What To Do When Your AC Suddenly Stops Working in Rocklin, California

Everyone has either been there or will be there at some point. You’re relaxing in your home or office when the air conditioner conspicuously cuts off. Do you know what to do when your AC stops working?

As your trusted local provider of AC repair in Rocklin, CA, Christensen Heating and Cooling knows what to do. Our team outlined some DIY AC troubleshooting tips below. If those don’t work, our phones are always open. 

#1 Check and Adjust Your Thermostat

Diagnosing AC problems should begin at your thermostat. The device is the headquarters for temperature information and system requirements. If you don’t know what to do when your AC stops working, check your thermostat for:

1. Undesirable temperature settings: You might have set the temperature higher than usual, so the device won’t kickstart the system until the building reaches that temperature. 
2. Low battery power: An old battery doesn’t supply sufficient power to your thermostat. If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, see what a fresh battery can do. 
3. Improper power settings: Make sure the  device isn’t set to “Heat” or “Off.” These settings won’t initiate the air conditioning system. 

#2 Switch the HVAC Filter

When you notice the AC unit is not working and thermostat adjustments aren’t working, head to the return register to check your HVAC filter. The return register should be in a central location inside. It’s bigger than most output vents and sucks air inside for processing at the air handler.

Open this vent to inspect the filter. If you haven’t changed it in a while or it looks filthy, put a fresh filter in its place. Sometimes, dirty filters block airways which can force the system to shut down. 

#3 Look at Your Circuit Box

If you still don’t know what to do when your AC stops working, check the breaker box for flipped circuit switches. Rolling electrical blackouts can occur in Rocklin, California, and when the electricity returns to the grid, it can surge enough to trigger breaker flips. 

You might also need to update your electrical network. In the meantime, see whether the circuit breaker connected to the air conditioner system has flipped. Switch it back to the correct position if it has to return power to your HVAC system. 

#4 Inspect Your Indoor and Outdoor Units

You can prevent many commercial and home AC issues by keeping your indoor air handler and outdoor air conditioning unit tidy and debris-free. If either piece of equipment becomes coated in dust or can’t let off heat because of surrounding objects, it may shut off to protect the building’s safety. 

The outdoor unit is particularly vulnerable since many property owners undertake landscaping projects or cut their grass, accidentally encasing the units in organic debris. Clean both units and provide two feet of clearance on all sides. 

#5 Contact an HVAC Service in Rocklin, California

Sometimes, knowing what to do when your AC stops working on your end won’t cut it. If the above suggestions don’t work, schedule a repair service in Rocklin, California. An HVAC technician will go through the proper diagnostic and air conditioning repair steps to get to the heart of the problem and fix it safely. 

Common Problems That Cause These Shutdowns

What might create an air conditioner malfunction that will require professional HVAC assistance? Well, a lot can go wrong with cooling systems, especially those in areas that can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit — Rocklin, California, is among those areas.

If you struggle to beat the heat indoors, you’re more likely to kick the cooling system’s performance up a notch or two. This adds stress to the air conditioner, which may lead to:

• Premature blower motor failure: The blower motor intakes and guides cool air into the ductwork. It houses several parts, like the fan and hardware, that can become worn or loose with unrelenting use. 
• Frozen coils: The harder your air conditioner works, the more dust it draws into its interior components. The coils may become coated in dust, causing them to freeze. 
• Overused serpentine belt: Air conditioner belts only last three to five years in general. Since you live in such a hot area, you might need more frequent replacements.