Your air conditioner is a complex machine that has many internal and external components. As a result, there are more than a dozen possible explanations for why it isn't turning on. However, because some of them are much more common than others, we'll focus on the most likely reasons.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat acts as the control center or motherboard that tells your AC when to turn on and off. If the thermostat is damaged, has the wrong wires connected to the wrong places, or if wires have touched together, it can cause your AC to shut down and not start back up. However, the problem could also be as simple as dead batteries in your thermostat.
Regardless of what's causing your thermostat to malfunction, it can lead to an AC that refuses to turn on.
Your Circuit Breaker is Tripped
Your air conditioner runs on electricity and has an electrical wire running from it to the main panel box inside your home. If the circuit breaker controlling the air conditioner is tripped, it will turn your AC off. The only way to turn it back on is to locate the panel box and flip the breaker back to the ON positioner. Your AC should start back up immediately.
The Disconnect is Tripped or Damaged
Most modern air conditioners have a disconnect located next to the air conditioner. The disconnect acts as a manual shut-off switch for the benefit and safety of someone servicing your air conditioner. The disconnect looks similar to a circuit breaker, and, like a breaker, it can trip and deactivate your AC.
Low or No Refrigerant
Often, only mini-split heat pumps will refuse to run at all if they don't have refrigerant. An error code will flash, and your unit won't activate until the refrigerant is added to the system. However, it's possible for refrigerant issues to lead to another problem that causes deactivation on a normal air conditioner.
Frozen Coils from a Clogged Filter
If you have a dirty air filter that impedes the flow of air in your HVAC system, it can cause your evaporator coils to ice over. In most cases, your air conditioner will run for a while with reduced performance before ultimately shutting down. You may notice its attempts to restart several times but to no avail.
Bad AC Motor or Capacitor
The capacitor on your air conditioner is kind of like an alternator on your car. As the AC motor is running, the capacitor keeps it charged and helps it operate at peak performance. If the capacitor goes bad, it will cause your motor to give out, and you'll likely have to replace your entire air conditioner. This issue is common with air conditioners that are at least 15 to 20 years old.
Risks of Having an Air Conditioner That Won't Turn On
If your air conditioner refuses to turn on, you're in for a world of discomfort. Not only will your house get unbearably warm and uncomfortable, but it will also get more humid. Your air conditioner serves the dual purpose of cooling your home and removing any humidity that's present.
A humid house isn't just uncomfortable. It can also lead to mold and mildew damage. So, for the comfort and safety of your house and family, it's essential to have a working air conditioner.
How to Keep My Air Conditioner Running
If you don't want to fall into the boat of having an air conditioner that refuses to turn on, there are a few things you can do. Things you can do yourself include regularly changing the air filter, keeping the area clear around your condenser, and making sure your condensate drain doesn't get clogged. The best way to keep your AC running, however, is to contact us and schedule regular maintenance visits. Here are some of the things we check for.
Because a dirty air filter can lead to many different problems, it's one of the first things we'll check. A clean air filter isn't just important for your AC to work properly. It's also necessary to keep the air in your home clean.
Much like your air filter, low refrigerant levels can lead to a world of hurt for your AC. We'll make sure that your AC has the right amount of refrigerant, check for leaks, and add freon if necessary.
Clean coils are just as important as a clean air filter. Dirty coils can block airflow and result in freezing over and reduced airflow.
We'll check your circuit breaker, disconnect, and any electrical wiring that runs to your air conditioner. We'll also check your capacitor and all the internal electrical components on your AC.
Finally, we'll make sure that your thermostat is working as it should. If it needs batteries, we'll change them. If there's faulty wiring, we'll fix it. We'll even upgrade you to a smart thermostat for increased efficiency if you want to.
Who to Call if My Air Conditioner is not Turning On
Even the best maintenance won't always be enough to prevent problems from happening, especially on older air conditioners. If you're in a jam and your AC refuses to turn on, contact us immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency service so that we're there when you need us and not a moment later. No matter what time of night or day it is or if it's a holiday, your comfort and safety are our priority.
