Your air conditioner has two main parts, one inside your house and another outside. Both contain important pieces needed to cool your home. The outdoor part includes a fan, condenser coils, a compressor, and a refrigerant line designed to move the heat inside your home to the outside air.
This complex process relies on the heat transfer ability of the refrigerant liquid as it evaporates into a gaseous state and then condenses back into liquid form. If your outside AC unit’s not turning on, the AC can no longer move the heat outside, even if the inside part seems to be working fine.
Calvey Heating and Air is the Bay Area’s top choice for air conditioner diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and replacement services. Count on our experts to find the source of the problem and fix it as soon as possible.
Common Causes for Your Outside AC Unit Not Turning On
Here are some of the most common reasons your AC’s outside unit is not running.
A broken compressor
The compressor is a major part of the AC and if it’s malfunctioning, the system stops cooling the home properly. You may notice strange noises and higher-than-usual electric bills before the unit eventually stops working. When the compressor dies, it’s likely time for a full AC replacement.
Capacitor issues
The capacitor is responsible for starting the compressor. If the AC has trouble starting, it’ll pull too much power at once, causing the breaker to trip and turn off the outdoor unit. Call an HVAC professional to assess your AC if your breakers trip repeatedly.
A fan malfunction
A fan malfunction could be caused by a burnt-out motor, a broken fan belt, a lack of lubrication, or electrical issues. To avoid the risk of shock or burns, turn the AC off and call an HVAC professional to fix your AC fan.
Troubleshooting Steps When Your Outside AC Unit Isn’t Running
Try the following troubleshooting steps when your outside condenser unit is not turning on.
Make sure the power switch is set to on
This might sound obvious, but there’s a chance somebody bumped the switch by accident, turning the outside piece off. The shut-off switch is usually located near the wiring connections at the back of the box. Check this switch first, and make sure the AC is turned on.
Check your circuit breaker
If the circuit box tripped, reset the breaker and see if the AC starts up again. If it trips repeatedly, there’s likely a bigger issue with the capacitor, the power supply, a bad electrical connection, or an overloaded circuit that needs to be addressed by an expert.
Clear all blockages
The component lives outside, so debris like leaves and dirt can block the AC fan. Make sure the condenser unit has proper airflow, and the fan spins freely without impediment.
Look for any visible damage
Check around the outdoor unit for dents, broken pieces, rust, corrosion, or blockages that could prevent it from working properly. If you find visible damage, call an HVAC technician for help. They’ll tell you whether the issue is a quick fix or if you’ll need to replace the AC.
Check the thermostat settings
The AC won’t turn on if your thermostat’s not set to a cool enough temperature. Other possible issues include user errors, a malfunctioning thermostat, or dead batteries.
When To Call a Professional for an Outside Unit AC Not Running
If your AC condenser’s not kicking on after troubleshooting, call Calvey Heating and Air for help. We understand how important a working AC is to your comfort, and we’ll diagnose the problem as quickly as possible.
We’re experienced in working with central air conditioning and mini-split systems, offering comprehensive solutions to solve the issue for good. It could be a simple fix like a fan belt replacement, or you may need to consider a replacement. We’ll review your options with you and help you find the most cost-effective solution.
How To Keep Your AC Running Smoothly Year-Round
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. We recommend that San Jose homeowners schedule a tune-up once a year, between April and May, to keep their ACs in excellent condition and prepare for the summer heat.
When you schedule routine air conditioner maintenance with Calvey Heating and Air, you get more than a clean, efficient AC. You’re also extending the AC’s lifespan and giving yourself peace of mind, knowing small issues will be detected and fixed before they cause serious (and expensive) problems.
A well-maintained AC can save you money on your energy bills, give you cleaner air, and keep you consistently cool, no matter how hot it gets outside.
Contact Calvey Today
Contact Calvey Heating and Air for all your AC services. We value honesty, high-quality service, and building relationships with customers. When you call Calvey, we’ll treat you like family and give you the respect you deserve. If your AC’s not running outside, count on our team to handle it without any hidden costs or extra hassles. We’re the local professionals you can trust.