It can be hard to do anything when the weather is too hot. The heat can sap your energy, making it impossible to do anything but sweat. Air conditioning usually solves this terrible problem, which means you may be left at a loss if your air conditioner suddenly breaks. If your AC unit has stopped working, here are four things you can try to fix it.

1. Look at your AC manual.

All air conditioners come with an operating manual. This manual gives you vital information about your air conditioner. If your air conditioner stops working, your first step should be looking at this manual to glean information from it. If you see any indicator lights blinking on your AC unit, the manual will tell you what they mean. In some cases, the light will indicate that you need to change the air filter. Other lights may indicate a deeper problem that must be solved by a professional repairman.

2. Clean your AC unit.

Your air conditioner's job is to move cool air throughout your home. Unfortunately, the air inside your home isn't perfectly clean. Dust, animal fur, and other small contaminants can hide in the air. Over time, these particles may clog your air conditioner. If your AC is straining to do its job, try cleaning out the air filter and rear vents. Don't use any harsh chemicals, and don't get the air conditioner's internal parts wet. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a damp rag to carefully wipe away any visible dirt.

3. Make sure the AC unit is receiving electricity.

In some cases, the problem is as simple as a power outage. If the lights are on in the rest of your house, check your circuit breaker. Air conditioners draw a lot of electricity, and it's possible that a sudden surge tripped the breaker. 

4. Call an AC repair service.

After you've exhausted the do-it-yourself solutions, it's time to call a professional. An AC repair service will send a technician to your house. They will examine your air conditioner, taking it apart if necessary, in order to find the source of its mechanical failure. Whether the problem is a broken compressor or a coolant leak, an AC repairman will have the knowledge, tools, and parts necessary to deal with it.

You don't have to suffer the summer heat without an air conditioner. If your AC unit stops working, trying these four things can help you get it running again. Heatstroke is a very real concern, so remember to stay cool when temperatures rise.

For more information on AC repair, contact a company like Astro Air Inc.