Why is my AC not working?

We know how frustrating it is to be stuck without a working air conditioner on a hot day.

Don’t worry—we’ll help you figure out what’s causing the problem and get your AC working again ASAP.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to troubleshoot the following common AC problems:

1. AC won’t turn on
2. AC is blowing warm air
3. AC runs but isn’t blowing any air

Scroll to the section that best describes your situation and we’ll share some tips on how to fix the issue.

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Don’t see your AC problem listed above? Or do you want a professional to repair your AC right away? Call 336-281-0047 or request an appointment online and we’ll quickly dispatch one of our skilled technicians to fix your AC.

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Problem #1: AC won’t turn on

You go to the thermostat and set it to cool mode… but nothing happens.

Sound familiar?

If your air conditioner isn’t turning on, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Step #1: Make sure the thermostat is responsive

Go to the thermostat and see if you can adjust the controls. If the thermostat is not responding to your temperature adjustments, then it could mean the thermostat needs new batteries.

You can try replacing the batteries yourself but if the thermostat is still unresponsive even with new batteries, then it could have a wiring issue. In that case, you should contact a professional to inspect the thermostat.

Step #2: Check the AC circuit breaker

If the thermostat seems to be working fine, go to the electric panel and check on the AC circuit breaker. A power surge could have caused the breaker to trip, which would prevent the indoor and outdoor AC units from turning on.

Look for the AC circuit breaker on your electrical panel

Simply flip the breaker to the “on” position to restore power to your AC. However, if the breaker continues to trip, do not continue to reset it. That’s usually a sign of a bigger problem that a professional will need to fix.

Step #3: Call a professional

If you’ve tried the steps above but your AC still isn’t turning on, it’s time to call a professional. Your AC could have more complicated problems such as:

• Overheating or malfunctioning components
• A condensate drain clog
• A wiring or control board issue

Since these repairs require special expertise and tools to fix, you’ll need to have a professional visit your home and diagnose the problem.

Problem #2: AC is blowing warm air

If the air coming out of your supply vents feels warmer than it should try the following troubleshooting steps:

Step #1: Double-check that the thermostat is set correctly

First, make sure the thermostat is set to COOL and not HEAT. Then, make sure your desired temperature is at least 5 degrees lower than the current room temperature.

Verify that your thermostat is set to COOL

Step #2: Check your air filter

Next, you’ll want to check your air filter to see if it’s dirty. A dirty air filter makes it harder for your AC to cool air, which could explain why the air coming out of your vents is warmer than normal.

A dirty air filter

If your air filter looks dirty (like the image above), it should be replaced with a new one. After you replace the filter, wait 30 minutes or so to see if that fixes the problem. If the warm air persists, it’s time for Step #3.

Step #3: Call a professional

After checking the thermostat and air filter, it’s time to call a technician to troubleshoot more difficult problems that could be causing your AC to blow warm air.

Examples of more complicated problems that could cause your AC to blow warm air include:

• A dirty evaporator coil
• A dirty outdoor unit
• A refrigerant leak
• A faulty compressor

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A certified AC professional will have the right tools and knowledge to diagnose these problems and repair them. If you need a professional to repair your AC right away, call 336-281-0047 or request an appointment online and we’ll quickly dispatch one of our skilled technicians to fix your AC.

Request a repair

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Problem #3: AC runs but isn’t blowing any air

Do you hear your air conditioner running, but don’t feel any air coming from the vents?

If so, try these troubleshooting steps:

Step #1: Make sure the vents are open

This may sound a little obvious, but it’s possible that someone closed the dampers on one of the supply vents (pictured below), which would explain why you’re not feeling any cool air.

Cool air enters your home via supply vents

Double-check to make sure all the supply vents are open. If you’re not feeling any (or very little) air coming from the vents, continue to the next step.

Step #2: Check your air filter

A dirty air filter restricts airflow into the AC system. The less air that enters your air conditioner to be cooled, the less air you’ll feel coming out of your vents.

Go to your air filter and check to see if it is clogged with dirt and debris. If it is, replace it with a new, clean filter. Hopefully, this fixes the problem and you’ll start to feel cool air again soon. If not, it’s time to call a professional for help.

Step #3: Call a professional

A professional can troubleshoot more complicated issues that could be preventing your AC from delivering cool air into your home.

One of the most common causes of this problem is a faulty blower motor. The blower is the part that’s responsible for pushing cool air into your home. If there’s an issue with the motor, you’ll experience reduced airflow or no air at all.

Another reason why you’re not feeling cool air could be because the ductwork is leaky or disconnected. A professional can find and repair leaks in the ductwork to restore proper airflow.

Need an AC repair from a trusted North Carolina pro?

Request a repair

Call 336-281-0047 or request an appointment online and we’ll quickly dispatch one of our skilled technicians to fix your AC.

Visit our AC repair service page for more information about what to expect when you hire us.