My air conditioner runs but doesn't cool the house — why?

The most likely causes are low refrigerant, a dirty or frozen evaporator coil, a dirty outdoor condenser coil, or a failing compressor. A technician can test refrigerant pressure and coil temperatures to identify the exact cause.

Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?

Repeated breaker trips indicate a serious electrical issue — usually a grounded compressor, a short in the wiring, or a failing capacitor drawing too much current. Don't keep resetting it; call for professional diagnosis.

How old is too old for an air conditioner?

Most air conditioners last 15–20 years. After 12 years, efficiency has typically declined enough that replacement starts making financial sense, especially if repairs are becoming frequent.

Air Conditioner Not Working — Common Causes & Fixes

Comprehensive guide to the most common reasons air conditioners stop working and what each fix involves.

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Professional Air Conditioner Not Working — Common Causes & Fixes in Asheville & Western NC

The 10 Most Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner Isn't Working

Air conditioner problems fall into predictable categories. Electrical issues (tripped breakers, blown fuses, dead thermostats) account for about 30% of service calls. Airflow restrictions (dirty filters, blocked vents, frozen coils) account for another 25%. Refrigerant problems make up about 20%, and mechanical failures (compressors, fan motors, capacitors) cover the rest. Understanding which category your problem falls into helps you decide whether it's a DIY fix or a professional repair.

Electrical Causes — Often a Quick Fix

If your air conditioner shows no signs of life, check the thermostat display first. If it's blank, replace the batteries or check the breaker that powers it. Next, find your main electrical panel and look for a tripped HVAC breaker — it'll be in a middle position between on and off. Your outdoor unit also has a disconnect box mounted on the wall near it; make sure that's in the on position. These simple checks resolve about one in five "my AC isn't working" calls in Asheville.

Refrigerant and Airflow Problems

If the system runs but doesn't cool, you may be dealing with low refrigerant from a leak or severely restricted airflow from a dirty filter or frozen evaporator coil. A frozen coil is especially common in WNC's humid climate — the combination of a slightly low refrigerant charge and high humidity creates ice buildup quickly. If you see ice on the refrigerant lines going to your indoor unit, turn the system off, set the fan to "on" to help it thaw, and call for AC repair.

Mechanical Failures

Fan motors, compressors, and capacitors eventually wear out. A humming outdoor unit that won't start often points to a bad capacitor — one of the most affordable repairs. A compressor that trips the breaker repeatedly may have a ground fault, which is a more serious issue. Quality Comfort's technicians use electrical testing equipment to pinpoint exactly which component has failed, so you're never paying for guesswork.