When temperatures rise into the 90s in Central Pennsylvania, a broken air conditioner can quickly turn your home from comfortable to unbearable. If your AC suddenly stops blowing cold air or won’t turn on at all, it’s important to act quickly. Not acting quickly can further damage your AC and leave your home without air for extended periods.
While some air conditioning issues require professional repairs, homeowners can take a few quick steps before calling a professional. Here’s what to do if your AC stops working during a heat wave.
Check Your Thermostat First
Thermostat issues are among the most common causes of air conditioning problems.
Start by confirming that your thermostat is
- Set to “cool” mode
- Programmed to a temperature lower than the current room temperature
- Receiving power and displaying correctly
- Equipped with fresh batteries if applicable
Sometimes a simple thermostat setting adjustment can get your cooling system back on track. If your thermostat appears blank or unresponsive, it may indicate a power issue rather than an AC problem.
Inspect Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter will restrict any airflow, causing your system to work harder than necessary. In extreme cases, dirty filters can even cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which prevents your AC from cooling properly.
Remove your air filter and inspect it for dust, dirt, and debris. If it looks clogged or hasn’t been replaced in several months, install a new filter.
Benefits of a clean air filter include
- Improved airflow
- Better cooling performance
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduced strain on your HVAC system
Many cooling issues can be traced back to poor airflow caused by neglected filters.
Check Your Circuit Breaker
Air conditioners require significant electrical power, especially during periods of extreme heat when they’re running continuously. If your system won’t turn on at all, check your home’s electrical panel. A tripped breaker could be preventing power from reaching your AC unit.
If you find a breaker in the “off” position, reset it once and see if the system starts working.
However, if the breaker trips repeatedly, don’t reset it; call an HVAC professional. A breaker that keeps tripping could indicate underlying electrical problems that require a professional.
Look at Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit is the main part of your system that removes heat from your home. If it’s obstructed by debris or vegetation, cooling performance can suffer. Take a quick walk around the unit and inspect it.
Look for
- Leaves and debris around the condenser
- Grass clippings are blocking the airflow
- Branches or shrubs growing too close
- Dirt buildup on the condenser fins
Clear away any debris and ensure at least two feet of open space surrounds the unit. Never attempt to disassemble the condenser or perform extensive cleaning without proper training.
Check for Ice on Your System
If your AC is running but not cooling, there may be ice on your system. Inspect the indoor unit and refrigerant lines for signs of ice buildup.
Frozen coils often indicate
- Restricted airflow
- Dirty air filters
- Refrigerant issues
- Mechanical problems
If you notice ice, turn the system off immediately and set the fan to “on”. This can help thaw the coils more quickly.
Do not continue operating a frozen air conditioner. Doing so may cause additional damage and lead to more costly repairs.
Keep Your Home as Cool as Possible
While waiting for repairs, take steps to reduce indoor temperatures and keep your family comfortable. Some helpful strategies include
Close Curtains and Blinds
Direct sunlight can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Closing blinds and curtains during the hottest times of the day helps block solar heat gain.
Avoid Heat-Producing Appliances
Try to limit the use of
- Ovens
- Stovetops
- Clothes dryers
- Dishwashers
These appliances generate additional heat, making indoor conditions even more uncomfortable.
Use Ceiling and Portable Fans
Fans won’t lower the actual air temperature, but they can improve air circulation and help occupants feel cooler through evaporation.
Stay Hydrated
High indoor temperatures can contribute to dehydration, especially for children, older adults, and pets. Drink plenty of water while your cooling system is being restored.
Know When to Call an HVAC Professional
Some AC problems have simple solutions while others require professional diagnosis and repair.
You should contact an HVAC technician if
- Your AC won’t turn on after basic troubleshooting
- Warm air is coming from the vents
- Ice continues forming on the system
- You hear unusual noises
- The breaker keeps tripping
- Your home isn’t reaching the thermostat setting
Attempting complex repairs without proper training can damage your equipment and create safety risks. When you hire an experienced HVAC technician, they can quickly identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most effective solution.
Prevent Future AC Breakdowns
The best way to avoid losing your air conditioning during a summer heat wave is to maintain it regularly.
Annual AC tune-ups help identify minor issues before they become major repairs. During a maintenance visit, technicians inspect key components, clean the system, check refrigerant levels, and ensure everything is operating efficiently.
Regular maintenance can help
- Improve energy efficiency
- Extend equipment lifespan
- Reduce repair costs
- Enhance indoor comfort
- Lower the risk of unexpected breakdowns
You can relax assured that your AC system will keep your home comfortable even on a 90-degree day.
Trust Griffith Plumbing Services for Fast AC Repairs
There is nothing more frustrating than a broken air conditioner during the hottest days of the summer. If your AC isn’t keeping your home cool, Griffith Plumbing Services is here to help.
Our experienced technicians provide prompt air conditioning repairs and maintenance to restore comfort quickly. Whether you’re dealing with poor airflow or a complete system breakdown, we’ll identify the problem and provide reliable solutions.
Don’t suffer through the heat. Contact Griffith Plumbing Services today to schedule professional AC repair service and get your cooling system back up and running.