When your air conditioner stops cooling during a Texas summer, the first reaction may be to keep adjusting the thermostat or try anything that might get the system running again. Unfortunately, some quick fixes can cause additional equipment damage, create an electrical hazard, or make the home even hotter.
Before assuming the AC has completely failed, confirm that the thermostat is set to Cool, replace dead thermostat batteries, check the air filter, and make sure the HVAC breaker has not tripped. If those basic checks do not restore cooling, avoid the following mistakes and schedule professional AC repair.
Do Not Keep Running an AC That Is Blowing Warm Air
If the air conditioner is running but only producing warm or room-temperature air, continuing to operate it may place additional stress on the compressor and other components. The problem could involve a frozen evaporator coil, refrigerant leak, failed capacitor, dirty condenser coil, electrical issue, or malfunctioning compressor.
Turn the cooling system off and check the filter, thermostat settings, and outdoor unit. If you see ice, hear unusual noises, smell something burning, or notice that the breaker repeatedly trips, leave the system off until an HVAC technician can inspect it.
Do Not Keep Lowering the Thermostat
Setting the thermostat significantly lower will not make a malfunctioning air conditioner cool faster. It only tells the system to keep running in an attempt to reach a temperature it may no longer be capable of maintaining.
Leave the thermostat at a reasonable setting while checking for simple problems. If the system cannot lower the indoor temperature or runs continuously without making progress, turning it off can help prevent unnecessary strain while you wait for service.
Do Not Repeatedly Reset the Circuit Breaker
A tripped breaker may be caused by a temporary electrical event, but a breaker that trips again after being reset can indicate a serious problem. The compressor, fan motor, capacitor, wiring, or another component may be drawing too much current.
Reset the breaker only once. If it trips again, do not continue forcing it back on. Leave the AC off and have the system inspected. Repeatedly resetting the breaker can increase the risk of equipment damage or an electrical hazard.
Do Not Add Refrigerant Yourself
Low refrigerant is not something that can be corrected safely with a store-bought refill kit. An air conditioner does not normally consume refrigerant, so a low charge usually means refrigerant has escaped through a leak.
Adding refrigerant without locating the leak, confirming the correct refrigerant type, and measuring the charge can damage the system and reduce performance. Accessing the refrigerant circuit also requires proper training, tools, and certification. A technician should locate the leak, determine whether it can be repaired, and recharge the system according to manufacturer specifications.
Do Not Attempt Major Electrical or Mechanical Repairs
Homeowners can safely complete a few basic checks, such as replacing the filter, changing thermostat batteries, and clearing loose debris from around the outdoor unit. Opening electrical panels, testing capacitors, bypassing safety controls, or taking apart the compressor or blower should be left to a trained technician.
HVAC capacitors can retain an electrical charge even after the power is turned off. Improvised repairs involving tape, mismatched parts, loose wiring, or bypassed controls can make the original failure worse and create a safety risk.
Do Not Open the Refrigerator or Freezer to Cool the House
Leaving the refrigerator or freezer door open will not cool the room. These appliances remove heat from their interior compartments and release that heat into the surrounding home, so leaving the doors open adds heat while forcing the equipment to run longer.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to protect your food. Avoid using ovens, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and other heat-producing appliances until the indoor temperature is under control.
Do Not Open the Windows During the Hottest Part of the Day
Opening windows during a hot Texas afternoon usually allows more heat and humidity into the home. Keep windows closed, shut blinds or curtains, and limit direct sunlight until outdoor temperatures fall.
If the evening air becomes cooler than the air inside the home, opening selected windows may help create ventilation. However, this is less effective when outdoor humidity remains high or the home has already reached an unsafe temperature.
Do Not Rely on Fans When the House Becomes Dangerously Hot
Fans can improve air movement and may make moderate temperatures feel more comfortable, but they do not lower the actual room temperature. When indoor conditions become extremely hot, moving hot air around may not provide enough protection.
Drink water, avoid strenuous activity, use cool showers or damp cloths, and move to an air-conditioned location if the home continues heating up. Pay particular attention to children, older adults, pregnant people, pets, and anyone with a medical condition that increases heat sensitivity.
Do Not Ignore Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, or unusual fatigue may indicate heat exhaustion. Confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, or hot skin can be signs of heat stroke, which requires emergency medical help.
Do not remain in an increasingly hot home when anyone begins feeling ill. Move to a cooler location, begin cooling the person, and seek appropriate medical assistance.
Do Not Wait Too Long to Schedule AC Repair
A small problem can become a larger repair when an air conditioner continues running under abnormal conditions. For example, a weak capacitor may prevent the compressor from starting correctly, while restricted airflow can contribute to coil freezing and overheating.
Call for service when the system blows warm air, makes unusual noises, produces weak airflow, leaks water, develops ice, smells like burning material, or repeatedly trips the breaker. Giving the technician a clear description of what happened can also help speed up diagnosis.
Stay Safe During a Texas AC Breakdown
An AC failure in Texas is more than an inconvenience, especially during the hottest part of summer. Keep sunlight out, avoid adding heat indoors, stay hydrated, and move family members and pets to an air-conditioned location if the home becomes uncomfortably or dangerously hot. Do not wait for symptoms of heat illness before deciding that it is time to leave.
BVS Home Experts offers 24-hour emergency AC repair for homeowners in Katy, Sealy, Richmond, and surrounding Texas communities. If your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling, turn off equipment that appears damaged and contact BVS Home Experts for professional diagnosis and repair.
Related HVAC Guides
- How to Check Thermostat Wires for Power
- Will My AC Fan Run if the Compressor Is Bad?
- Can You Plug an Air Conditioner Into a Power Strip?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Check First When My AC Stops Working?
Should I Keep Running My AC if It Is Blowing Warm Air?
Will Lowering the Thermostat Make a Broken AC Cool Faster?
How Many Times Should I Reset a Tripped AC Breaker?
Can I Add Refrigerant to My AC Myself?
How Can I Stay Safe if My AC Breaks During a Texas Summer?
