This post comes from the less-than-ideal situation of being without air conditioning. After returning home last night from the DeWALT tool launch, I learned our A/C had stopped working.
Of course this happened on the hottest weekend we’ve had in Kansas City so far. Since we lease a loft, I’ve already contacted maintenance, but while I wait I researched common A/C problems and compiled a few practical troubleshooting tips. Try these before calling a technician — you might save time, money, and stress.
1. Check the thermostat
Some thermostats run on batteries. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and make sure the thermostat is set to cool and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature. If the display is blank or unresponsive, new batteries or a reset may fix it.
2. Inspect fuses and reset buttons
Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if needed. Some A/C units have a dedicated fuse or a reset switch on the unit itself—inspect the outdoor compressor and the indoor air handler for a reset button or blown fuses and carefully reset or replace them if you’re comfortable doing so.
3. Be patient after power issues
If the A/C went out following a power outage or a tripped breaker, turn the system off and wait 15–20 minutes before turning it back on. Many units need that time to reset before they’ll restart properly.
4. Look up your specific model
Consult the owner’s manual or search for your exact unit model online. Manufacturer guides often include model-specific troubleshooting steps and error codes that can point to the root cause or suggest an easy fix.
If these steps don’t restore cooling, it may be time to call a professional. While you wait for repairs, stay comfortable with plenty of cold drinks, fans running to circulate air, and light clothing. There’s also no harm in enjoying some ice cream while you weather the heat.
If you have any tips, tricks, or stories about dealing with a broken air conditioner, I’d love to hear them—feel free to leave a comment.
Photo: Flickr.com/rykneethling