As spring arrives, there’s nothing worse than discovering your air conditioner isn’t working on a sweltering day. It can be frustrating and uncomfortable when your AC unit won’t turn on. But before you call an HVAC contractor, it is important to understand some common reasons an air conditioner may not turn. After checking these tips, you can explain the issue to your HVAC technician from Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar, and they can have a starting point.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common reasons an air conditioner will not turn on. The air conditioning unit requires high electrical power to run the compressor and fans. This heavy electrical load can cause the circuit breaker connected to the AC to trip, cutting off electricity to the unit. Circuit breakers are a safety precaution and will trip when sensing an electrical overload of the circuit.
If the circuit breaker has tripped, the switch will be flipped to the “Off” position. To reset it, switch the breaker to “Off” and back to the “On” position. However, if the breaker immediately trips again, that indicates a more significant electrical issue is at play. The overload’s root cause must be addressed before continuously resetting the breaker.
Blown Fuse
A blown fuse is another potential reason your air conditioner won’t turn on. Fuses are designed to fail and burn out when too much current passes through, cutting power as a safety measure. Air conditioning units require high electrical loads, so it’s not uncommon for the fuse supplying power to the AC to blow unexpectedly.
When you find a burnt-out or broken fuse, replacing it with the proper type and amperage is crucial. Our experienced technicians can inspect your fuse box to check for blown fuses and determine the correct fuse rating needed for your AC unit. We’ll also evaluate the AC unit and wiring to determine why the fuse blew initially. Finding and fixing the source ensures the new fuse won’t burn out prematurely.
Thermostat Settings
Before calling for AC repair, double-check your thermostat settings. The temperature should be set below the current room temperature for the AC to turn on. Make sure the thermostat mode is set to “Cool” and the fan to “Auto” so it knows how to run the AC. You may also want to temporarily lower the temperature even more to see if the AC starts up. If it still does not run with the appropriate settings, there may be a thermostat malfunction or other system issue needing attention from a professional.
Faulty Thermostat
Problems with the thermostat itself can also prevent an AC from turning on. If setting the temperature below the room temperature in cooling mode doesn’t trigger the system, the issue may be a defective thermostat. Thermostats can malfunction due to age, power surges, or faulty components. Try resetting the thermostat or check if the screen displays any error messages. If basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, replacement of the thermostat is likely needed. Our HVAC technicians at Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar can diagnose thermostat issues and install a new digital thermostat for optimized performance.
Clogged Air Filter
A clogged, dirty air filter is one of the most frequent causes of an air conditioner not turning on properly. The filter traps dust, pollen, and other contaminants as air circulates through the HVAC system. Over time, the filter becomes obstructed, preventing normal airflow. This airflow restriction prevents the AC unit from running efficiently or starting up.
Our experienced technicians know the importance of routine filter inspections and changes. We can evaluate your filter to check for any significant blockage and replace it if needed. Replacing a clogged filter while addressing any underlying issues will get your AC running optimally. Regular filter maintenance from our professionals is crucial to maximize your AC’s performance and longevity this cooling season. Trust us to keep your system’s airflow and filtration in check.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is one potential cause of an AC unit not turning on. A refrigerant is a substance that absorbs and releases heat to provide cooled air. Any loss of refrigerant due to a leak can prevent the AC from adequately cooling your home. Signs of a leak include higher energy bills, poor cooling, or the system not starting up.
Our skilled HVAC technicians have advanced diagnostic tools to check your refrigerant levels and identify any leaks. We can then make the necessary repairs and recharge the refrigerant.
Faulty Capacitor
Within the air conditioner’s condenser unit outside is a capacitor, an electrical component that helps start the AC compressor motor. If worn out or defective, the capacitor can fail to engage the compressor and prevent the system from powering. Warning signs of a bad capacitor include the outdoor AC unit making humming noises but not starting up. Our technicians have advanced electrical testing equipment to diagnose capacitor issues. We’ll replace your faulty capacitor so your compressor can work properly again.
Bad Contactor
The contactor works with the capacitor to switch the compressor on and off in response to cooling demand. Like the capacitor, the contactor is located in the outdoor condenser unit. If the contactor is stuck, worn out, or damaged, it won’t send voltage to turn on the compressor. Your AC system may try to start up but immediately shut down if the contactor makes poor electrical connections. Our team will test the contactor and replace it if it is faulty.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Ice forming on the evaporator coil inside your furnace can fully or partially block airflow through the coil. A frozen coil reduces cooling capacity, preventing the AC system from starting. What causes coils to freeze? It could be a low refrigerant level, dirty air filter, or continuous operation in hot and humid climates. Turn off your AC and let the ice melt, which could take a few hours. Once thawed, monitor your system to see if the coil freezes again. If it does, call our HVAC technicians to inspect and identify the cause of the freezing coil.
Malfunctioning Condenser Fan
Proper airflow on the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils is crucial for efficient operation. The condenser fan blows air over the condenser coil to remove heat. If this fan is broken, has an unbalanced blade, or has a bad motor, it can severely lower AC performance. Have our HVAC technician assess the condition of your outdoor condenser fan. We’ll get it realigned, repaired, or replaced as needed to restore airflow for proper system functioning.
Compressor Failure
While an uncommon occurrence, the AC compressor can stop functioning if it becomes damaged or wears out over time. The compressor is the heart of an air conditioning system, using compressed refrigerant to deliver cooled air. If the compressor is not receiving power, cannot start up, or has internal mechanical issues, the AC will not turn on properly. Our experienced technicians can perform thorough diagnostic testing to determine if the compressor is malfunctioning. If so, we may recommend replacing the entire compressor so your AC can keep your home cool once again.
Schedule an Appointment With [company_Name] Today
From AC installations, tune-ups, and repairs to top-rated customer service, Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar has everything you need to stay comfortable. We even offer 24/7 emergency service for those hot summer nights when you can’t go without cold air. Our HVAC company proudly prioritizes your 100% satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
