Is there anything more frustrating than an air conditioning system not turning on on a hot day? Perhaps the only thing that could be more frustrating is the air conditioner blowing hot air when you need the home to cool down. If your air conditioner refuses to jump into gear, you probably want to know why so that you can address the issue.
In this blog, we’ll explore the possible reasons and give you some AC troubleshooting tips you can try before calling a professional HVAC technician for a repair.
Check the Thermostat Settings First
The thermostat is the control center of the entire air conditioning unit. If anything goes wrong with it, the whole HVAC system will be affected. It is important that it is set to the desired temperature so that the AC unit can perform the cooling cycle properly.
Here’s what to check—
- Is the thermostat on? If not, try turning it on and setting it to the desired temperature.
- Are the batteries full? If they are old, they will need to be replaced.
- Do you have a tripped circuit breaker? If so, the switch will need to be reset.
- Is the thermostat properly connected? Lift the panel and check the wiring to see if they need to be reconnected.
If the thermostat seems to be okay, you may have other air conditioning issues that you can check.
Circuit Breaker or Fuse Might be the Problem
Sometimes the culprit of the air conditioner not turning on has to do with the circuit breaker box. If there is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker, the air conditioner will not turn on.
Here’s how to check the electrical panel—
- Find it either along the wall of your house outside or in the garage
- Locate the switches for the air conditioner unit
- If the switches are out of place, switch them back to the right spot
While checking the circuit breaker, look for signs of a blown fuse. Typically, that includes visible charring or even a burned smell. Also, if you’ve reset the circuit breaker and it trips again shortly after, the fuse is likely blown. You may need to get a technician involved to get to the bottom of this issue.
A Clogged Air Filter Can Shut Down the AC System
Air filters are in charge of removing dust and dirt particles from the air before it circulates throughout the house. Eventually, the dirt buildup will need be cleared or it will create a clog that can lead to the AC not turning on.
Dirty air filters may cause key components of an air conditioner to overheat, triggering the system’s safety mechanism that shuts it down. Because clogged air filters hurt the system’s proper airflow, the evaporator coils can eventually freeze and cause the system to shut off as well. Suppose the air filters aren’t cleaned or replaced on time. In that case, the dirt buildup can cause the air conditioner to work overtime and overload with electricity, leading to an electrical overload and shutdown.
As a standard in the HVAC industry, it is recommended that your air filters be replaced at least every 90 days. If you use your air conditioner daily, we recommend replacing or cleaning the air filters on a monthly basis.
The Outdoor Unit Isn’t Getting Power
If the condenser unit (outdoor AC unit) is completely silent, there could be a power issue causing it to not run as designed. If it isn’t getting the needed power supply, it will cause the entire AC system to malfunction. The AC unit will either blow warm air into the house or just stay off entirely.
Here’s what may be causing the outdoor condenser unit to not power on:
- Tripped circuit breaker: Again, you will want to check the electrical panel to see what position the switches are in and reset them if needed.
- Blown fuse: A blown fuse can cut off the power supply to cooling system. If your AC unit has a fuse box, you will need to check it.
- Faulty wiring: Disconnected or damaged wiring can cut off the power supply, which may be a reason for why your air conditioner is not turning on.
- Shut-off switch: Many outside AC units have shut-off switches located next to the condenser. Check the one on your unit to see if it hasn’t been flipped off.
Faulty Capacitor or Contactor May Be to Blame
The capacitor is like a battery that gives the air conditioner’s motors the needed electrical jolt to power on. Damaged or worn-out capacitors will cause the AC system to struggle to start or not start at all.
Here are some signs of capacitor issues:
- A humming sound coming from the outdoor unit
- The fan motor hums but the fan isn’t spinning
- The AC clicks but nothing starts
- The cooling system short cycles— turns on for a couple minutes and then shuts off
Faulty capacitors can only be addressed by a professional HVAC technician as this requires specialized training and expertise for a quality resolution.
Compressor or Motor Failure: Time to Call a Professional HVAC Technician
An AC unit not turning on when you need it creates a lot of frustration and stress. And sometimes, the DIY AC troubleshooting attempts do nothing but create even more frustration. If you’ve checked for a tripped circuit breaker, the thermostat settings, cleaned the air filter, and checked for signs of a faulty capacitor and still haven’t figured out the problem, get in touch with the best HVAC professionals at Calvey Heating & Air.
At Calvey Heating & Air, we pass on quick fixes and flashy sales. We are committed to delivering premium AC unit repairs at transparent prices. For an honest assessment and resolution for your air conditioning, get in touch with us today.