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What Causes Air Conditioner to Stop Working?

There’s nothing more frustrating than the air conditioning not working on a hot Brisbane day when you really need some cool relief. Why does it happen?

This article will cover several common reasons that your Brisbane air conditioning system may stop working, including: Frozen evaporator coils, tripped breaker, Old age, and a malfunctioning compressor fan. Read on to learn more about these common causes and how to solve them! After reading this article, you’ll be well on your way to getting back to cooling your home in no time!

Frozen evaporator coils

If your air conditioner stops working, chances are it’s the result of a frozen evaporator coil. During the summer, this evaporator coil can freeze, making your air conditioner work harder than normal. When humidity is removed, it forms condensation, which then freezes on the coil. The evaporator coils can also get frozen if the drainpipes are clogged, causing the water to back up and create more ice than necessary. You should contact a licensed heating and cooling professional to address this issue.

The first step in diagnosing the problem is to check the temperature of the inside of the unit. If it is too warm, it might be the evaporator coil that has frozen. To test this problem, use your programmable thermostat to determine the internal temperature. Also, check the supply vent to make sure it’s warm. Once you have identified the culprit, it’s time to get it fixed.

Tripped breaker

If your air conditioner is not working after checking the circuit panel, the breaker has probably tripped. This can be the result of several problems ranging from human error to complicated electrical issues. First, check that the circuit breaker for “A/C” is set to the “off” position. If the breaker tripped immediately, it’s likely that a component is causing it to trip.

A dirty air filter or outside unit is one possible reason for your AC not to be working. This can strain the fan motor and cause it to malfunction. Dirty filters can also cause the AC to run more than necessary, causing the unit to draw more power than necessary. In addition, dirty air filters can cause a tripped breaker. Moreover, a dirty air filter can make the unit run inefficiently, resulting in longer running times. Finally, an overworking air conditioner can trip the circuit breaker, causing it to draw more power than needed.

Old age

When your AC unit reaches its old age, it begins to show signs of failure. Faulty capacitors, circuit breakers that are frequently tripped, and faulty wiring all contribute to the eventual failure of your AC unit. Faulty wiring can lead to electrical failure and even fire. As temperatures rise, so can electrical problems in the AC unit. Regular air conditioning service will help detect these issues before they lead to serious consequences.

Frozen condenser fan

A faulty or frozen condenser fan can cause the air conditioner to stop working. It also may result in the compressor being over-pressured or over-heated, causing it to shut down. Listen to the fan to diagnose the problem. Usually, the condenser fan operates at 1725 rpm. The refrigerant exits the compressor at about 100 psi and reaches the outdoor coil at approximately 95 degrees. This can vary based on the refrigerant and the ambient temperature.

If the fan turns freely when the power is turned off, there could be a problem with the motor or a leak in the refrigerant. It would be better to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the problem. Here are some possible causes of frozen condenser fans. When this problem is the cause of the air conditioner failing to function, the following tips may help you solve the problem.

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