What to Do When Your AC Won't Turn on After a Hurricane in Woodville, TX

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season could be the most active ever seen. Federal forecasters predict a record number of named storms, ranging between 17 and 25. Up to 13 of these storms could become hurricanes, with 4 to 7 reaching major hurricane strength.

Texas, with its long coastline bordering the Gulf of Mexico, is likely to bear the brunt of the expected tropical storms.

As a homeowner in Woodville, TX, you know how essential a working air conditioner is, especially after a hurricane hits. Your aircon not blowing air can make a dreadful situation even more stressful. But don't worry - you can take steps to get your AC up and running again.

Here's an essential AC won't start troubleshooting guide to help you identify and fix any post-tornado AC issues.

Check for Power Outages

During a hurricane, it's not uncommon for power outages to occur. When this happens, your AC can take a hit alongside everything else that's connected to the power. The first thing to check after a hurricane is whether your home has power.

Sometimes, power outages can be localized to just your street or neighborhood. If your aircon is not blowing air, ensure that your home has electricity. If the power is out, contact your local utility company for updates.

If power's back on but your air conditioner's gone silent, you might be facing an issue with the AC itself.

Inspect the Breaker Box

Sometimes, the power to your AC unit might be off even if your home has electricity. Go to your breaker box and check if the breaker for your AC unit has tripped.

The breaker box, also known as the electrical panel, is typically located in several common areas in the home, such as:

• Basement
• Garage
• Exterior Wall
• Utility Room
• Hallway Closet

If you're having trouble locating your breaker box, consult your home's blueprint if available. If the breaker has tripped, reset it by switching it off and then on again. This is a simple fix that could solve the problem right away.

Look for Visible Damage

Strong winds and flying debris can cause visible damage to your AC unit. Inspect the outdoor unit for any dents, broken parts, or obstructions. Clear away any debris that may be blocking the unit.

If you notice significant damage, it's best to contact Woodville TX HVAC services to help you assess and fix AC after the hurricane. This action can save you lots of money on repairs later.

Check the Thermostat Settings

If your AC isn't cooling, it could be something as easy as the incorrect thermostat settings. Make sure the thermostat is switched to "cool" mode and that the temperature you've set is lower than what the room currently feels like.

If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them to see if that fixes the issue. Those little batteries play a big role in keeping your cool air flowing smoothly. When they're depleted, your thermostat might not communicate correct signals to your air conditioner, leaving you feeling hot and bothered.

Replace or Clean the Air Filters

Clogged air filters can prevent your AC from blowing air effectively. After a storm, your filters might be full of dirt and debris. Check the AC filters and clean or replace them if necessary.

Clean filters improve airflow and efficiency, helping your AC work better.

Examine the Condensate Drain

Your AC unit has a drain line that can become clogged with debris during a storm. If this drain is blocked, it can cause the unit to shut down.

Locate the drain line and check for any clogs. If you find one, try to clear it with a wet/dry vacuum. This is a common post-tornado AC issue that can be resolved quickly.

Check the Refrigerant Levels

Air conditioning systems aren't designed to run out of refrigerant. A low refrigerant level is a warning sign of refrigerant leaks. If you suspect this might be the issue, it's best to call a professional for safety reasons.

Handling refrigerants requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Professional Woodville TX HVAC services can safely check and top off your refrigerant levels. This will help get your AC cooling properly again.

Listen for Unusual Noises

Turn on your AC and listen for any unusual sounds. Strange noises can indicate internal damage or loose components. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, turn off the unit and contact an AC repair technician.

Some common AC noises to listen for include:

• Screeching
• Hissing
• Buzzing
• Whistling
• Rattling
• Banging

Listening for these sounds and understanding their potential causes can help you identify post-tornado AC issues early. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional for complex repairs or if you're unsure about the problem.

Taking prompt action can help fix your AC after a hurricane and restore comfort to your home.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Even if your AC seems to be working fine after taking these steps, it's a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. A trained technician can identify and fix any underlying issues that might not be immediately apparent.

Some common AC problems that you might miss include:

• Faulty wiring
• Damaged capacitor
• Dirty AC coils
• Damaged compressor
• Leaky air ducts
• Fan and motor issues

Catching these issues early can prevent more serious damage, which could lead to expensive AC repairs. Additionally, regular HVAC maintenance ensures your unit remains in top condition, especially after severe weather events.

Aircon Not Blowing Air? Contact the Experts at Burnside Air Conditioning & Heating

Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane is challenging enough without the added frustration of an aircon not blowing air. But a non-functioning AC is one of those post-hurricane issues you just can't afford to put on the back burner. Prompt action is key to ensure you stay cool and comfortable as you recover from the storm.

At Burnside Air Conditioning & Heating, we value your comfort and peace of mind. Since 1958, we've been helping Woodville, TX homeowners tackle their AC emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Get in touch with us today for expert AC repair tips and solutions!