100% Satisfaction Guaranteed - You don’t pay a penny until you’re completely satisfied! View Our Guarantees
Over 5,100
Trusted Reviews
4.8
bc_toggle_content bc_toggle_content

8 Reasons Your AC Stopped Working Over Winter

03/06/23

Reasons Your AC Stopped Working Over Winter Header_It might not be warm enough outside to turn on your home’s air conditioner, but it will be soon enough. Depending on the age and health of your air AC system, there’s a chance it won’t turn on after resting all winter. We’ll explore eight possible reasons and how you can prepare your AC for the spring and summer.

1. Tripped Breaker or Blown fuse

Though a rare cause, the air conditioner circuit breaker sometimes trips, or a fuse blows when the system is turned on after a long hiatus. Start by checking the fuse box. Call an HVAC technician if the fuse connected to the AC has indeed blown.

</center
Suppose the fuse is OK; look inside the breaker box at the air conditioner circuit. Turn the circuit on if necessary but wait to see if it trips again. If not, you’re good to go. If it trips, turn the breaker off, as it’s a common sign of an electrical overload. Don’t try to turn on the air conditioner and instead contact an HVAC technician.

2. Emergency Shutoff Switch

Though rarely used, the emergency shut-off switch is sometimes flipped, and the AC won’t turn on. This switch is usually found outside the home, near the condenser unit. It may be bumped or flipped by accident if someone is doing yard work near the condenser, or an HVAC technician recently maintained the system.

Emergency photo 3. Weather Damage

You don’t need to live in a cold and snowy climate to have weather damage during the winter to your air conditioner. Winds blow around yard debris, such as dirt and sticks, which catch in the condenser unit if it’s not covered. The accumulation may cover crucial sensors, clog coils, and jam the fan blades, which expel warm air from the unit.

4. Blower Failure

The blower and its motor, found in the air handler, work for the HVAC system’s air conditioner and furnace parts. This near year-round operation can cause wear and tear on the blower and motor, leading to breakdowns or complete failure.

5. Clogged Air Filter

Although the definition of a clogged air filter changes depending on who you ask, if air can’t pass through to the system, the AC won’t work. It catches dust, dirt, hair, and other minute household debris floating in the air. Unless the filter changes regularly, the debris builds until no air can pass through. Ergo, a clogged air filter.

6. Malfunctioning Thermostat

A thermostat may malfunction for various reasons, but if it’s not working properly, neither will your air conditioner. Ensure the thermostat is set to cool, then lower the temperature by a few degrees. If the system doesn’t kick on, you likely have an issue with the thermostat.

Malfunctioning Thermostat7. Capacitor Failure

The condenser motor, found in the outside part of the AC, relies on two capacitors to work. The first one — the start capacitor — provides adequate voltage for the motor to begin running. The second — the run capacitor — provides a smaller voltage for the motor to run as needed during the cooling cycle. Without regular tune-ups, the capacitors go through unnecessary wear and tear and break down prematurely.

8. Clogged Condensate Line

As the air conditioner pulls heat and humidity from the air, moisture is released and funneled into the condensate drain line. Without regular cleaning, this line may become clogged with mold and mildew growth. As the moisture begins to back up the line into the drain pan, it will eventually trigger an automatic shut-off feature in the AC. This protects the entire system from moisture exposure that can create even more significant issues.

Clogged AC drain Prepare AC for Spring

Clean debris around the condenser

Every air conditioner operates at its best when there’s suitable airflow on all sides of the condenser for temperature regulation and ventilation. Keep at least two feet clear around the unit at all times. If bushes, shrubs, or trees are planted nearby, keep these trimmed, so they don’t obstruct the airflow.

Change the air filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter should be changed every two to three months or sooner if you live in a dusty environment. Look at the sides of the existing air filter for the correct replacement size; they can be purchased at many department and hardware stores.

hvac filter replacement home central air system. servicemen changing filter in furnace. Change filter in rotary heat exchanger recuperator.Keep your air vents open

It’s an old wives’ tale that closing the air vents in unused rooms saves energy and lowers your electric bill. Instead, it restricts airflow to and from the system, causing it to work harder to deliver conditioned air and possibly setting the stage for a shutdown.

Schedule a tune-up

The best way to prevent your air conditioner from stopping after the winter is by scheduling a tune-up. Preventive maintenance catches potential issues before they become halting problems. It also helps the entire system run more efficiently, thus saving you money on monthly electric bills.

Air conditioning, technician or engineer on roof for maintenance, building or construction of fan h.While there are several reasons your AC stopped working over the winter, many have quick resolutions so you can enjoy a comfortable indoors as the temperature rises outside.

If your AC system needs a little help starting this year, contact HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains for fast and reliable HVAC service.

Posted in: Air Conditioning

8-8, So You Don't Wait 7 days a week

Sidebar

AC Tune-Up Only $88! Print Coupon Offer Expires Soon
Service Call Only $89 Print Coupon Offer Expires Soon
Any Drain Cleared Only $97 Print Coupon Offer Expires Soon