What Should I Do if My AC Unit Won’t Turn On?

Don’t you hate it when your air conditioner doesn’t work? You feel all sweaty. It’s a horrible feeling.

No homeowner wants to find themselves in this situation. Do you know what to do if your AC stops working?

It might be an easy fix. You must know the common issues that cause an AC unit to not work. Read this article to learn some of the reasons why your AC might not turn on.

Issues with the Thermostat

Your AC unit won’t turn on? Don’t get frustrated as doing so might get you more heated (no pun intended). The first thing you should check is the thermostat.

It might sound silly, but your thermostat might not be set for cool. A family member might have changed the settings to a warmer temperature. Someone might have bumped into the thermostat by accident.

Whatever the case was, you should correct the settings. Set it to cool. Also, set the thermostat’s temp setting at least five degrees below the indoor temp.

The thermostat is an integral part of the AC system. Older AC systems might have a thermostat that needs to be replaced. If it’s broken, you’ll have to replace it.

The best way to know if you have to replace the thermostat is by testing it. To do this, you must make sure your home is silent. Refer to your HVAC troubleshooting manual for help.

Check the Air Filter

Ask yourself, when was the last time you changed the air filter. A dirty air filter might be the root of the problem.

Clean air filters enable proper airflow, thus allowing you to feel cool. A dirty filter can suffocate the HVAC system. This can cause it to go into self-preservation mode and turn off.

The solution is simple. Change the air filter. Make sure to make a note on your calendar so remind yourself to replace it in three months.

Check the Evaporator Coils and Condenser Lines

Dirt, dust, and any other type of debris are bad for your AC unit. Your AC unit has different components that are prone to debris build-up.

If debris builds up, it can make the system less efficient. If it’s significant, it can lead to a broken HVAC.

Check the evaporator coils to make sure they are clean. You should also check the condenser lines, which are outside the house. These lines can have mold and algae on them.

Once you find the condenser lines, lift the lid and use a vacuum to remove the debris. Before you do this, turn off the power source that feeds electricity to the AC.

Look for Ice Build Up

Check your unit for ice build-up. This problem can arise if the coil is clogged. This will cause the temperature to drop and freeze up, thus stopping the system from working.

If there’s ice, let it thaw. It can take up to 24-hours for it to thaw. Then you can turn on the system and check if it’s up running again.

Check the Breakers

If the AC isn’t still turning on, the breaker might have been tripped. If this is the case, there are two places you’ll have to check.

Start with the electrical panel. If your home is older, you’ll have to check the fuse box. If the circuit breaker has tripped, you must turn it off and then turn it back on.

Next, you must check the disconnect box. Look for the fuses to see if one of them has blown. If this is the issue, your AC won’t work.

If you feel comfortable replacing the fuse yourself, you must turn the power off first. It’s better to leave this to the pros as working with fuses can be dangerous.

Need to Reset the AC

You might need to reset your AC so it can restart. Some systems have a button switch outside of the unit. Press the switch and see if this resolves the problem.

If there isn’t a switch, you must try another method. Turn off your AC at the thermostat. Wait for five minutes to turn it back on.

The Motor Isn’t Working

Is your AC making weird noises? If it’s making them, chances are that the motor is faulty.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to find out if the motor isn’t working. You can do a capacitor test. The bad news is that if it isn’t working, you might have to replace it.

There Is a Refrigerant Leak

You should check if there’s a refrigerant leak. If there’s a leak, you might have to add coolant. Listen for a gurgling sound as this is a dead giveaway there’s a refrigerant leak.

This is an issue you must fix right away. If there’s a Freon leak, you’re putting yourself at risk for refrigerant poisoning.

Other common HVAC problems might be affecting your AC unit. If you need help finding the problem or want to fix one of the problems, you should call the pros. Let the pros take care of your AC repair job.

Time to Fix Your AC Unit

You don’t have to put up with an AC that isn’t working. Don’t let the heat get to you. These are some of the common reasons why your AC unit won’t turn on.

Try checking for these problems. The solution might be as simple as turning the thermostat on to the right settings. You might need to reset the system.

It’s a good idea to call the pros if you need help. They will get AC back running in no time.

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