AC Not Working? Here’s What to Check Before Calling the Pros

When your air conditioner suddenly stops working in the middle of an Arvada summer—or even a warm spring day in Wheat Ridge—it’s easy to jump straight into panic mode. But don’t call for a repair just yet.

Before you book a service visit, there are a few things you can check yourself. These simple steps could save you time, money, and the discomfort of sitting around in a hot house longer than necessary.

Here’s a handy checklist of what to look for if your Wheat Ridge or Arvada air conditioning isn’t cooling properly, straight from the pros at Mighty Pine Heating & Air.

1. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Let’s start with the easiest fix—your thermostat.

Why it matters: Sometimes, the issue isn’t your AC at all. It’s just a setting that got bumped or batteries that died.

What to check:

• Is it set to “Cool” and not just “Fan”?
• Is the temperature set lower than the current room temp?
• Have the batteries run out?
• Did a power outage reset the schedule?

Quick fix: Try replacing the batteries, double-checking your temperature setting, and making sure it’s in the right mode. If your thermostat is programmable, it’s also worth reviewing your settings to make sure nothing’s changed unexpectedly.

2. Inspect the Breaker Box

A tripped breaker is a common cause of sudden system shutdowns.

Why it matters: Your air conditioner draws a lot of power. During periods of high demand—like a heatwave—it can overload the circuit.

What to do:

• Head to your main electrical panel
• Look for any tripped breakers, especially those labeled HVAC or AC
• Flip the switch fully OFF and then back ON

Important: If the breaker trips again right away, don’t force it. That could mean a deeper electrical issue. In that case, it’s time to book a professional AC repair in Arvada, CO.

3. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

You’d be amazed how many “broken” ACs just need a fresh filter.

Why it matters: A clogged filter blocks airflow, forces your system to work harder, and can even cause it to shut down as a safety precaution.

What to check:

• Find your filter (usually behind a return vent or inside the indoor unit)
• If it looks dark, dusty, or hasn’t been changed in over two months—it’s overdue

Quick fix: Replace the filter. For households with pets or allergies (or just a lot of dust), regular AC maintenance every 1–2 months is key to keeping things running smoothly.

4. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your AC’s outdoor condenser needs space to breathe.

Why it matters: If the unit is surrounded by weeds, leaves, or debris, airflow is restricted. That means it can’t expel heat properly, which could cause the whole system to overheat or shut down.

What to do:

• Trim back bushes and clear at least 2 feet of space around the unit
• Gently rinse the coils with a garden hose—avoid high pressure and never use a power washer

Keep an eye on this especially during spring and summer when foliage grows fast.

5. Make Sure Vents Inside Are Open and Unblocked

Even if your AC is running, poor airflow inside can make your home feel warmer than it should.

What to check:

• Are any vents closed?
• Are rugs, curtains, or furniture blocking them?
• Do any rooms feel significantly cooler than others?
  

Quick fix: Open all supply vents, vacuum out any visible dust, and rearrange furniture if needed. Balanced airflow is key to comfort and efficiency.

6. Look for Ice or Water Around the Unit

A frozen coil or puddle might not seem urgent—but it’s a red flag.

Why it matters: Ice on your AC usually means a refrigerant issue or severely restricted airflow. Water around the indoor unit might indicate a clogged condensate drain.

What to do:

• If you see ice: turn off the system and let it thaw completely
• If you see water: check the drain line for clogs

These aren’t DIY-friendly problems. If you notice either, call Mighty Pine for professional AC repair in Arvada or Wheat Ridge. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and get things back on track.

7. Consider the Age of Your AC System

Sometimes it’s not a fix—it’s a sign.

Why it matters: Most air conditioners last around 10–15 years. If yours is pushing that limit (or well past it), frequent breakdowns and poor efficiency could mean it’s time for a replacement.

What to ask yourself:

• Has your energy bill gone up?
• Does your home stay humid or take forever to cool down?
• Are repairs becoming more frequent?

In these cases, investing in a new system might be more cost-effective long-term. Mighty Pine offers full AC installation and replacement services, tailored to your home’s size and needs.

Still Stuck? Call the Arvada & Wheat Ridge AC Experts

If you’ve walked through all the steps above and your AC still won’t kick on—or it’s running but barely cooling—it’s time to bring in the professionals.

At Mighty Pine Heating & Air, we specialize in fast, friendly, and effective air conditioning services in Arvada, CO, and we also proudly serve nearby Wheat Ridge.

Whether you need a quick repair, a thorough tune-up, or a full system replacement, we’ve got your back.

Book your appointment today and we’ll help you get cool again—fast.

Call (720) 538-8755