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Birmingham · Troubleshooting

AC Not Working — What to Check Before You Call

Before you pay for a service call, check these five things. Half the time, one of them fixes the problem. If none of them work, call us.

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What this looks like in practice

Check the thermostat

Make sure it's set to 'cool', the temperature is set below the current room temp, and the batteries aren't dead. This sounds obvious but it's the #1 'fix' on service calls.

Check the breaker

Find your HVAC breaker in the panel. Flip it off, wait 60 seconds, flip it back on. A tripped breaker is the second most common cause of 'AC not working.'

Check the filter

Pull the filter out. If it's completely clogged, the system may have shut down on a safety limit. Replace it and give the system 30 minutes.

Check the outdoor unit

Go outside and look at the condenser. Is the fan spinning? Is it making any noise? Is it iced up? This information helps us diagnose faster when you call.

Still not working?

If none of the above fixed it, call us. We dispatch same-day for emergencies in the Birmingham metro.

FAQ

Common questions

Why is my AC not turning on?

Most common causes: tripped breaker, dead thermostat batteries, blown fuse in the disconnect box, or a failed capacitor. The first two are free fixes.

Should I keep trying to run it?

If it's making a dangerous sound or smell, no — turn it off. If it's just not responding, checking the breaker and thermostat is safe.