Power outages during summer storms in Sherman can take a toll on your air conditioner. Even after the lights come back on, your AC might not work the same as before. You could hear strange sounds, notice it won’t turn on, or find that it’s tripping your circuit breaker more than usual. These are often signs of electrical problems developed during the outage. While it might seem like a small hiccup, ignoring these signs can lead to more serious and expensive repairs down the road.
AC systems rely on stable power to function properly, and a sudden loss of electricity followed by a power surge can affect internal components. Electrical surges can damage circuits, interfere with the thermostat, and burn out the system’s control board. If your AC isn’t acting right after a storm, it’s worth taking the time to investigate the issue early. Resolving smaller problems quickly can prevent complete system failure.
Understanding AC Electrical Issues After a Power Outage
After a sudden outage in Sherman, your AC might show a few different signs that something isn’t right. Some common problems include:
– The AC not turning on at all
– Breakers tripping as soon as the unit tries to start
– Fans running but the compressor staying off
– Thermostats losing power or settings
– Abnormal sounds coming from the outdoor unit
Power interruptions can spike voltage through your system, damaging sensitive components like the capacitor, contactor, control board, or even the compressor motor. In many cases, these parts won’t fail right away, but may start malfunctioning within hours or days after the power is restored.
The circuit breaker is your AC system’s first defense against these issues. It trips when the system draws too much current, preventing damage. If your circuit breaker is flipping back off every time you reset it, that’s a clear sign something inside the system is pulling more power than it should or has a short in the wiring. Repeatedly trying to reset it won’t fix the root problem and can even make things worse.
A local example could be a Sherman homeowner who noticed their AC wasn’t turning on after a storm blew through overnight. Thinking it was just a glitch, they kept resetting the breaker. After a few tries, the unit stopped responding completely. This turned out to be a burned-out contactor caused by that first overload.
Identifying Typical Symptoms of Electrical Problems
It doesn’t take a deep technical background to notice something is off with your AC. Look out for these common warning signs:
1. A popping or buzzing sound coming from the unit, especially after it tries to start
2. A smell like burnt wiring or plastic near your indoor or outdoor unit
3. The unit shuts off shortly after starting or won’t start at all
4. Your breaker trips every time the AC kicks in
5. Room temperatures aren’t dropping even though the system appears to be on
Any of these issues could be the result of power surge damage during a recent storm. What seems like a minor glitch can be tied to a larger electrical issue affecting parts deep within the system. For example, a burnt fuse or faulty capacitor might seem small but can totally prevent the compressor or fan motor from running.
If you ignore these early symptoms, the strain on the system can escalate. Instead of just replacing a fuse or capacitor, you might end up needing a motor replacement or full system repair. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to these signs and respond sooner rather than later.
Steps to Troubleshoot Your AC Unit
Before scheduling repairs, it’s worth checking a few things around your system. A few basic steps can help rule out easy-to-fix issues. Just remember, if something seems unsafe or out of the ordinary, it’s best to leave it to our professionals.
Start by making sure your circuit breaker isn’t stuck in a tripped state. Head to your electrical panel and look for any breakers flipped halfway or fully to the off position. If the AC breaker is tripped, turn it fully off, then flip it back on. If it trips again right away, stop there. There may be a short that needs inspection.
Next, take a closer look at your AC equipment. Check the outside unit for any debris, disconnected wires, or burnt smells. Look for frayed wiring or signs of scorching near the contactor or power connections. Do the same with your indoor components. If anything looks damaged or loose, don’t attempt to handle it yourself.
Also verify your thermostat settings haven’t changed. A power outage may reset smart or programmable thermostats. They may lose their schedule settings or even default to heat mode. Set it to cool and lower the temperature a few degrees below the current room temperature. Listen for the system to kick on.
Here’s a list of safe troubleshooting activities before calling for AC repair in Sherman:
– Reset the circuit breaker for the AC system
– Remove debris or outdoor obstructions near the condenser unit
– Check the thermostat mode and temperature setting
– Make sure filters are clean, allowing unobstructed airflow
– Look and smell for signs of burnt wires or corrosion, but don’t touch them
– Listen for clicking or buzzing sounds near the control panel
If these steps don’t help or the problem returns, it’s time for a professional inspection.
When to Call in Our Professionals
Some issues are far too risky to handle alone. Any time the breaker continues to trip, or you see burnt wiring, professional repairs are needed. The same applies if fuses are blown or if your AC makes loud noises when trying to start. These symptoms usually point to a short, a faulty capacitor, or a failing compressor.
Power surges can quietly damage inner components of your AC, leaving you without cooling when the heat hits Sherman hardest. Our professionals have the tools and knowledge to test electrical parts, track where the failure is occurring, and safely apply the fix.
Bringing in one of our technicians also helps protect the system from further breakdowns. A damaged capacitor, for instance, puts strain on the motor. If left unresolved, both may need to be replaced. Addressing the initial issue early often prevents bigger, costlier repairs.
To help avoid electrical issues after storms, you can also have our professionals inspect your system before summer rolls in. Catching weak spots like aging capacitors or loose connections can make a major difference in how your system holds up in rough weather.
Keeping Your AC Reliable During Storm Seasons
In Sherman, summer storms and sudden blackouts become more common as the temperature climbs. That’s why regular system maintenance should be part of your routine each year.
Having your AC professionally cleaned and inspected helps prevent unexpected failures. Before summer begins, our technicians can look for signs of wear on electrical parts, tighten loose connections, and test voltage levels throughout the unit. These steps help shield your system against common surge-related problems.
Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of AC electrical issues during the storm season:
– Schedule a check-up early in the summer before high demand hits
– Have surge protectors added to your HVAC system, especially if you’ve had past power issues
– Replace aging or underpowered capacitors before they cause shutdowns
– Keep the outdoor unit clear of tree branches or anything that might fall in a storm
Taking preventive steps ahead of time helps ensure your cooling keeps running, even during hot Sherman afternoons when you need it most. Poor voltage control and delayed response to early symptoms are what cause units to fail completely. It’s much easier to address problems when they’re small than to be left without cool air on a 90-degree day.
Understanding what to look for after a power outage and acting quickly can go a long way in protecting one of the most used systems in your home. AC repair in Sherman doesn’t need to be reactive. Staying proactive keeps your unit dependable all summer long.
For reliable cooling through unexpected power issues, trust the professionals at Allied Plumbing Heating & Cooling to keep your system in top condition. Taking proactive steps like scheduling AC repair in Sherman can help ensure your unit performs efficiently during storm season. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
