let’s talk: MY AC IS NOT WORKING , NOW WHAT?!
Hey Guys!
We are in the midst of Summer, it is hot as hell outside and of course this week our AC decides to stop working… cue the tears. This AC unit is only 5 years old and for the life of me, I could not get it to cool our house below 75 degrees. SO, I called one of the contractors we work with and had him walk me through every possible issue that could have been causing this catastrophe. Lucky for this blog, but unlucky for any contractor I work with, I ask A LOT of questions. I am like a 5 year old who won’t drop it- always asking questions “Why did something happen? How do I fix it? What should I look out for?”… so I want to share with you what I learned in case you too find yourself without AC when it is 90 degrees out.
So, as we do, let’s talk Real Estate, let’s talk MY AC IS NOT WORKING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?!
Let’s run through a few scenarios shall we?!
If your AC sounds like it is working but your house is not cooling down…
Check #1 – Make sure all vents are open!
Make sure all of your vents are open and your returns are not blocked. Returns are typically on the wall, and supply vents are typically on the floor.
Check #2 – Check your thermostat!
Make sure all of the settings are correct.
Check #3 – Check your air filter! If it is clogged with dirt, you won’t get any air flow through your vents.
Check #4- Check your fan outside. Is running? If not, you may have a motor issue.
Check #5 – Restart unit!
1. Turn off your unit
2. Wait 60 seconds
3. Flip the breaker
4. Wait 60 seconds
5. Power the breaker and unit back on
Your house should start to cool down in 15-30 minutes. Sometimes it just needs a little refresh.
If all of the above seems to be working, it may be a refrigerant issue which would require a licensed technician.
If you notice water leaking around your unit INSIDE your home…
This may be a condensate pump issue.
1. Turn off your unit
2. Check the condensate line on the back of the unit. You can unlocg it a few different ways – shake it, or use a wet vac to suction out the clog.
3. Turn unit back on and it should work again!
If your condensate pan (on the side of the unit) has grease in it, you may need a new evaporator coil and therefore it is best to call a licensed HVAC technician
If you notice water leaking around your unit OUTSIDE your home…
If it is hot and humid and your unit is running, this is normal however if your unit is not running or it is colder out, this could be an indication that your unit has freezed up. Try replacing your air filters!
If that does not work, it could be an indication that you’re low on refrigerant and would need a licensed technician to come out.
If your AC unit won’t turn on at all…
Make sure you did not trip a breaker!
Want to know what was wrong with ours?!
#1 Our condensate pump was clogged.
So we turned off the unit, shook around the condensate pump at the back of the AC unit, poured some water down the condensate pipe and voila it was up and running again!
AND
#2 We are low on refrigerant. This part we CANNOT fix ourselves but we can diagnose it ourselves. In order to tell if you are low on refrigerant, take a baby thermometer and stick it once in the supply line and once in the return line. If the reading comes back less than 18 degrees on either end, you are low on refrigerant and need a licensed technician to come out and put more in. If this happens again within 1 year, more likely than not you will need a new evaporator coil…. the more you know!
I know this seems to be a ton of random info BUT if you find yourself without AC when its super hot and there does not seem to be a contractor available for days on end (hello 2021, too many jobs not enough contractors) you can use this list to try and help you come up with a solution! Let me know if I am missing any common AC unit issues or quick fixes!
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
Erin
p.s. LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Blog: www.erinkelly.org
Instagram: @erin.lindsey.kelly
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ErinHomeandRE
Twitter: @ErinKellyHomes
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlindseykelly/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erinhomeandrealestate/
LinkTree:https://linktr.ee/erin.home.and.realestate
p.p.s. If you are comfortable would you mind leaving me a review?! Would love to know how you are liking this blog or if you have enjoyed working together!
Google Business Page
All data and information provided in this email is for informational purposes only. This email makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Opinions stated here are my own and not the views of eXp Realty.
Data Sources for Today’s Content:
Me – This is based on my own personal experiences & opinions
