Eight Reasons Why Your AC Won’t Turn On-And What to Do

Things can get warm fast when your air conditioner won’t turn on in the U.S.. Thankfully, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you keep your cool, even when your AC isn’t functioning properly. Here are eight possible reasons why your air conditioner won’t turn on and how to fix them.

1) Check the Thermostat

The easy explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat issue. Double check your thermostat is on, set to “cool,” and that the temperature is set to a few degrees colder than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You may also need to replace the batteries. If that doesn’t solve the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat could be inaccurate. A thermostat that can’t read the set temperature could prevent your air conditioner from turning on. Once you’ve discovered that the thermostat is broken, it’s time to replace it. If you can’t decide on a thermostat that’s right for your residence, speak with an Expert to help determine the best choice.

2) Check the Air Filter

Your air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30-60 days at minimum. You should change them more regularly depending on the number of pets and people living in your home, plus the local air pollution levels near your residence. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your air conditioner to freeze and not turn on.

If your air filter appears dirty or you can’t remember the last time you changed it, it’s time to get a new one. If your AC was frozen, wait for it to thaw after changing the filter before turning it back on.

3) Check the Circuit Breaker

Open the electrical panel inside your home and try to see if the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner is tripped. You can identify if the breaker is tripped if the switch has shifted to the “OFF” position. To resolve this issue, simply flip the breaker so that it’s in the “ON” position.

If your AC continues to trip the breaker after resolving this issue, you could have a serious problem and should contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to keep it from damaging your home or air conditioner.

4) Check the Indoor Shutoff Switch

Often mistaken for a light switch, if your AC won’t turn on, the indoor shutoff switch may have been flipped unintentionally. These switches are typically placed near your furnace, in a closet, crawl space or attic. Once you reach the shutoff switch, confirm it’s in the “OFF” position. If so, just turn it back on. It’s always a good idea to label this switch to stop anyone from mistakenly switching it off.

5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch

If you or someone else has recently worked on your air conditioner, they might have turned off the external shutoff switch as a safety precaution. First, find the external shutoff switch, which should be near your AC unit. If the switch is in the “OFF” position, you’ll need to flip it to allow your air conditioner to turn on.

6) Find the AC’s Reset Button

When your air conditioner won’t turn on, it might simply need to be reset. Not all ACs have a reset button, so first verify if your unit does. If you can find the reset button, move it before attempting to turn your AC on again. If you can’t reach the reset button, manually reset your air conditioner by shutting your thermostat off for five to 10 minutes before turning it back on again.

7) Inspect the AC for Ice Buildup

Look over the air conditioner for any ice buildup either on or inside the unit. If you discover ice on your machine, you need to wait for it to defrost before going to start the unit or you risk damaging the AC. Though there are various reasons you could see ice on your air conditioner, it’s always best to call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for a consultation to stop further damage from occurring.

8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn’t Clogged

If you don’t find ice on the air conditioner, the condensate drain could be backed up. When clogged, your AC won’t turn on as a safety precaution. To resolve the issue, unclog the drain line with suction from a wet/dry vac. Check that you’ve removed the blockage by pouring a small amount of clear water and watching it flow out. For serious clogs, it could be best to call the Experts.

AC Still Won’t Turn On? Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

There’s no reason to suffer without air conditioning—contact your local HVAC Experts in the U.S. to help discover why your AC won’t turn on. Our highly trained technicians can troubleshoot why your unit isn’t working, and complete a repair or install a replacement. And with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, your satisfaction is guaranteed!*