With the weather getting warmer by the day, people are finding it difficult to stay indoors without turning on their air conditioning systems. If your air conditioner refuses to turn on in this scorching heat, it can be a major cause of worry for your whole family. However, no need to panic because air conditioners not turning on is not an uncommon problem. Read on to learn about the steps to identify the root cause of the problem.
Why Your Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On
Here are the most common reasons why your AC unit won’t turn on:
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker can trip due to several reasons including an electricity overload. Regardless of the cause, if the circuit-breaker providing power to your air conditioner trips, your AC won’t turn on.
Sol:
The sudden power surge can damage your television, fan, computer, and more. Switch off or unplug the electronic devices. Then find the circuit box and search for the breaker(s) in the off position and turn it on. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, call an electrician.
2. Blown Fuse
Your AC will not turn on due to a blown-out fuse. A multimeter test can confirm whether the fuse is working correctly or not.
Sol:
If you find a blown-fuse, turn off all electrical appliances first and then turn off the main power to the fuse-box. Replace the blown-out fuse with the new one that has the same amperage rating.
3. Icy Build Up
Your AC would absorb moisture from your home under normal circumstances. However, dirty air filters will cause the water droplets to freeze and eventually form an icy layer on the coils.
Sol:
Turn your air conditioning system off and check your air filters. If they are dirty or clogged, clean, or replace them. Make sure to allow the ice to melt completely.
4. Dirty Evaporator Coils
When debris accumulates on various components of your AC, including evaporator coils, condenser, it makes your system less efficient. This can ultimately lead to a total AC breakdown.
Sol:
Make sure to turn off your AC and then remove the access panel to expose the evaporator coil. When the coils are slightly dirty, you can use a brush or compressed air to clean them. You can also use mild detergent and water solution and spray the mixture on the evaporator coil. This will soak the dust and loosen it, and then you can wipe out using a soft cloth.
5. Refrigerant Leak
If you have a refrigerant or freon leak, your AC won’t start or function as expected. It can also lead to refrigerant poisoning.
Sol:
In this situation, you should contact a qualified HVAC technician to find and repair the tiny holes in the coil. If your air conditioning system is old and has many leaks in the coil, consider replacing the entire coil.
6. Faulty Motor
A faulty motor is another significant reason for your AC not turning on. When your AC produces strange noises before it stops working entirely, the problem can be a faulty motor.
Sol:
If the brushes are causing the problem, try replacing them with a new one. However, if the faulty motor has a worn-out bearing, contact a HVAC professional to replace the bearings.
7. Faulty Wiring
The wires in your unit or the one that connects your unit to an outlet can get eroded or damaged. These faulty wires can be a significant reason for air conditioner breakdowns.
Sol:
Fixing faulty wiring can be risky, contact an electrician to check and repair faulty wirings of your air conditioning system.
8. Bad Thermostat
A thermostat can become blank, broken, outdated, need battery replacement, or develop other similar issues. Any of these thermostat issues will prevent your AC from turning on.
Sol:
Make sure your thermostat settings are right, keep your thermostat in auto mode, or you may set the temperature 5 degrees lower than normal in summer. If the batteries are drawn, replace them to fix the problem.
If your AC is not turning on even after following these steps, contact White Mechanical, Inc. today to schedule a service with our air conditioning maintenance experts.
White Mechanical, Inc.
Founded in 2002, White Mechanical, Inc. in Laguna Hills, CA, is one of the most trusted and licensed (HVAC) service providers, proudly serving Orange County and the surrounding communities. Our management team has more than 28 years of experience in various aspects of HVAC technology. All our HVAC technicians are professionally skilled and certified to deliver outstanding residential HVAC services as well as commercial HVAC services to our clients. We offer professional HVAC services including installation, maintenance, air conditioning repair, and more at very reasonable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What basic troubleshooting steps should I try before calling an HVAC technician?
Before contacting a professional, ensure your thermostat is set correctly, your unit is receiving power, and there are no obvious loose connections or blown fuses. Basic checks can sometimes resolve minor issues.
How often should I schedule professional maintenance to keep my AC running reliably?
Scheduling professional maintenance once or twice a year helps catch potential problems early and ensures your air conditioner performs efficiently, especially during the high-demand summer months in Orange County.
What environmental factors in Orange County can affect my air conditioner’s performance?
The high temperatures and dusty conditions common in Orange County can strain your AC system, making regular cleaning and maintenance essential to prevent performance issues.
How does regular maintenance improve my AC’s energy efficiency?
By ensuring optimal airflow and cleaning critical components, regular maintenance helps your air conditioner operate more efficiently, which can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint.
What are the advantages of installing a programmable thermostat with my AC system?
A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, enhancing comfort and energy savings by reducing unnecessary cooling during off-peak times.
How can I protect my air conditioner from electrical fluctuations?
Using surge protectors and scheduling regular electrical inspections can safeguard your air conditioner from power surges and fluctuations, preventing potential damage and ensuring smoother operation.
How does preventive maintenance from White Mechanical, Inc. ensure reliable AC performance?
Preventive maintenance by professionals at White Mechanical, Inc. helps detect and resolve issues before they escalate, ensuring your air conditioner runs reliably in Orange County’s challenging climate while extending its lifespan.
