What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
An air conditioning system keeps your home cool and comfortable even when it is scorching hot outside. However, you might find that your air conditioner won’t turn on at some point in its lifespan. As a result, you have to deal with a hot and humid home while waiting for the HVAC technician to arrive.
In some instances, the reason an air conditioner won’t switch on might be simple that a homeowner can DIY. Check the list below, so you don’t have to endure an uncomfortable home during the hottest days of the year.
What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
Contents
Read on to know some air conditioner troubleshooting tips that can help you when your air conditioner won’t turn on.
1. Air Conditioner Power Source
An air conditioner that fails to turn on when you need it the most causes a stressful situation. Therefore, you might end up overlooking some key factors that could be the cause of the problem. For instance, the problem could be connected with electricity.
What you need to do first is check the circuit breaker. Find the main electrical panel in your house to see if a tripped circuit breaker caused the issue. Reset it if needed to determine if a problem with the electricity is the cause. Check if the plug is properly connected to an outlet as well. Someone might have unplugged it, or it could have gotten loose. This might sound like an obvious thing, but many homeowners tend to neglect this.
In some cases, the thermostat could be the issue. Inspect the thermostat and change the batteries with fresh ones or ensure it is properly connected to a power source. Make sure that the settings are correct as well.
2. Be Familiar with Your AC Unit & Its Switches
Troubleshooting common air conditioner issues is possible as long as you are familiar with your air conditioning system. After all, if you want your system to have an extended lifespan, practicing effective maintenance is a must. Know the basic components of your air conditioner as well. For instance, many homeowners aren’t familiar with the on and off switches. There are times when the indoor air handler’s power switch has been turned off. Simply switch it back on. The outside unit also has an emergency shut-off switch. Someone might have accidentally turned it off and forgot to switch it on again.
3. Check Your HVAC Air Filter
The HVAC air filter needs to be replaced regularly. This means replacement should be done every two to three months. Some homes might need a more frequent filter replacement schedule, depending on the home’s location and the number of pets, among others. Doing this will help ensure high system efficiency levels at all times.
Air filters help prevent dust, dirt, and other contaminants from getting into your air conditioner, where they can cause problems. Keep in mind that the filters get dirtier the more time passes. This can also lead to issues with your unit. For instance, the air conditioner will consume more energy to maintain the temperature in your home. This will cause a significant increase in your energy bills if it is not remedied immediately. Your air conditioning system could also stop working.
Keep track of when you replace your filters. You can try writing the date of replacement on the filter and setting a calendar reminder so that you can look into its condition at the start of every month. Replacing the filters before they become entirely clogged will help prolong your system’s lifespan. On the other hand, letting your air conditioner consume more power than needed will lead to permanent system failure. This is a costlier endeavor than replacing your HVAC filters, so do not neglect this task.
4. Check The Drain Pan & Lines
A professional HVAC technician should also inspect the drain pan. If it is full, the float switch is triggered, stopping the system from turning on. Part of your air conditioner’s operation is removing the excess moisture in the air via condensation. This moisture is eliminated from your home via a drain line. This component can get clogged and cause the system to switch off. The drain pan should be emptied regularly and the drain line unclogged to resolve the problem. Consult an expert HVAC contractor to assist you with a blocked drain line.
5. Check Your Evaporator Coils
It is essential to keep the evaporator coils clean as it will help extend your system’s lifespan. Cleaning the evaporator coils decreases the chances of damage to your system. If your air conditioner doesn’t switch on, it could be because of dirty evaporator coils. Think about when you had them cleaned last. Cleaning the evaporator coils should be part of the system’s annual maintenance as well.
Consult an air conditioner repair company to know how to clean the coils correctly. Maintenance should also be scheduled annually if you don’t want to experience problems when you need cooling the most. Have your unit inspected, maintained, and cleaned by a licensed professional regularly.
Conclusion
A simple electrical problem could be the culprit behind an air conditioner that doesn’t turn on. The circuit breaker might have tripped, the system isn’t plugged into a power source, or the connection is loose. These can be fixed easily, like when the problem is caused by a clogged drain line or a full drain pan. Remember to call an expert HVAC technician if it is more than just a basic issue. Schedule yearly maintenance as well.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Point Bay Fuel provides excellent heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our company has professionally certified technicians for all your HVAC service needs, such as repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. All our friendly techs have the skills, experience, and knowledge to ensure correct services on any HVAC make and model.
Rest assured, we have highly affordable and competitive heating and cooling rates. Our tune-up services can help improve energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and cost-effectiveness. When you need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the most suitable and budget-friendly solution for your home. Your satisfaction is essential to us, so all our services are backed with a guarantee. Call Point Bay Fuel and book a service appointment today for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!