Why Is Your AC Not Working in Lakewood, CO?

Sudden AC failure is inconvenient and sometimes dangerous. A professional HVAC contractor should investigate the situation immediately. Southwest Heating & Cooling offers reliable AC repair in Lakewood, CO. 

Our expert team will restore comfort to your home or business. We are experienced in handling all causes of AC issues in the area. 

The Importance of Checking Your Thermostat Settings in Lakewood

Before doing anything else, an easy troubleshooting step is checking your thermostat settings. Often, thermostats need to be recalibrated as seasons change. If it’s a smart thermostat, it may have been thrown off by sudden weather events. 

Be sure that your system is set to an appropriate cooling temperature. Also, make sure it’s receiving power and changing the batteries, if applicable.  

If these changes don’t bring your cooling system back to life, it’s time to contact a professional AC Repair service. 

A Clogged Air Filter Is Restricting Airflow 

Another common problem is a clogged or dirty air filter, which restricts airflow to the unit and lowers the system’s energy efficiency. Air filters are also key to indoor air quality; neglecting them exposes you to dust and allergens.  

The air vents inside and outdoors are also prone to debris blockages. Keep interior vents clean and regularly inspect the outside unit for build-up. 

Clean or change your air filter and restart the AC system. If it still won’t start or the air isn’t cooled, contact a certified HVAC technician for help. 

There Is a Refrigerant Leak 

Refrigerant leaks are responsible for many AC malfunctions. As refrigerant escapes, the system freezes up, and airflow decreases. Sometimes, you’ll notice frozen evaporator coils.  

Importantly, the unit must thaw before work can begin. This may take a day or two, depending on the size of your unit. 

A Tripped Circuit Breaker Is Eliminating Power

AC units require power to function. Your AC not working is a signal to check for tripped circuit breakers, even if the rest of your power seems intact.  

Flipping a tripped switch is an easy fix, but if this doesn’t work, something more significant may be wrong. A professional should investigate any suspected electrical issues. These repairs are dangerous and do not qualify for DIY solutions. 

You Have a Malfunctioning or Blocked Condenser Unit 

Condenser unit issues might also be to blame for your AC issues. Several things can go wrong here.

First, the condenser coil may collect dirt and debris, preventing it from distributing heat. The coil’s job is to disperse heat from the refrigerant evaporation outside your home.  

If the coil fails, your unit will run constantly without reaching the cool temperature you’ve set.  

Another component within the condenser is the fan motor. This simple part is what draws air through the condenser coils to dissipate heat. This motor runs frequently and is susceptible to wear and tear.  

When the motor burns out, it may turn very slowly or only work intermittently (if it runs at all). As a result, hot air stays trapped in your unit, and your home will not be cooled.  

Finally, the condensate pump within the condenser unit can cause problems. These pumps run for both heating and cooling, shortening their lifespans. A sudden failure of this pump will trip the AC and cause a complete shutdown.

You’ll also notice a pool of water wherever your AC unit sits. This can cause water damage if left sitting for too long, so be sure to contact an expert HVAC technician as soon as you notice it.  

Capacitor Failure Is Preventing Operation

Capacitors send energy to the fan motor and keep your air conditioning running. These components keep the unit running, and your system will fail without it. If the capacitor is to blame, you’ll notice a humming from the unit without a successful start-up.  

Before complete failure, capacitor issues usually cause short cycling or random shutoffs. Call for professional assistance at the first sign of these symptoms.