AC Stopped Working Folsom? Here's What to Do

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: AC Stopped Working

Your AC was working fine, then suddenly stopped. In Folsom's 100°F+ summers, this is a critical emergency. Before calling for emergency AC repair, try these quick troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Check Your Thermostat (2 Minutes)

• Is it powered on? Display should be lit up
• Mode set to COOL? Not heat, not off
• Temperature set LOW enough? Try setting to 68°F
• Batteries dead? Replace if display is dim/blank

Result: If thermostat was off or on wrong mode, problem solved! If thermostat is fine, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Check Circuit Breaker (3 Minutes)

Go to your electrical panel and look for:

• Tripped breaker: Switch will be in middle position (not fully ON or OFF)
• Label "AC" or "Air Conditioning": Usually 30-40 amp double breaker
• Reset process: Push breaker fully OFF, then back to ON

Result: If breaker was tripped and AC starts after reset, you're good temporarily. Important: If breaker trips again within hours, you have an electrical problem - call immediately for professional AC repair.

Step 3: Check Air Filter (2 Minutes)

Remove your air filter (usually in return air vent or air handler):

• Completely clogged? You can't see light through it
• Replace immediately: Clogged filter can freeze coils and stop AC
• Wait 30 minutes: After replacing filter, give AC time to restart

Result: If filter was severely clogged, replacing it may restore function. If AC still doesn't work after 30 minutes, the damage is done - call for repair.

Step 4: Check Outdoor Unit (5 Minutes)

Go outside to your AC condenser unit and check:

• Is fan spinning? Should hear/see fan running when AC is on
• Any visible damage? Dents, crushed fins, debris inside
• Clear 2 feet around unit? Remove weeds, leaves, obstructions
• Disconnect switch ON? Gray box on wall near unit should be ON

Result: If outdoor unit has no power or fan isn't spinning, you have a failed component (capacitor, contactor, or compressor) that requires professional repair.

Common Causes When AC Stops Working

1. Failed Capacitor (Most Common - 40%)

Symptoms:

• Outdoor unit won't turn on
• Humming sound but fan not spinning
• AC worked fine yesterday, dead today

Why it happens: Folsom's extreme heat stresses capacitors. They typically last 5-10 years but fail more quickly in our 100°F+ summers.

Repair cost: $150-$250

Repair time: 30-45 minutes

DIY fix? No - requires electrical work and capacitor can hold dangerous charge even when power is off.

2. Tripped Breaker / Electrical Issues (25%)

Symptoms:

• AC completely dead (no lights, no sounds)
• Breaker trips repeatedly when you reset it
• Recent electrical storm or power surge

Why it happens: Electrical overload, short circuit, or power surge damages AC components.

Repair cost: $150-$400 (depending on damage)

Repair time: 45-90 minutes

DIY fix? Only resetting breaker once. If it trips again, call immediately - repeated tripping can cause fire hazard.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coil (15%)

Symptoms:

• No airflow from vents
• Ice visible on refrigerant lines
• Water leaking inside near air handler
• AC was blowing weak air, then stopped completely

Why it happens: Dirty filter, low refrigerant, or failed blower motor causes ice buildup that blocks airflow completely.

Repair cost: $200-$400 (thaw coil + fix root cause)

Repair time: 60-90 minutes

DIY fix? Turn AC off and let ice melt (4-8 hours), but you MUST fix root cause or it will freeze again.

4. Refrigerant Leak (10%)

Symptoms:

• AC runs but blows warm air
• Ice on outdoor refrigerant lines
• Hissing or bubbling sounds
• AC worked fine for weeks, gradually got warmer, then stopped cooling entirely

Why it happens: Vibration, corrosion, or poor installation causes small leaks. Refrigerant escapes over time until system has too little to function.

Repair cost: $300-$600 (find leak, repair, recharge)

Repair time: 90-120 minutes

DIY fix? Absolutely not - requires EPA certification and specialized equipment.

5. Failed Compressor (5%)

Symptoms:

• Loud grinding, screeching, or clicking sounds
• Circuit breaker trips when AC tries to start
• Outdoor unit extremely hot to touch
• AC is 10+ years old

Why it happens: Age, overheating, or lack of maintenance causes compressor failure. This is the "heart" of your AC system.

Repair cost: $1,200-$2,000 (often better to replace entire system)

Repair time: 3-4 hours (or next-day for compressor replacement)

DIY fix? No - major component replacement requiring refrigerant work.

6. Thermostat Failure (3%)

Symptoms:

• Thermostat display blank or unresponsive
• AC turns on then immediately off (short-cycling)
• Temperature reading obviously wrong (shows 65°F when house is 85°F)

Why it happens: Dead batteries, wiring issues, or thermostat age (10+ years).

Repair cost: $150-$250

Repair time: 30-60 minutes

DIY fix? Replace batteries first. If that doesn't fix it, needs professional replacement.

7. Blower Motor Failure (2%)

Symptoms:

• No air coming from vents (even though AC is on)
• Weak airflow from some vents, none from others
• Loud squealing or grinding from indoor unit

Why it happens: Bearings wear out, motor overheats, or electrical failure.

Repair cost: $250-$400

Repair time: 60-90 minutes

DIY fix? No - requires disassembly of air handler and electrical work.

When to Call for Emergency AC Repair

Call Immediately If:

• ✅ AC won't turn on despite trying all troubleshooting steps
• ✅ Burning smell from AC unit or vents
• ✅ Strange loud noises (grinding, screeching, banging)
• ✅ Circuit breaker trips multiple times
• ✅ Water leaking inside your home
• ✅ Smoke or sparks from AC components
• ✅ Indoor temperature above 85°F in Folsom's summer heat

Can Wait Until Morning If:

• 🔸 AC is working but not cooling to exact temp (within 3-4°F)
• 🔸 Minor rattling or clicking sounds
• 🔸 Outside temperature below 80°F
• 🔸 You have alternative cooling (window AC, etc.)

Our 24/7 emergency AC repair service is here when you need us. Don't suffer through Folsom's extreme heat - call for fast, professional repair.

What NOT to Do When AC Stops Working

• ❌ Don't keep turning AC on/off repeatedly - Can damage compressor
• ❌ Don't set thermostat to 60°F - Won't make it cool faster, may freeze coils
• ❌ Don't remove panels to "fix it yourself" - Electrical hazard and voids warranties
• ❌ Don't add refrigerant yourself - Illegal without EPA certification, dangerous
• ❌ Don't ignore strange sounds - Small problems become expensive if ignored
• ❌ Don't run AC with dirty filter - Causes more damage

Temporary Cooling While Waiting for Repair

If you must wait a few hours for our technician (we guarantee 60-minute response in Folsom):

• Close blinds/curtains: Block out Folsom's intense sun
• Use fans: Ceiling fans, box fans, portable fans for air circulation
• Open windows at night: If outside temp drops below 80°F
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
• Go to coolest room: Lower floors are cooler than upstairs
• Limit heat sources: Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances, oven

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention: How to Avoid AC Failures

Prevent your AC from stopping unexpectedly with these maintenance tips:

• Change filters monthly: Especially in Folsom's dusty summers
• Annual tune-ups: Spring maintenance catches problems before they cause failures (learn about our maintenance plans)
• Keep outdoor unit clear: 2 feet clearance around condenser
• Don't overwork AC: Set thermostat to 78-80°F, not 68°F
• Upgrade old systems: 15+ year old ACs are unreliable - consider AC replacement

Don't Suffer in the Heat - Call Now

When your AC stops working in Folsom's extreme heat, every minute counts. Our expert technicians arrive within 60 minutes, carry 200+ parts on fully stocked trucks, and complete 90% of repairs same-day. Don't waste time troubleshooting - get professional help fast.