Air Conditioning After a Power Outage: What You Need to Know

An Air conditioning power outage may be bothersome, especially when you depend on your air conditioner to keep your house cool and comfortable throughout the summer in Phoenix. It’s important to understand how to resolve these difficulties so that your air conditioning system continues to function properly and efficiently when the power goes off.

In this blog post, we’ll go through some of the typical problems that can develop following a power outage, like electrical surges, and how to fix them. We’ll also cover how to reset your AC unit, when to call a professional, and how to prevent future power-related problems. With the tips and advice provided, you’ll be able to keep your air conditioning unit in top shape even after a power outage.

How to get your air conditioning unit back up and running after a power outage

It’s essential to address issues promptly to prevent further damage to your air conditioning unit and ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Power outages can cause various problems with your air conditioning unit.

Electrical Surges

Power outages can cause electrical surges when the power comes back on. Electrical surges can damage the electrical components of your AC unit, including the compressor, fan motor, and circuit board.

If you suspect that an electrical surge has damaged your air conditioning unit, turn off the power to the unit and contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair the electrical components.

Tripped Breakers

A sudden loss of power can trip the breaker of your air conditioning unit, causing it to stop working. When this happens, you’ll need to reset the breaker to get your AC unit running again.

If the breaker to your AC unit has tripped, turn off the air conditioner’s thermostat and reset the breaker by turning it off and then on again. If the breaker trips again, it could be a sign of a more significant problem, and you should contact a Chas Roberts professional.

Dirty Air Filters

Power outages can cause the AC unit’s air filter to get dirty, which can reduce airflow and cause the unit to overheat or freeze up.

If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new one. It’s recommended to replace your AC air filter every 1-3 months, depending on factors such as usage, indoor air quality, and the type of filter you have.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Power outages can cause refrigerant levels to drop, which can cause your A/C unit to blow warm air. Low refrigerant levels can also damage your compressor.

If your air conditioning unit is blowing warm air, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels. Contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect the refrigerant levels and repair any leaks.

Damaged Capacitor

A damaged capacitor can also be a result of a power outage. Capacitors are responsible for starting the motors in your air conditioning unit. Damaged capacitors can prevent your AC unit from starting up or cause it to shut down unexpectedly.

The issues mentioned above are just a few examples of the many potential impacts that a power outage can have on your HVAC system.

How to reset your air conditioning system

Resetting your air conditioning system can be a simple process that can help fix issues that may arise after a power outage. If your unit still isn’t working correctly after resetting it, there may be a more significant problem that requires the assistance of a Chas Roberts technician. Follow these five easy steps to reset your air conditioner:

1. Turn off the thermostat. The first step in resetting your air conditioning system is to turn off the thermostat. This will ensure that the AC unit is not running when you reset it.
2. Turn off the power to the AC unit. Locate the circuit breaker box for your AC unit and switch the breaker to the “off” position.
3. Wait for a few minutes to allow any electrical charge to dissipate from the AC unit.
4. Turn on the power to the AC unit. After a few minutes, switch the breaker back to the “on” position. You should hear a click or a hum, indicating that the unit has power.
5. Finally, turn on the thermostat and set the desired temperature. The AC unit should start up and begin cooling your home.

How to prevent issues in the future

While it’s not always possible to prevent power outages, there are steps you can take to protect your air conditioning unit and reduce the risk of power-related issues. Taking these steps can help prevent future power-related issues with your air conditioning unit and ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.Top of Form

Here are some tips to prevent future power issues with your air conditioning unit.

Install a Surge Protector

A surge protector can help protect your AC unit from electrical surges that can damage its components. A licensed electrician can install a surge protector for your AC unit.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit can help identify and address potential problems before they become major issues. Scheduling annual maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician can help keep your AC unit in good working order and prevent power-related issues.

Keep the AC Unit Clean

Regularly cleaning your air conditioning unit’s coils and filters can help prevent dust and debris from accumulating and causing damage to the unit.

Install a Backup Generator

If power outages are common in your area, consider installing a backup generator. A generator can provide power to your AC unit during an outage and help prevent issues that can arise from a sudden loss of power.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment

Upgrading to energy-efficient air conditioning equipment can not only help reduce your energy bills but also make your AC unit more resilient to power outages.

Don’t forget to schedule your routine air conditioning checks

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and efficiently, even after a power outage. It’s easy to forget about scheduling maintenance when your unit seems to be working fine, but regular maintenance can help identify and address potential problems before they become more significant issues.

We recommend scheduling maintenance for your air conditioning unit at least once a year, ideally before the hot summer months when you’ll rely on your air conditioning unit the most. During a maintenance visit, a Chas Roberts technician will inspect and clean your system’s components, check refrigerant levels, and perform any necessary repairs or replacements.

Get your A/C unit back up and running with Chas Roberts

Don’t wait until your air conditioning unit breaks down to schedule maintenance. Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your system and save you money on energy bills in the long run. Contact a Chas Roberts professional to schedule maintenance for your air conditioning unit.

Are you in one of our service areas? Chas Roberts services 28 cities in Metro Phoenix and Tucson and provides exceptional, one-on-one customer service and knowledgeable advice on your air conditioning.

Chas Roberts has been serving customers in Arizona for over 75 years and has a team of experienced technicians who are trained to handle all types of air conditioning issues. So, if you need assistance with your air conditioning system, don’t hesitate to reach out to Chas Roberts for help.