Your air conditioner keeps your house bearable in the sweltering heat of summer. That's why it's so distressing if it suddenly stops working. If your air conditioner suddenly stops working as it should, don't fret. Here are four troubleshooting tips to try, which can help you avoid the cost of purchasing a brand new air conditioner:

1. Make sure the AC is still receiving power.

Air conditioners draw quite a lot of power, and it's possible that your AC tripped a circuit breaker. Before deciding that your air conditioner is broken, make sure it's still receiving electricity. In some cases, flipping the circuit breaker or changing a blown fuse is all you need to do to get your AC working again.

2. Turn down your thermostat.

When you turn your air conditioner on, you expect it to begin cooling down the room immediately. If you turn your air conditioner on, and you can see the power indicator lights, then you know it's receiving adequate electricity. If it doesn't seem to be working, first try adjusting your thermostat. If the AC's sensor believes the room is already at an adequate temperature, the fan and motor won't start. Lowering the thermostat a few degrees may solve your problem.

3. Clean the air filter.

If your air conditioner is working but seems to be less efficient than usual, a dirty air filter may be to blame. In some cases, you won't notice the problem until you see your electricity bill, which is higher than usual. A clogged filter forces your AC to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. Newer models of air conditioners have an indicator that will let you know if the filter needs to be cleaned. Depending on the type of air filter your AC uses, you may need to replace it rather than clean it.

4. Call an air conditioning repair service.

If you've tried all the above steps, but your air conditioner still isn't turning on, or if it's turning on but not cooling your home adequately, it's time to call a professional. An air conditioning repair service will send an HVAC professional to inspect your air conditioner for defects. It may need a new part if an internal component is broken, or in some cases, your AC might just require a tune-up. Scheduling routine air conditioner maintenance can prevent further problems in the future so you won't be left without your AC in the summer.