Wondering, “Why is my AC not working after a power outage?” As if losing electricity wasn’t frustrating enough, now you can’t get reliable cooling when you need it the most.
As the go-to crew for premier air conditioner repair in Katy, TX, we at BVS Home Experts have encountered this issue more times than we can count. Keep reading as we lend some useful insight to restore your comfort.
The Top Culprits of an Unresponsive AC Unit in Katy
Indoor cooling systems rely on an intricate network of components to work seamlessly. When one of these parts becomes disrupted by a sudden power loss, it can throw the entire process off balance. Let’s go over some fairly common issues.
Tripped Breakers
Breaker panels are the heart of your home’s electrical system. They control the flow of power to every appliance, including your AC unit. A power surge can cause the breaker to trip as a protective measure; it stops the sudden influx of electricity from damaging your system.
Compressor Failure
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the air conditioner to facilitate heat exchange and cooling. During a power outage, the compressor can suffer from mechanical stress or overheating. Voltage fluctuations when the power returns may cause further issues like electrical shorts or motor failure.
It’s rare, but the component may sustain enough damage to render it irreparable.
Blower Motor Issues
Blower motors push cooled air from the AC through the ducts and into your living spaces. An outage might impair their capacitor. This part provides the initial burst of energy to jumpstart the system, so you may have found your culprit if you can’t turn on your cooling.
Did you manage to restore the AC, but the airflow seems weak? Other components in the blower may have sustained damage, which impacts its ability to push air effectively.
A Faulty Variable Speed Motor
Old AC models used to work with single-speed motors. These would either turn on or off, with no middle ground.
Newer designs often employ more advanced systems that adjust their speed based on cooling demand. You get greater energy efficiency and more consistent indoor temperatures.
The one major downside? Their complexity makes them more susceptible to issues after an outage; the sensitive components might become more easily damaged or require resetting. If you notice subpar cooling performance, you may have found your culprit.
Control Board Problems
Why is my AC not working after a power outage? If your unit won’t respond correctly or has shut down completely, the control board might need a thorough assessment.
It serves as the “brain” that manages and coordinates various indoor cooling operations. The part also processes inputs from thermostats, sensors, and switches for seamless functionality. During power fluctuations, this part can short circuit or experience voltage overloads, which disrupts communication and causes the system to malfunction.
Troubleshooting Your AC in Katy, TX
Did a recent outage in Katy leave you with lingering AC issues? Don’t panic. Even when you’re not an HVAC savant, you can follow these simple steps to restore your AC to working order.
Wait for the System To Restart
Most AC models come with a built-in delay feature to protect the compressor from short cycling; this can occur during frequent on-and-off operations.
Give your system a chance to stabilize and wait about 10 minutes after the power returns. This delay should give the compressor enough time to balance itself. Your unit might only need your patience for a little while longer, and it could kick back on without further issues.
Reset Circuit Breaker
When your AC remains unresponsive after letting it rest, head over to your electrical panel. Does it have a tripped internal breaker?
You can easily fix this by flipping the switch back to the “on” position. If it trips again, you may have another issue at play, such as a short circuit or an overloaded circuit. It’s time for a professional to take a closer look.
Does your Katy home still use a fuse box? You may have a blown fuse instead. Replace it with a new one that matches its amperage rating, though we recommend upgrading to breakers for better protection and ease of use.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Why is my AC not working after a power outage? Take a moment to check the outdoor unit for signs of damage—think melted wires, a blackened capacitor, or acrid odors.
Clear the area around the unit by removing leaves, branches, and any obstacles that might obstruct airflow. Keeping the surroundings clean helps the system operate efficiently and reduces the risk of additional damage.
If everything seems intact, perform a hard reset by turning off the power supply to the outdoor unit for a few minutes, then switch it back on.
Reset Your Thermostat
Turn the device off and remove its batteries, if applicable. Wait about a minute before replacing the batteries and turning the unit back on.
For hardwired models, locate the circuit breaker that powers the thermostat, switch it off, wait a moment, and then flip it back on. This restart can often restore normal operation.
Why Seek an Expert Checkup?
Instead of playing guessing games with potentially dangerous electrical components, it’s never a bad idea to bring in a specialist. You get:
- Peace of mind: HVAC technicians in Katy have the training and experience to minimize risks and assess every aspect of your system thoroughly.
- Convenience: You don’t have to spend your precious weekend diagnosing and fixing issues. Leave it to the professionals to restore your comfort quickly and efficiently.
- Long-term solutions: Even when you manage to resolve the immediate problem, the system could still hide underlying issues that need attention.
Don’t Let an Outage Ruin Your Comfort
Why is my AC not working after a power outage? Leave it to BVS Home Experts.
Dial 281-391-1510 for a tailor-fit fix—or read more of our blog to discover if it’s worth repairing an AC unit on its last legs.
