During the summer, our air conditioners are our best friends. They keep us cool when temperatures soar, and they make our homes more comfortable during the hot months of summer. But what happens when your AC won’t turn on? Most people assume that there must be something wrong with their system, but there are actually many reasons why this could happen. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of air conditioner problems so that you can identify where to start troubleshooting AC when it won’t turn on.
WHY IS MY AC NOT TURNING ON?
There are many reasons why your air conditioner may not be turning on, but some of the most common include:
1. FAULTY THERMOSTAT
The screen on your thermostat is the first place to check. If your thermostat is displaying an empty display or if it’s off, try to turn it on. If the thermostat does not turn on, you may have a problem with the thermostat itself. Consider replacing the batteries in your thermostat and if still doesn’t work, it might be a sign that you need a new thermostat. Because there might be an electrical problem with your thermostat, you will require the services of a professional specialist.
2. CONDENSER UNIT UNPLUGGED
Examine the cord coming out of your air conditioner for abnormalities. It’s probable that the AC isn’t plugged in, especially if you have a window unit. In most cases, there will be a small brown cord emerging from your AC and running to a panel on the side of your home. These wires may get disconnected or even chewed through. If you unplug these wires, your AC won’t turn on.
3. CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPPED
A circuit breaker shutting off is a typical issue. A circuit breaker can trip when you’re using too many appliances at the same time. It’s also possible that there were power surges after a storm, which caused the problem. Locate your electrical panel and check the AC switch. If the AC switch is in the “OFF” position, simply change it to “ON.” If the circuit keeps tripping, don’t touch it. For some reason, the circuit is getting overloaded, and turning on the device might cause an electrical fire. Instead, get in touch with a professional electrician straight away. While it’s easy to reset the breaker yourself, there may be something wrong with your wiring or electrical system that needs to be addressed.
If the circuit keeps tripping, leave it alone. The circuit is overloading and turning on the device may cause an electrical fire for some reason. Instead, contact a qualified electrician immediately.
5. CLOGGED AIR FILTER
How long has it been since you replaced or changed your air filter? When there are so many items on your to-do list, this work might fall off the radar, but if you’ve had the same one in place for a long time, it will be covered in dust and debris. The blockage of airflow causes the coils to freeze, leading to a complete stop in air conditioning. As a result, your air conditioner will not cool your house at all. If the ice layers are thick enough, the equipment may cease operating entirely. If your air filter is clogged, it can lead to problems with your AC unit.
Clogged filters prevent proper airflow through the system and reduce its overall efficiency. It’s important that you check your filters at least once every three months and change them as needed.
Turn off your air conditioner before attempting to determine whether it’s the source of the problem. Replace the air filter and shut off the power lines that feed it. After you’ve done so, wait a while for the ice to defrost. Before it bursts, do not turn on the air conditioner as this might damage the equipment. If you don’t have time or patience for this, a blow dryer on its lowest setting can help you speed things up.
6. DIRTY CONDENSER LINES
When the AC is not maintained, it will eventually become clogged with dirt and moisture. Mold and algae will develop on the lines, which can cause them to freeze. When this happens, you will see your AC start to drip water from the vents. It won’t work properly until you clean out the lines and remove the mold that has formed. They may be cleaned by removing the debris from within with a wet/dry vac, DIY vac, or distilled white vinegar. Make sure your condensate drain line is clear by pouring a cup of boiling water down it once a month or so. Before you do this, make sure the air conditioner and power supply are turned off first.
7. REFRIGERANT LEAK
Refrigerant is a kind of coolant. It does not have to be replenished at the same rate as a car, though. There’s no need to add refrigerant when an air conditioner is functioning properly. That said, if you’re suffering from a freon leak, your air conditioner won’t function properly. Even before your air conditioner fails to turn on, there are a number of ways to determine whether you have a leak. If it isn’t cooling your house, if your power bills rise for no apparent reason, or if you hear a hissing sound, you’ve probably got a refrigerant leak.
If left unaddressed, this may lead to refrigerant poisoning, which is a serious problem. As a result of this and because the Environmental Protection Agency only permits certified specialists to buy specific sorts of refrigerant, you’ll need to hire an HVAC professional to do it for you.
8. AC MOTOR FAILED TO START
The capacitor is the heart of your AC’s motor. It’s responsible for starting the compressor and keeping it running, which means if the capacitor fails, so does your AC system. You can use a multimeter to check if this is the problem. Before testing your AC motor, make sure to switch off the air conditioner and turn off its power supply. If it turns out that the capacitor is faulty and needs to be replaced, then you’ll need an HVAC technician to handle it for you. The technician will also need to test your air conditioner’s motor and make sure it’s working properly before installing a new capacitor.
BOTTOMLINE
You should now have a better understanding of some of the issues that can arise with an AC unit. If you think your AC is having problems, it’s best to call in a professional before the issue gets worse. If you don’t keep up with the maintenance of your AC, it will eventually lead to a complete breakdown. By being proactive and scheduling regular tune-ups, you can prevent these problems from happening and save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
AIR CONDITIONER WON’T TURN ON? WE CAN FIX ALL BRANDS OF AC UNITS
If you have an air conditioner that won’t turn on, Frosty Desert Heating & Air Conditioning can help! We are experienced in repairing all brands of AC units, including Carrier, Lennox, Amana, Rheem, Ruud, Trane, Goodman, York, and many more. We offer a wide range of AC repair services to solve any problem you may be having with your unit, including AC not cooling properly, fan not working, thermostat issues, leaks, noisy AC unit, and more.
We understand that a broken air conditioner can be a major inconvenience, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency AC repair services. We will come to your home or business as soon as possible to get your AC unit up and running again. If you have any questions about how to fix an AC unit or if you need a professional service for your HVAC system, please feel free to get in touch with us.
