What Can I Do if My AC is Broken?

technician providing AC repair

What Can I Do If My AC is Broken?

Having a properly functioning air conditioner is essential here in Bonaire, Georgia. So, if your air conditioning hasn’t been working correctly and you haven’t called for emergency AC repair service, now is the time to get it serviced. Perhaps you’ve put off getting the repairs you need, especially if it’s been a little bit cooler outside, but the temperature will eventually warm up, and you might find yourself without the AC you require to keep things cooled off. That’s why it’s always a good idea to reach out for emergency AC repairs when your air conditioning system isn’t working correctly. 

What is considered an emergency ac repair service?

You may be right if you think your non-functional AC isn’t an emergency. But some air conditioner issues do quality as an emergency ac repair service call. Three of the most common ones are: 

  • Extremely Hot Day: We depend on our air conditioning services to stay comfortable and relaxed during Georgia’s hot summer days and nights. So, when temperatures rise and the air conditioning unit blows warm air or does not blow at all, that constitutes an emergency AC repair service. This is especially true when the occupants are at high risk, such as the elderly, young children, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
  • Safety Issues: A non-working or malfunctioning air conditioning system is always inconvenient and can be expensive to repair. But it can also be a matter of safety. When you notice sparks or smoke coming from the air conditioning system, turn it off and call for an emergency AC repair service immediately! 

What isn’t an emergency AC repair service? That includes leaking refrigerant, a strong gas odor, a breaker that constantly trips, or a dim light when the air conditioning system turns on. A professional AC repair tech must check these things, but it doesn’t require an emergency AC repair service call. 

  • Excessive Noises: An air conditioning system will make some noise as it runs, and the older it gets, the more noise it will make. But, if it starts making sounds when it hasn’t, like a screeching or shrieking noise, the fan belt is loose or coming off, or the compressor, the fan, or the motor could be malfunctioning. Turn the unit off and call for an emergency AC repair service. 

Why would your air conditioning not blow cold air?

There can be many reasons, but you can do some things yourself before you call for an emergency AC repair service. These things include: 

  • Change or clean the air filter
  • Clean any debris and dirt from the outside unit
  • Check for any ice buildup inside the system. If there is ice, turn the system off for one hour to allow it to melt. 
  • Reset the air conditioner system. 

Suppose you’ve done all this and turned the unit back on. If it still isn’t blowing cool air, call for emergency AC repair service if you meet the other suggested criteria.

How do you reset an air conditioning system? 

There are four simple steps to take to reset an air conditioning system:

  • Turn the power off to the air conditioner, starting with the thermostat and then the circuit breaker.
  • Central air conditioning systems have a reset button. 
  • Once you have located the reset button, press and hold it for 5 seconds and release.
  • Turn the circuit breaker on and then the thermostat. 
  • Turn the unit on “auto” and “cool.”

If your home doesn’t cool down to the thermostat setting, it’s time to call for an emergency AC repair service. 

How do you stay cool when the air conditioning is broken?

After you have turned the system off, open all the windows in the house and close any curtains where the sun is coming through. Turn on all ceiling fans so they are turning counterclockwise. This will create a downdraft and a cool breeze. Place stand fans in front of windows and place a bowl or pan of ice in front of them. This way, the wind coming from the fan blowing over ice is cool. 

Do not cook indoors if possible; now is the time to grill! If you have to cook indoors, use the microwave. Dress in light-colored, lightweight clothing. 

Prevention Is The Saver! 

Practice and follow through with all maintenance steps recommended by the service technician and the manufacturer. This includes changing or cleaning the air filter every 30 days, checking and cleaning the drain line and drain pan every 30 days, and keeping the outside component clear of debris, dirt, and grass. 

It is also recommended that you take a service contract with the company that installs and services your unit. This will allow the technician to find any minor issues and fix them before they become more significant problems and result in an emergency AC repair service call. 

If you need emergency AC repair service in Norco and New Orleans, LA, our team can help. Call us at 985-764-8191 to schedule your service today.