Why is My AC Not Working? – 7 Troubleshooting Tips

When your AC is not working, it can be hard to know when to try to trouble shoot it yourself, and when it is time to call a professional.  We thought we would share some tips to help you answer that question and give you some guidance on where to start.

1) Thermostat.

First things first, check your thermostat settings.  Make sure it is set to cool, otherwise you are just running the fan (or the heat).  Make sure the temperature on the thermostat is set below the current temperature.  If you don’t see anything displayed on your thermostat, don’t fret.  It is most likely just dead batteries which you can replace yourself.  

2) Circuit Breaker, Fuse or Transformer.

You may have just tripped a breaker.  Check your breaker box and reset it if it has tripped.  If it continues to trip, something is overloading the circuit.  Turn off appliances or other power loads on that circuit, and if it keeps tripping, call an HVAC professional at Lake of the Ozarks for a diagnosis.  There is also a fuse between your thermostat and your AC, if it is blown, we recommend having that fixed by a professional as well. Same thing with a blown transformer.  Blown transformers can be caused by a bad contractor in the outdoor unit, and wiring issues, so it is a good idea to have a professional take a look at it to rule out or fix those underlying issues.

3) Disconnect Switches.

You may not realize it, but you have disconnect switches to your indoor and outdoor units.  On the outside, it will be a service box mounted to the wall near your condenser unit.  Inside it is usually on the side of the furnace or mounted on a wall nearby.  Sometimes the fix is as simple as making sure the disconnect switch is not off.

4) Starting Components.

Most HVAC systems have a start capacitor and a run capacitor that enable your AC to turn on and remain on.  If the capacitors in your HVAC system have stopped working or reach the end of life, you will want to contact an HVAC technician at Lake of the Ozarks to have them replaced.

5) Dirty Coils.

Your HVAC system has two sets of coils that are critical to its proper functioning, one in the inside unit and the other outside.  When dirt collects on those coils it will hinder their ability to remove heat and cool the air as it blows over them.  When you have your system inspected regularly, your HVAC professional at Lake of the Ozarks will make sure they are clean and working at optimum performance.

6) Dirty Filter.

As always, checking your air filter is one of the best things you can do to troubleshoot and maintain your air conditioners efficiency.  A clogged filter will restrict air flow and make it impossible to cool the air.  It can even cause your system to freeze up and lead to other issues.  If your system is freezing up even with a clean filter, there may be a problem with the refrigerant charge or leaks.  Then it is worth calling a professional to take a look.

7) Damage.

Sometimes an air conditioner is not working because of damage or because something has gone bad.  Most of the time, it is possible to identify aging parts before they become an issue, and preventative maintenance is usually cheaper than letting something become a bigger problem.

With our HVAC inspections and maintenance plans in the Lake of the Ozarks area, we aim to make sure you never have to suffer without air conditioning.  We also strive to help our clients achieve maximum efficiency and life span with their HVAC units, and believe that prevention and maintenance are key.  If you want the peace of mind of knowing everything in your HVAC system is in good shape and able to function at peak performance, sign up for a maintenance plan to ensure trouble-free comfort all year round.   Call or sign up online today with Royal Heating and Air, the king of comfort!   

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Top 7 HVAC Questions - Answered!

You have questions - We have answers! Royal Heating & Air is the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you understand the ins and outs of your HVAC system. Today we are addressing the top 7 frequently asked questions about air conditioners, furnaces, and other HVAC issues. Check it out! 

What Should I Check Before Calling For HVAC Service?

If your system makes any loud noises or has any odors, turn it off and call a professional.

If the unit doesn’t have power, check to insure that the breaker and the disconnect are turned on. After checking the power, if any part of the system isn’t turning on, turn everything off and call a professional.

If the unit is leaking water, it either has a clogged drain or it could have froze up and is now thawing. This could be due to low refrigerant. Please call a professional.

Should I Close The Registers & Doors To Areas Of The Home That I Do Not Use Regularly?

We do not recommend doing this. Your HVAC unit size is designed to maintain the desired temperature that you set for your homes square footage. If you close registers and doors, it will decrease the airflow and efficiency of your unit. Your unit will have to work harder and it will cycle more frequently trying to distribute the air to the other rooms.

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?

If you have a 1” filter rack, we recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it as needed. If you have a 4” filter, which is what we typically install on new systems, we recommend checking them every 6-months and replacing it at least once per year.

What Is The Difference Between A Heat Pump & An Air Conditioner?

A heat pump can be used to heat and cool, whereas an air conditioner can only be used to cool. A heat pump and an air conditioner have the same components, except a heat pump has a valve that reverses the flow of the refrigerant allowing the system to work in reverse mode. The graphics below show the differences in longevity and cost.

 

 

What Are The Benefits Of Variable Speed Technology?

Variable Speed technology increases the efficiency of your HVAC system. It allows the unit to operate at different speeds to maintain the desired temperature that you set on the thermostat. It can help lower your utility bills because your unit can operate at different speeds unlike a non-variable speed unit.

Why Are Humidifiers Used More In The Winter?

Humidifiers help to add moisture back into the air. During the winter, this is more of an issue because when cold air enters the house, it tends to dry out as it warms up. Humidifiers can help with several issues that you may experience in the winter, such as: dry air, static electricity, increased risk of getting sick, and damage to your wood furniture and floors.

Is Custom Insulated Ductwork Important?

Royal Heating & Air takes pride in their custom ductwork. This insures that our customers’ homes have ductwork that fits correctly and that isn’t going to have a lot of air leaks that prefabricated ductwork can have. We insulate it to help prevent it from sweating so it doesn’t cause water and mold issues. Insulating the ductwork also helps to reduce noise.

Best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air is always here to help answer any HVAC questions you may have. We love serving the Lake of the Ozarks and making sure your home is comfortable year-round. Give us a call to come check out your air conditioner or furnace to make sure everything is working like it should. We are the kings of comfort! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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FAQs about Air Conditioning

As it begins to warm up at the Lake of the Ozarks, we tend to rely more on our air conditioning units.  Air conditioning may arguably be one of the greatest inventions of all time, as there's nothing better than walking into a cool room after being outside on a hot summer day. For someone who's not familiar with AC systems aside from their wonderful cooling properties, you might have some questions. Royal Heating & Air, the best air conditioning company at the Lake of the Ozarks, is here to answer some frequently asked questions about air conditioning.

How Does an Air Conditioner Work? 

An air conditioner makes your home cooler by absorbing heat energy from inside the home and transferring that heat outside, then replacing the air inside your home with cooler air.  Air conditioners work by using a refrigerant that absorbs and discharges that heat inside your building.  Warm air moves across the unit’s evaporator coils. Then the refrigerant in the coils absorbs the air's heat and "cools" the air. The refrigerant turns from a cool liquid into a hot gas that is transferred to the outside unit, where it is compressed and condensed back into liquid form. The hot air is released outdoors and then the refrigerant travels back to the indoor unit to continue the cooling process.  This process continues again and again until your home reaches the cooling temperature you want, as programmed and sensed by your thermostat setting.

How Often Should I Have My Air Conditioning Serviced? 

Depending on your AC system, it should be serviced a minimum of once a year.  For a residential AC system, it is recommended that you have your AC serviced 1-2 times a year.  It is highly recommended that you have your AC system serviced in the spring of every year, before the hot temperatures of summer hit.  For places where the air contains high levels of contaminants, such as kitchens or hair salons, you may consider additional service to make sure that your unit stays in great shape all year long.  It should be noted that professional maintenance is important, as it goes beyond what a typical home or business owner is equipped to deal with.  Having a professional HVAC company check out your air conditioning unit will help catch problems while they are still able to be fixed.  This could save you quite a bit of money, as you are less likely to have to replace your entire unit if you continue to keep it regularly maintained.

Why Should I Have my AC System Serviced Regularly?

Routine maintenance on your AC system keeps your unit running at maximum efficiency. This can significantly extend the lifetime of your unit and reduce your operating costs. Overall, you will save money and energy by having your AC system regularly serviced by a professional.  In addition, if your system is under warranty, routine maintenance is often required to keep that warranty.

How Do I Maximize my AC’s Energy Efficiency?

Having your AC system regularly serviced by a professional HVAC company will keep your unit running at optimum efficiency.  Changing your filters regularly and investing in a smart thermostat can also help to maximize your AC system’s energy efficiency.  Take a look at our blog from last week to learn more about ways to save energy when cooling your home.

How Often Should I Change My AC Filter?

The single most important thing you can do to maintain your AC system is to replace the filter regularly.  The number of people and pets living in your home, and how frequently you run your air conditioning, will affect how often you need to change your filter.  As a good rule of thumb, it is recommended that you change your air filter at least once every six months in order to help extend the life of your system and changing your filter every three months is even better.  You should also check your air filter every month to make sure it is still clean and does not need to be replaced.  If your filter becomes discolored or appears plugged with dust, dirt, hair, and other impurities, it is time to change that filter.  Some higher efficiency filters can last up to three months, but it's still a good idea to check them at least once a month, especially in times when you are using your AC more often, like in the summer.  All the air in your home circulates and re-circulates through the same filter. An air filter is designed to remove dust particles to keep the air you breathe clean, and when your filters become clogged, it can cause your system to work less efficiently, which will cost you more to operate. If the filter is left unchanged for too long, your system could fail.

Why Is There Water Leaking Around my Indoor AC Unit?

There are several reasons why an AC unit could be leaking water.  Indoor AC units do double duty, removing both heat and moisture from the air in one step.   Condensation occurs naturally on the coils and should fall into a drip pan that is then drained away or pumped outside. However, on occasion, the drain line from the pan may become plugged.  If excess water is finding its way into your home, that condensate is likely not being drained away properly.  The most common reason is that dirt and grime clog up the drainage system.  Another issue could be that the pump is broken, in which case that would need to be replaced. If cleaning your coils doesn't fix the issue, it is time to call in a professional HVAC repair technician at the Lake of the Ozarks to determine and resolve the issue.

How Long Does the Average HVAC System Last?

On average, most HVAC systems will last anywhere from 10-20 years. As your unit starts to age though, the efficiency can decrease. Your unit may get louder and require more frequent maintenance and repairs. When this happens, you'll need to make the decision to continue repairing it or invest in a new HVAC system.

What Are Some Signs My AC Unit Needs to be Replaced?  

If your AC unit has hit its 10-year birthday, or even made it past that, it may be time to look at replacing your unit. The efficiency of your unit may have decreased significantly over time. Start tracking how often and how much you spend on repairs. If you notice your repairs are adding up, it may be time to replace the entire unit.  An older unit that is showing signs of trouble and needs frequent repairs, that cools poorly, or suddenly creates much higher energy bills than in years past is probably ready to be replaced.  While it may seem like a big investment now, it can save you money in both repair costs and energy costs over time. Find a trusted Lake of the Ozarks AC company to schedule a consultation for an estimate on a new system. Do the math and see what the best option is for you at the time.

Contact Royal Heating & Air with All Your HVAC Questions!

If you have other questions about your AC unit, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 573-480-4313. Royal Heating & Air is your full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From installation to preventative maintenance, we've got all your HVAC needs covered!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Your Air Conditioning FAQs Answered

Air conditioning may be one of the greatest inventions of all time. There's nothing better than walking into a cool home or business after being outside on a hot summer day. For someone who's not familiar with AC systems aside from their magical cooling properties, you might have some questions. The best air conditioning company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to answer some of those FAQs.

1. How Does An Air Conditioner Work? 

In order to cool a home, air conditioners use a refrigerant that absorbs and discharges heat. Warm air moves across the evaporator coils. Then the refrigerant in the coils absorb's the air's heat and "cools" the air. The refrigerant turns from a cool liquid into a hot gas that is transferred to the outside unit, where it's compressed and condensed back into liquid form. The hot air is released outdoors and then the refrigerant travels back to the indoor unit to continue the cooling process.

2. How Often Should I Have My AC System Maintained? 

For a residential AC system, it's recommended that you have your AC serviced 1-2 times per year, especially in the spring before the summer heat hits. For areas with high levels of contaminants in the air such as kitchens, hair salons or workshops, additional service may be needed to keep your AC system in tip-top shape!

3. Why Should I Service My AC System Regularly? 

Routine maintenance on your AC system keeps your unit running at maximum efficiency. This can significantly extend the lifetime of your unit and reduce your operating costs. In addition, if your system is under warranty, routine maintenance is often required to keep that warranty.

4. Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water? 

There are several reasons why an AC unit could be leaking water. Condensation on the coils should fall into a drip pan that is then drained away or pumped outside. If excess water is finding it's way into your home, that condensate is likely not being drained away properly. The most common reason is that dirt and grime clog up the drainage system. Another issue could be that the pump is broken, in which case that would need to be replaced. If cleaning your coils doesn't fix the issue, it's time to call in a professional HVAC repair technician at the Lake of the Ozarks to determine and resolve the issue.

5. How Often Should I Change My AC Filter? 

The single most important thing you can do to maintain your AC system is replace the filter regularly. It's recommended that you check your filters monthly, especially during the hot summer months when the system is working extra hard to cool your home. Some higher efficiency filters can last up to three months, but it's still a good idea to check them. If you have a disposable filter and you see that it's covered in dirt, you can easily replace it yourself. You can get filters at your local home improvement store, just make sure you get the correct size for your unit.

6. How Long Does The Average HVAC System Last? 

On average, most HVAC systems will last anywhere from 10-20 years. As your unit starts to age though, the efficiency can decrease. Your unit may get louder and require more frequent maintenance and repairs. When this happens, you'll need to make the decision to continue repairing it or invest in a new HVAC system.

7. How Do I Know If My AC Unit Needs Replaced? 

If your AC system is more than 10 years old and you're having to repair it frequently, you might consider replacing your system. While it may seem like a big investment now, it can save you money in both repair costs and energy costs over time. Find a trusted Lake of the Ozarks AC company to schedule a consultation for an estimate on a new system. Do the math and see what the best option is for you at the time. You don't want to keep throwing money at repairs to turn around and have to replace it soon after because it entirely breaks down.

If you have other questions about your AC unit, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 573-480-4313. Royal Heating & Air is your full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From installation to preventative maintenance, we've got all your HVAC needs covered!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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