September 21, 2023

Is your AC working?

Walking into a warm, stuffy home in the middle of summer isn’t fun. If your AC isn’t keeping your home cool, it could be for a number of reasons. Miriam Johnson, co-host of the series Hometime on PBS, walks you through four things to check if your air conditioner isn’t working properly or isn’t working at all. 

These are great tips to look for before calling the professionals. Your issue could be as simple as replacing your filter or trimming the brush around your outside unit. If you can’t diagnose your AC or if the problem seems too big, the experts at Applewood are always ready to help. Watch the video below and read on for more tips on how to keep your air working.

Why is My AC Not Working? 4 Things to Check

A quick, preliminary check around your home could answer the question: “Why isn’t my AC working?” Here’s what to look for:

1. Check Your Thermostat

Many air conditioner problems can be traced back to your thermostat. 

To properly check your thermostat, make sure that the display is on and that your thermostat is working. Then, make sure that your system is set to “cool.” Finally, check that the temperature is set lower than the outside temperature.

If your thermostat wasn’t set properly, your air should click on once you input the proper settings. If it isn’t responding, it may be an issue with the thermostat itself and not your air conditioner. Call Applewood to schedule a quick thermostat installation to get things running again.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filter

The same filter that cleans the air while your furnace is running in the winter also filters the cold air from your air conditioner in the summer. Simply slide your filter out and examine it for discoloration.

Dust, dirt and pet dander will eventually clog up your filter and restrict the air flow. Solve this problem by swapping out your old filter with a brand new one. In most cases, this should be done monthly.

If you’re unsure where to find your filter or how to swap it, the friendly Applewood team is happy to show you how it’s done. 

3. Clear the Area Around Your AC

Your air conditioning unit, the one that sits outside next to your home, needs clear air flow around it in order to work properly. Over time, bushes, vines and dirt can clog it up and restrict the airflow.

Occasionally, clear debris and trim bushes around your air conditioner so that it continues to have clear airflow. Additionally, keep dogs away from your AC unit as their urine can damage the components inside of your unit.

4. Inspect Refrigerant Line

Check the rubber hose that connects to the back of your outdoor unit. If you see frost on it, it’s likely a sign that your AC is low on refrigerant. In older units, freon is typically the substance you’d replace. Newer models use different refrigerants that are healthier for the ozone layer. 

Low refrigerants could be the cause when your AC seems to be working but not cooling things down. If this is the case, call your local Applewood cooling specialist to refill your system and get things working again.

What to Do When Your AC Isn’t Working

If you’ve taken all the above steps and still don’t see the reason why your AC isn’t working, call Applewood and schedule a fast and friendly AC repair with our licensed pros. We’ve been providing cooling services to Colorado homes for over 50 years. Put our experience to work for you.