What Is The First Thing to Check When The AC Goes Out?
It’s the hottest day of the week. You walk through the front door, expecting that glorious blast of cool air—and instead, you’re hit with a wall of heat. The AC is running… or at least it was. Now, it’s not doing anything.
Don’t panic. At Five Star Services, we’ve seen this scene play out hundreds of times. The good news? Some AC problems are quick fixes. Before you call in the cavalry, there are a few things you can check on your own.
We’re stubbornly honest AC repair techs, so let’s go step-by-step—straight, simple, and no fluff.
Step One: Check the Thermostat
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many “dead” AC calls turn out to be thermostat issues.
- Is it set to COOL?
- Is the temperature set lower than the current room temperature?
- Is the display blank or showing an error?
If the screen is blank, pop in fresh batteries. If it’s a programmable or smart thermostat, double-check the settings. One wrong tap or mode change can throw the whole system off.
Step Two: Check the Breaker Box
Your next stop is the breaker panel. Find the breaker labeled AC or HVAC.
- Has it tripped? Flip it all the way off, then back on.
- Is there another breaker labeled “air handler” or “furnace”? That controls the indoor unit. Check that one too.
If the breaker trips again immediately, that’s a sign of something deeper—possibly a short or a failed part. That’s our cue.
Step Three: Check the Air Filter
A clogged air filter can choke your system. If airflow drops low enough, the system may overheat and shut down entirely.
- Pull out the filter and hold it up to the light.
- If you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a change.
We’ve walked into homes where the only fix needed was a clean filter. It’s an easy win. You can handle this one without lifting a wrench.
Step Four: Check the Outdoor Unit
Step outside and take a look at the condenser (the big box with the fan). Ask yourself:
- Is the fan spinning?
- Can you hear a hum or buzz?
- Is the unit completely silent?
If it’s dead silent and the thermostat and breaker are fine, the capacitor could be toast. If the fan hums but doesn’t spin, turn off the power and gently nudge the blades with a stick. If they spin freely, it’s likely the start capacitor. That’s a repair for us.
Step Five: Check the Drain Line
Some systems have a float switch that shuts the unit off if the drain line backs up. Look around your air handler (often in an attic or closet).
- Do you see water pooled around the unit?
- Is the drain line clogged or slow-draining?
A blocked line can trip the float switch, cutting power to prevent flooding. You might need to clear the line with a shop vac or let us handle it. We’ve unclogged more of these than we can count.
When to Call Five Star Services
If you’ve checked the basics and the AC still won’t kick on, here’s when you need us:
- Breakers trip again and again
- Thermostat works, but no airflow or cooling
- Outdoor unit hums but won’t run
- Warm air comes out even when the system’s on
- Ice builds up on the lines or inside the unit
- The unit turns on, then shuts off quickly
We’ve seen it all—burned capacitors, fried contactors, chewed wires, blown fuses. You don’t have to troubleshoot the hard stuff alone.
What We Do During a Service Call
Step 1: Confirm the Symptoms
We start by asking what you’ve seen, heard, or felt. Every detail helps us zero in on the issue.
Step 2: Full System Check
We test the thermostat, breaker, capacitor, contactor, fan motors, refrigerant levels, and more. We don’t guess—we check.
Step 3: Find the Fault
Once we’ve isolated the issue, we show you what’s wrong. No jargon, no pressure. Just straight answers.
Step 4: Fix It Right
If we’ve got the part (and we usually do), we’ll fix it on the spot. If it’s a bigger issue, we’ll give you a clear plan and honest pricing.
FAQs
Should I keep running the AC if it’s not cooling?
No. That can cause more damage—especially to the compressor. Shut it off and call us.
Why is my outside unit working, but the inside isn’t?
Could be a bad air handler, tripped float switch, or blown fuse. We’ll check all of it.
Can dirty coils shut down the system?
Yes. Dirty coils reduce efficiency and can cause freezing or overheating. We clean them during maintenance.
Will replacing my thermostat fix it?
Only if the thermostat’s the issue. We’ll test it before suggesting a replacement.
Let’s Get the Cold Air Flowing Again
If your AC isn’t working, don’t sweat it—literally. At Five Star Services, we show up fast, troubleshoot cleanly, and fix what’s broken with no games.
We’re stubbornly honest AC repair techs who’d rather tell you the truth than sell you something you don’t need.
Call us. We’ll get your house cool, your system running, and your stress level back where it belongs—low. Let’s fix it right the first time.
