When your air conditioner suddenly stops working in Winston Salem, it can send your whole day into a tailspin. One minute your home is cool and comfortable, and the next you’re left with rising temperatures and no idea what went wrong. This kind of issue often comes out of nowhere, catching homeowners by surprise, especially during late spring or the start of summer when AC units are expected to run consistently.
The good news is that there are a few quick things you can check before assuming the worst. These steps won’t require any tools or expert knowledge but can save time and prevent unnecessary stress. Addressing an unexpected AC breakdown early can also prevent more serious damage and help keep your system dependable throughout the warmer months in Winston Salem.
Check the Thermostat First
It might seem too simple, but it is one of the most common reasons homeowners suddenly lose cool air. The thermostat is the control center of your AC system. If it’s not set or working properly, your system won’t respond correctly. Start by making sure it’s switched to cool and that the temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature.
If the display is blank or unresponsive, the batteries might be dead. Swapping in fresh batteries only takes a minute and can instantly restore your connection to the system. Another thing to keep in mind is that some thermostats can lose their settings due to a power glitch or internal fault. If yours has a reset option, use it. If there’s no improvement, the issue might be more than a power hiccup, and the wiring or unit may need a professional inspection.
Basic thermostat checks may sound small, but they are often the key to getting your home comfortable again. An example we’ve seen is a homeowner in Winston Salem who spent hours overheating inside, thinking the AC had failed, only to discover that the thermostat had been nudged into heat mode by accident. It’s easy to overlook, especially in homes with more than one person adjusting settings.
Inspect the Power Supply
No electricity means no AC, no matter the settings. After checking your thermostat, head to your breaker panel. Air conditioners can sometimes trip a breaker, cutting off power to the system entirely. This can happen for various reasons, including power surges or internal motor issues. Look for any breakers labeled AC or cooling and make sure they are in the ON position.
In some cases, a blown fuse might be the issue if your home uses an older electrical system. If you see a glass fuse that appears black or cloudy, it may no longer be working. Restoring power to the unit might be as easy as resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse, though it’s important to avoid repeated resets. If the breaker trips again immediately, it’s a sign of a deeper problem that needs professional attention.
Common signs that there’s no power reaching your unit include:
– The fan outside isn’t spinning
– There’s no sound or airflow from the vents
– The thermostat stays blank, even after changing batteries
Any system not responding to power checks is likely dealing with an electrical issue beyond just a tripped switch.
Examine the Air Filter
Clogged or dirty air filters can cause more problems than many people realize. Your AC unit relies on a steady flow of air to cool your home. When the air filter is full of dust and debris, it blocks that airflow, forcing the system to work harder until it eventually shuts down as a safety precaution.
Check your air filter’s condition by locating the return air vent, removing the filter, and holding it up to the light. If very little or no light passes through, the filter is too dirty to function well. Replace it with a new one of the same size and type. Most standard filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months depending on pets, indoor air quality, or use of the system.
Swapping out a filter is one of the easiest things a homeowner can do to keep cold air flowing. A clean filter helps improve indoor air quality and reduces the strain on the AC unit. Long-term neglect of filters can lead to frozen coils, overheating, or complete shutdown. Make it a habit to check filters monthly, especially as we enter warmer months when AC systems in Winston Salem run longer than usual.
Look at the Outside Unit
When indoor airflow drops or disappears completely, it’s easy to forget that the issue could be outside. The outdoor unit plays a direct role in removing heat from your home, and if it gets obstructed or can’t breathe, your AC system might shut down as a protection measure. Begin by walking outside and giving the unit a visual inspection. Look for any obvious signs of damage or blockage, like leaves, twigs, or grass piled up around the base.
Outdoor units should have at least two feet of open space on all sides. That room allows air to move freely and helps the system stay cool. If landscaping or yard debris is too close, clear it away carefully. Also, check if the fan blades are spinning while your thermostat is set to cool. If the unit is quiet or won’t turn on, power may still be disconnected, or a more serious issue could be happening inside the system.
When these signs appear, they’re worth paying attention to:
– The unit is noisy, rattling, or humming abnormally
– The fan starts and stops erratically or not at all
– Plants, grass, or fencing crowd the sides of the unit
– Visible signs of wear, rust, or pest damage
Nothing in the system works properly if the outside unit can’t release heat. Cleaning around the unit might be enough to get things working again, but if it still won’t kick on, it’s time to get it looked at by our professionals.
When To Call Our Professionals
Even after going through the basic checks, there might still be problems underneath the surface. That’s where trained eyes are important. If your thermostat is fine, power supply looks good, the filter is clean, and your outdoor condenser is clear, but the system still isn’t working, bring in experienced help. Ignoring deeper issues and continuing to run the system can lead to long-term damage and higher replacement costs down the road.
Here are signs that it’s time to bring in our technicians:
– Energy bills spike even though your usage habits haven’t changed
– The system makes clicking, buzzing, or grinding noises
– Airflow is weak or rooms stay warm no matter the setting
– Ice forms on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines
– The unit cycles on and off constantly or doesn’t turn off at all
Our technicians are trained to handle these issues safely and correctly. Trying to open a unit, repair wiring, or recharge refrigerant lines without proper equipment can cause more harm or even injure someone. Timely professional service means your system gets back up and running faster with fewer risks along the way.
Keeping Your AC Running Smoothly In Winston Salem
Quick checks like inspecting your thermostat, ensuring your unit has power, and replacing a dirty filter can fix minor AC shutdowns. Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean and unobstructed also goes a long way toward keeping your system dependable. These small efforts help reduce the risk of surprise failures during those hot days when you rely on your AC the most.
Regular maintenance can catch issues you may not notice until it’s too late. Whether it’s cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, or testing components, staying ahead of problems makes a big difference, especially as the hotter months settle in. If your system isn’t working or just doesn’t feel right, it’s better to act quickly rather than wait for a full breakdown. Staying proactive with maintenance and calling in trained support when things go wrong will stretch the life of your unit and keep your home cooler, longer.
At Blown Away HVAC, we understand that a malfunctioning AC can quickly disrupt your comfort. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t get your system back on track, professional AC repair in Winston Salem may be the best next step to identify and resolve hidden issues. Taking swift action can prevent more serious damage and ensure your home stays cool and efficient. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
