Air Conditioning systems are meant to enhance your comfort at home. Even your friends and family members would be comfortable in a calm and relaxed environment, especially during the hot summer season. Apart from making you comfortable, AC systems improve your indoor air quality, making you feel more relaxed in your home.
When your AC doesn’t turn on, it’s not unusual that you would be worried. Regardless, don’t go into panic mode yet; AC not turning on is nothing new. Besides, there are easy ways you could find out why your AC won’t turn. Here are common reasons that are making your AC not turn on.
AC Power Problem
If an AC unit is not turning on, the first thing that comes to mind is to check if there’s any power problem. If there’s a problem with the circuit’s breaker or fuse, the AC won’t turn on. You should check if the fuse was blown or there is tripped breaker.
When AC works hard to keep a room temperature cool, the circuit can become overloaded. If the circuit was overloaded, then the chances are that it could be a tripped breaker. A power surge can also cause a tripped breaker or blow a fuse. Plus, using too many appliances simultaneously or using old home appliances can make breakers trip. However, there are easy steps you can take to check if it’s a power fault.
Set Your Thermostat
You should check if your thermostat is set to “cool” before you call for repair. Consider adjusting the temperature to 5 degrees less than the current indoor temperature.
Check If the Breaker Tripped
A circuit breaker would trip off when there’s an overload of electricity. It’s designed this way to protect homes from fire. There are two places to check whether the circuit breaker tripped: the disconnect box and the electrical panel. Check the electrical panel if the circuit breaker tripped; if it did, you’d need to reset the breaker by switching it off and switching it back on.
Check the Disconnect Box for Blown Fuses
Air Conditioners usually have disconnect boxes with fuses. Your Air Conditioner won’t turn on if any of the fuses blow. If there’s any fuse that’s blown, get an experienced air conditioning service expert to replace it. Changing or replacing fuses can be dangerous; don’t attempt to do it yourself, except you know what you’re doing. Ensure the power is OFF before attempting to replace it.
Note that the AC unit could have a more serious fault if it blows up fuses or trips circuits repeatedly. You’ll need to get an air conditioning repair professional to fix it.
Reset Your AC System
If your AC doesn’t turn on, it could be that you need to reset it. Some AC units have reset switches, while some don’t. If your Air Conditioner has a reset switch, you only have to press the button. For AC units without reset switches, you can turn off the AC from the thermostat and turn it on after 5-10 minutes. If you keep resetting your AC very often, you may need to get an air conditioning repair professional to check it out as it may have a more serious underlying problem.
There Could be a Wiring Problem in Your Home
Generally, you should observe if you experience problems with the electrical appliances in your home. For instance, you should observe if the appliances do not come up at first when you plug them, or if they go on and off occasionally, or if they make unusual sounds when you plug them. If you experience unusual electrical issues in your home, there may be a wiring problem in your home, which could be the reason your AC unit won’t turn on. You should get an electrician to rectify this problem.
Clogged and Dirty Condensate Drain Line
Just as air filters get dirty, note that condenser drain lines get dirty too. Mold, algae, and other dirt buildups can clog the drain lines. Your Air conditioner won’t turn on if the condensate drain line is clogged. A condensation forms when an AC unit is running; this condensation leaves the units through a drain line. When the drain line is clogged with dirt, the AC won’t turn on. Another reason is that the condensation drain pump isn’t working. Some AC units have compensation drain pumps that help to remove water from the home. If the pumps stop working, the unit will shut down.
However, you can clean the condenser unit to unclog it and allow it to function more efficiently. Before cleaning, ensure to turn off the AC power source. A good DIY vacuum can suction the debris. If you cannot handle it, consider getting an air conditioning service professional to take care of it.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat could be the reason your AC unit won’t turn on. Thermostats are vital components of AC systems as they rely on them to turn on and off. If your AC doesn’t turn on, you should test the thermostat to see if it’s still in good condition. Your AC won’t turn on if it’s outdated, broken, or need the batteries to be replaced. Here’s how to check your thermostat:
- Check the thermostat screen to see if it’s blank if it turns on.
- If it doesn’t turn on, consider replacing the batteries.
- If the thermostat doesn’t turn on after you’ve replaced the batteries, you’ll need to buy a new thermostat. You can get a certified air conditioning service expert to handle the installation.
The Motor isn’t Working
If your AC won’t turn on, it’s possible that the Motor isn’t working. If the AC was making disturbing sounds before shutting down, the Motor could be faulty. A capacitor test can help you find out if the Motor is still in good condition. If the motor is faulty, you’ll need to fix it.
Clogged and Dirty Evaporator Coils and Condenser
Over time dust, dirt, and debris build up on the condenser, air filters, and evaporator coils. When dirt and debris clog these AC components, they begin to function less efficiently, which eventually makes the AC system break down entirely. It’s vital that you do regular maintenance to ensure your AC remains in good condition.
Now that you know the most common reasons why your AC won’t turn on, you can take easy and easy steps to fix it rather than entering into panic mode. However, note that you may need to contact an air conditioning repair or air conditioning service professional for more serious issues.
