What causes your air conditioner to stop working

If your air conditioning unit has stopped working, there are many possible reasons that can explain why. It could be your thermostat, your air filter, a problem with the condenser or compressor, or it may just be time to replace the unit, especially if it’s over 10 years old.

Why my air conditioner suddenly stopped working?

When your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it can be cause for alarm or it can be something as simple as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. … It is important to note that many common problems with air conditioners can be caused by inadequate maintenance.

How do I get my AC to work again?

Turn off the power.
Clean or change the air filter to improve airflow.
Look to see if ice has formed on the coils and, if it has, turn on the power and the fan to melt it.
Clean the condensate drain.
Finally, check and clean the outdoor compressor.

How do I reset my air conditioning unit?

Shut it Off. First, turn off your AC before resetting the thermostat. …
Get to the Circuit Breaker. So far, so good. …
Wait 30 Seconds. After turning off the circuit breaker linked to the AC unit, wait for a full minute. …
Turn it Back On.

What to check if AC is not cooling?

A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. In more extreme cases it can cause the system to shut down completely. If your thermostat checks out and you still don’t have cool air, locate your system’s air filter, turn the system off, remove the filter and inspect.

How do I know if my AC fuse is blown?

Test the load: If you saw a voltage reading during the previous step, run the same test on the “load” side of the fuses. You should again see a reading between 220 and 240. If you see a voltage reading on the “line” side but not the “load” side, it means you have a blown fuse.

Why is my air conditioner on but not blowing air?

If the AC unit is running, but there is no air through the vents, you are likely dealing with a fan capacitor that has reached the end of its life. Fan capacitors help get your HVAC system’s outdoor and indoor fan motors blowing and your compressor running.

Why is my outside AC unit not working?

On-Off: When your outside AC unit is not running, sometimes it’s as simple an on/off switch being accidentally turned off. Most outside fan units have an on-off switch in a small box by the unit. Circuit breaker tripped: A circuit breaker could have been the cause of your outside AC unit to stop working properly.

Why won't my outside AC unit come on?

AC not turning on could be the result of a blown fuse located at something called a safety shut-off box. This should be found close to your AC unit. Check to see if you have a blown fuse, and be sure to replace it if that’s the case. Even if the fuse doesn’t appear to be damaged, go ahead and replace it anyway.

Should I turn off AC if it's not cooling?

If your ac is still not cooling there is one more thing you need to do. This is very important…. TURN IT OFF and call your HVAC service provider to assist you. We always tell our customers to turn off an ac that is not cooling properly.

Article first time published on

Where is the fuse located on AC unit?

The fuse is a wire inside a glass casing, found in the disconnection box connected to your AC. The fuse is a protective measure meant to protect your air conditioner from electrical damage.

How much does it cost to replace an AC fuse?

How Much Does an AC Fuse Replacement Cost? The expense ranges from $30 to $300 for fuse replacement. On the off chance that you notice that the AC unit has electrical issues, the guilty party could have a broken fuse.

Where are AC fuses?

A fuse is a metal filament or wire, usually in some type of casing. It’s located in the disconnect box, connected to your AC. It is there to protect your machine, to avoid more serious problems.

Is there a reset button on outside AC unit?

An AC’s reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don’t see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel. Before poking around inside the machinery, be sure to cut power to the system by flipping off your circuit breaker.

Where is the reset button on my outside AC unit?

The reset for a whole house air conditioner is going to be in the outdoor unit. You will have to look for it. It will have a small button that’s probably red in color and two wires protruding from the top. The opposite end of the pressure switch will have a small copper tube connected to the systems refrigeration line.

How do I know if my AC compressor fuse is bad?

If you suspect that your AC may have blown a fuse, the first thing you shall notice is that the outside unit of your AC is not doing anything. You may hear a minor humming sound, but that is the extent of it. The humming sound is produced because, despite no power, the furnace keeps asking the AC to run.

How long should an A C unit last?

Though the lifespan of a home air conditioner varies based on many factors, those that are well-maintained should last 10 to 15 years.

How do I know if my AC fan motor is bad?

AC Fan Doesn’t Start. Even though you have the AC turned on, the fan does not start.
AC Fan Doesn’t Stop. …
Slow Rotating Blades. …
Outside Fan Blades Are Still. …
Rattling, Humming, and Buzzing Noises. …
AC Runs Intermittently. …
No Cold Airflow.