What to Do When Your AC Stops Working During a Heat Wave

ac unit

Summer heat in Copperas Cove can be serious. When the temperatures spike and the sun beats down for days on end, the last thing anyone wants is for their AC to stop working. Homes become uncomfortable fast, and frustration builds quickly when there’s no cool air flowing. It doesn’t take long for that hot air to take over, especially in the middle of a heat wave. Whether you’re trying to stay cool during the day or sleep comfortably at night, a working AC is key to keeping your home livable.

If your system suddenly shuts off or isn’t cooling the way it should, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do right away to figure out what’s happening and possibly fix the issue. Acting quickly also helps avoid further damage to your system. Often, the problem is something simple that can be addressed before calling for help. Let’s walk through the first steps you should take when your AC stops working during a heat wave in Copperas Cove.

Check the Basics Before Taking Bigger Steps

It’s always worth checking the easy stuff first. Sometimes, what feels like a major system failure is actually a small issue that can be resolved without tools or technical expertise.

Start with the thermostat:

– Make sure it’s set to “cool” and not “heat” or “off”
– Verify the temperature is set lower than your current indoor temperature
– Replace the batteries if the screen is blank or unresponsive

Next, look at your power sources:

– Check if the unit has power
– Look at the circuit breaker in the electrical panel to see if anything has tripped
– Reset the breaker if needed, and observe if the system restarts

Now inspect the physical equipment:

– Look for ice forming on the outdoor unit or refrigerant lines
– Check for any leaks, especially water around the inside unit
– Listen for any unusual buzzing, clicking, or silence when the system should be running

If you find any of these signs, stop and make note of them. Taking these steps early can help identify minor issues or help you describe the problem if you need to explain it to our technicians. For example, one Copperas Cove homeowner thought their system had failed entirely, but the issue ended up being a power outage that had tripped the breaker. A quick reset got everything working again.

Immediate Next Steps to Prevent More Issues

Once you’ve checked the basics, it’s time to protect the system. Even if you’re not sure what’s wrong, you don’t want to risk causing additional damage by letting it run under stress.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Turn the AC off at the thermostat to stop it from running
2. Replace or clean your air filters—dirty filters reduce airflow and can cause overheating
3. Walk through your home and make sure all vents and registers are open and not blocked by furniture or curtains
4. Close windows and blinds to keep the indoor temperature from rising faster
5. Use fans to circulate air and keep from overheating while waiting

These steps won’t fix major mechanical issues, but they can help prevent the system from straining further. Keeping it shut off until it’s inspected also lowers the risk of more costly repairs. If these steps don’t bring your system back or make a big difference, your next move should be to reach out to professionals who know AC systems inside and out. That’s where the real solution often starts.

When to Call for Professional AC Service

If your system is still not working after checking those basic steps, it’s time to bring in our professionals. Some issues go beyond what a homeowner can catch and call for a deeper inspection. Ignoring potential warning signs often leads to more damage or even full system failure, especially in the high heat of Copperas Cove summers.

Here are a few signs that it’s time to reach out for professional AC service in Copperas Cove:

– Loud or unusual noises like grinding, hissing, or buzzing
– Weak airflow from vents even when the system is on
– Warm air blowing from the vents instead of cool air
– Notices of short cycling, where the AC starts and stops too frequently
– Indoor humidity rising noticeably, even with the AC running
– Ice forming repeatedly on the coils or refrigerant lines

If any of these signs are present, don’t wait or try to tough it out until the weather cools. A trained technician can pinpoint the issue and get repairs underway quickly. Professional diagnostics can also uncover hidden problems—ones that may not be obvious but affect how well your system runs. Getting help early keeps your home comfortable and prevents the problem from causing more damage.

Simple Ways to Prevent Future AC Failures

No one wants to go through a mid-summer AC breakdown more than once. Planning ahead with regular care helps keep unwanted surprises out of your summer plans. Ongoing system upkeep plays a direct role in performance, especially under stress from persistent heat waves.

The good news is, most maintenance steps aren’t complicated:

– Replace your air filter every one to two months
– Schedule inspections before summer starts to catch worn-out components
– Keep outdoor units clean and clear of leaves, weeds, or dirt
– Don’t block indoor vents or close too many registers
– Keep track of unusual sounds or performance drops and report them early

If your AC system runs year after year without a check-up, the parts can wear down unnoticed until a major breakdown happens. Signing up for a professional maintenance plan can take that task off your plate. Scheduled cleanings and inspections keep the system tuned and reduce the chance of being caught off guard during a Copperas Cove heat wave.

The Value of Having Dependable Support During Summer

During high summer temps, your AC is more than convenience—it’s a shield against dangerous indoor heat. When systems stop working unexpectedly, response time matters. Homeowners in Copperas Cove benefit from having a trusted AC service provider they can call quickly. Routine visits not only fix urgent problems but also help prevent costly repairs and reduce energy waste.

Reliable support ensures you’re not left waiting days in the heat. It also means accurate, thorough service instead of guesswork or repeat visits. When technicians know your system inside and out, they can move faster, fix smarter, and help prevent further issues down the road.

Staying Comfortable and Ready for the Next Heat Wave

When your AC goes out during the height of summer in Copperas Cove, fast decisions help avoid discomfort and damage. While it’s smart to look for simple causes first, many AC problems are beyond what homeowners can fix. Trusting the experience of trained professionals makes the repair process quicker and more effective.

Good AC care doesn’t stop at repair—it includes prevention, too. Ongoing maintenance, quick action on warning signs, and knowing when to call for help all increase your system’s life and your home’s comfort. Heat waves aren’t going away any time soon. Getting ahead of them can be the difference between a few warm minutes or a long, hot week.

When AC issues disrupt your home’s comfort during the summer heat, turning to professional support can help reduce further damage and ease your stress. Jormer Enterprises offers expertise that you can rely on when you need to address unexpected AC breakdowns promptly. Learn more about AC service in Copperas Cove to keep your system running smoothly. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.

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