everything we can to get to your home as swiftly as possible!  

Secondly, we strongly suggest you do not use heat-producing appliances (i.e., your kitchen stove, oven, dishwasher, or dryer). Utilizing these during this time will only add to the already high temperature in your home. In addition, we also advise against opening your freezer door to alleviate the discomfort of the hot air. The last thing you want is a freezer full of spoiled groceries for the small trade-off of the tiny bit of cool air the freezer may provide. 

In search of a reputable heating and cooling company that you can trust? We at Five Star Heating & Cooling Group would feel privileged to serve you! So, if you have any A/C issues or concerns, give us a chance and let us show you our five-star customer service! Don’t hesitate to reach us at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!