Your Air Conditioner Just Died? Here’s What to Check First
Your AC just gave up on you. It’s 98 degrees outside, your living room feels like a toaster, and you’re two minutes away from duct-taping ice packs to your forehead. We get it—air conditioning doesn’t seem important until it stops working. Then it’s all you can think about.
So what’s the first thing to check when the Air Conditioner stops working? Let’s walk through it together, step by step. We’re Total Air and Heat, your trusted next-door neighbor for 65 years, and we’re here to help you stay cool without losing your cool.
Step One: Check the Thermostat
Yeah, it sounds too simple. But you’d be amazed how many service calls we get where the only issue is a thermostat someone accidentally turned off or set to “Heat.”
- Make sure it’s on.
- Check that it’s set to “Cool.”
- Bump the temperature down a few degrees to see if it kicks on.
- If it’s battery-powered, try fresh batteries.
We’ve seen it all—from a curious toddler hitting buttons to dead batteries that shut everything down. This step might save you hours of sweat and a phone call.
Step Two: Look at the Air Filter
An air filter that hasn’t been changed in six months will clog up faster than LA traffic on a Friday afternoon.
- If it looks gray and fuzzy? Toss it.
- If it’s been more than 30-60 days since the last change? Replace it.
- A clogged filter can block airflow so badly that your system shuts itself down.
It’s a five-minute fix that can save you hundreds.
Step Three: Head Outside to the Condenser
That big metal box outside? That’s the heart of your cooling system. If something’s wrong out there, your Air Conditioner won’t do much inside.
- Is it running? You should hear a low hum.
- Are the fins clogged with leaves or dirt? Gently rinse with a hose.
- Is there ice on the copper lines? That’s a sign of low refrigerant or a blockage.
If the condenser is dead silent, jump to the breaker panel.
Step Four: Check the Breaker Panel
Find the breaker labeled “AC” or “HVAC.” If it’s tripped, reset it. If it trips again right away, stop there—that’s an electrical issue. Don’t force it.
Step Five: Listen for Strange Sounds
Rattles, bangs, grinding, or high-pitched squeals? These aren’t the normal Air Conditioner symphony. They’re warning signs. Some of these noises mean a fan is loose. Others mean motor trouble. Either way, it’s time to let a pro handle it.
When to Call the Pros
There’s a line between a quick fix and something that needs a trained hand.
Here’s when it’s time to call us in:
- Thermostat works, but the AC won’t start.
- Breaker keeps tripping after reset.
- Ice on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines.
- You hear loud, odd noises—banging, clanking, buzzing.
- Unit runs but doesn’t blow cold air.
- Visible water leaking near indoor components.
- Condenser fan not spinning.
- Burning smell or unusual odors.
- Your AC short cycles—starts, stops, and repeats quickly.
- You’ve done the basics, and nothing’s changed.
Our Eagle-Eyed Techs spot problems fast, fix them right the first time, and leave your system better than they found it. We treat your home like it’s our own.
What We Do When You Call Us
We don’t roll up with guesswork.
Here’s what goes down:
- Initial System Inspection: We start by checking your thermostat, indoor air handler, and outdoor condenser. We test voltage,
- airflow, refrigerant levels, and connections.
- Diagnostic Testing: Our techs use professional-grade tools to pinpoint the failure—capacitors, motors, compressors, sensors, or electrical boards.
- Explain the Issue: No jargon. No mystery fees. Just a clear explanation of what went wrong and what it’ll take to make it right.
- Perform the Repair: Whether it’s replacing a capacitor, rewiring a connection, or swapping out a compressor, we’ve got the tools and the parts ready to go.
- Test and Verify: We fire everything back up, monitor performance, and double-check airflow, cooling temperature, and efficiency.
- Final Walkthrough: We show you what we did and walk through future maintenance tips.
This is why so many people rely on our Tip Top Tuneup service to keep their Air Conditioner in top form. One tune-up a year can catch small problems before they become big expenses.
Prevent Air Conditioner Problems Before They Start
You wouldn’t drive your car 100,000 miles without an oil change, right? Your Air Conditioner is the same.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Change your filter every 1–2 months.
- Clear leaves and grass from around your outdoor unit.
- Don’t block supply or return vents inside.
- Get a yearly professional tune-up.
We’ve built our name on doing things the right way from the start. Our only way is all the way.
FAQ
Why is my Air Conditioner running but not cooling the house?
It could be a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, a frozen coil, or a blocked condenser. If you’ve checked the basics, call us before the system gets damaged.
How long should an AC system last?
With regular maintenance, most systems last 12–15 years. Without it, things wear out faster.
Is it worth repairing my old Air Conditioner or should I replace it?
If your AC is 10+ years old and repair costs are stacking up, we’ll talk you through your options. Sometimes a new unit is the smarter play for efficiency and cost.
What’s included in a Tip Top Tuneup?
Everything your system needs to breathe easy: filter change, coil cleaning, drain line flush, refrigerant check, electrical inspection, and performance test.
Can I prevent my Air Conditioner from freezing up again?
Yes! Replace dirty filters, schedule annual maintenance, and never run the AC with doors or windows wide open.
Don’t Sweat It—We’ve Got You
If you’re standing in front of your dead Air Conditioner with no idea what to do next, you’re not alone. We’ve been helping families just like yours stay comfortable for over six decades.
Call Total Air and Heat. We’ll show up ready to solve the problem—fast, fair, and done right. Because we’re not comfortable until you are.
