When your AC unit suddenly stops working, especially during a summer heatwave, it can feel like a crisis. Whether it’s the middle of the night or right before a big gathering, an AC breakdown can disrupt your comfort, sleep, and even health. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your air conditioner stops working unexpectedly.
Prioritize Safety
Stay Calm because freaking out won’t fix the AC. Take a deep breath and turn off the AC. Then, go to your home’s electrical breaker box and turn off the breaker switch specifically labeled for your AC unit (often there are two – one for the indoor unit/air handler and one for the outdoor unit/condenser). This prevents further potential damage and makes any basic checks safer.
Perform DIY Checks
Before calling for emergency repair, it’s worth ruling out a few common, easy-to-fix problems:
Thermostat Settings
Make sure it’s set to cool and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature.
Circuit Breaker
Check your electrical panel to see if a breaker has tripped.
Air Filter
A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause shutdowns. Replace if dirty.
Outdoor Unit
Ensure it’s not blocked by debris like leaves, dirt, or snow.
Know When to Call for Professional Emergency AC Repair Service
No Cool Air in Extreme Heat
If your AC stops blowing cold air during a heatwave, it can pose serious health risks, especially for young children, elderly family members, or individuals with medical conditions.
Indoor temperatures can rise quickly and lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, making this a clear emergency.
AC Won’t Turn On at All
If the system is completely unresponsive—even after checking the thermostat, power source, and breaker—it may indicate a severe electrical or mechanical failure. This warrants urgent attention to avoid further damage or unsafe conditions.
Strange, Loud, or Alarming Noises
Grinding, screeching, buzzing, or banging sounds can signal imminent compressor failure, loose components, or electrical issues. Ignoring these noises could lead to costlier repairs or even system replacement.
Burning Smell or Electrical Odors
If you notice a burnt plastic or electrical smell, turn off your unit immediately. This could mean overheating components or a potential electrical fire hazard. Never ignore this—call an emergency technician right away.
Leaking or Flooding Around the Unit
Significant water pooling around your AC can indicate a clogged drain line or frozen evaporator coil. In some cases, it can damage your home’s flooring, walls, or insulation.
If there’s refrigerant leaking (which may have a chemical smell or cause ice buildup), it becomes a health and environmental concern.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your AC causes frequent power trips, it may be drawing too much power or have an internal electrical fault. This is a fire risk and should be addressed immediately.
When It’s Likely Not an Emergency
- Slightly warmer-than-usual air that can wait a day or two
- Unusual smells that go away quickly or seem to be from dirty filters
- A minor water drip that isn’t causing damage
- The unit turns on and cools, but not as efficiently—might be a maintenance issue
Experiencing an AC breakdown is inconvenient, but by following these steps calmly and safely, you can manage the situation effectively and get your cool air back as soon as possible.
If your AC is making strange noises, blowing warm air, or has suddenly shut down, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call our certified HVAC experts now for fast, reliable emergency AC repair. We’re available 24/7 to restore your comfort and peace of mind.