The air conditioner ensures that your home stays cool and comfortable even when the temperatures are increasing outside. At some point, like any machine, the air conditioning unit may experience an issue. For example, some homeowners may find that their air conditioner won’t switch on. This type of situation means that you are left dealing with a hot and humid house until the HVAC contractor arrives to fix the issue. However, in some cases, an air conditioner won’t turn on can be caused by a simple reason. It has an easy approach that a homeowner can easily fix on their own. Check the list below, so you know how to prevent having an uncomfortable home during the summer.
What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
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Read on to know more about a few air conditioner troubleshooting steps you can do when you find that your cooling system isn’t running as it should.
Air Conditioner Power Source
When it is hot, and the air conditioner won’t turn on, you might not think as clearly. As a result, you may overlook crucial aspects that may be the reason behind the issue. For example:
- Check the circuit breaker to know whether the cause is an electricity issue. Find the electrical panel to determine if the circuit breaker tripped. Reset it by turning it back on if it is off.
- Ensure that the electrical plug is secured in place and properly connected to a power source. It may be an obvious task, but it is often ignored. In some cases, a loose plug might be the issue.
- Check the thermostat. In many cases, homeowners may think their air conditioner is not working when it is actually the thermostat. Make sure it is plugged into a power source and has the right settings.
These might sound like basic tips, but people tend to overlook them due to their simplicity. The common culprits behind this issue are disconnected or loose plugs and tripped circuit breakers.
Familiarize Yourself With The AC Unit & Its Switches
Understand how your air conditioner works. This way, you can troubleshoot any cooling system problems. You can extend your HVAC system’s service life when you know how to practice effective maintenance. It is also useful that you learn the basic system components. For instance, many homeowners are unfamiliar with the on and off switches. The inside unit’s air handler has a power switch, and it can be in the off position at times, so it needs to be turned back on. An emergency shut-off switch can also be found next to the outside unit. Someone might have accidentally switched it off and forgot to turn it back on.
Check Your HVAC Air Filter
The air conditioner’s filters should be replaced every 60-90 days. Some homes may need to replace their air filters more frequently, depending on the number of pets, the home’s location, and more. It is crucial to do this task to maintain the HVAC unit’s efficiency as it enables proper HVAC airflow.
Filters are crucial as they catch dust and debris, so they do not get inside the system and cause problems. The longer the filters remain unchanged, the more clogged they get. This only leads to problems in the system. A clogged filter leads to the air conditioner using more energy to maintain the set indoor temperature. This can significantly increase the energy bills if it is not handled immediately. Even worse is that it can result in an air conditioner breakdown.
Take note of the dates you replace your air filter. Some homeowners write the replacement date on the filter and set a calendar reminder to check on it every month. Replacing the air filters before they clog helps prolong your system’s lifespan.
An air conditioner that consumes more energy than needed can be harmful in the long run. Overworking the system can result in your system’s permanent breakdown. You don’t want this to happen because replacing the entire air conditioner is far more expensive. Therefore, do not neglect to replace the HVAC filters regularly.
Check The Drain Pan & Lines
Ask the HVAC contractor how you can check the air conditioner drain pan when doing a consultation. A full drain pan triggers the float switch, preventing the AC unit from turning on.
Your air conditioner creates condensation as part of its cooling process. This moisture is removed from your home via a drain line. This line can clog up, triggering the system to shut down.
The issue can be resolved when the drain pan is emptied, or the drain is unclogged. Do not hesitate to call an HVAC professional if you experience any difficulties with a clogged drain line.
Check Your Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil should always be cleaned. This is a crucial HVAC maintenance task as it helps with your system’s lifespan.
Cleaning the evaporator coils is as important as regular filter replacements. This task reduces the damage risk to the unit. The evaporator coil could be the reason behind an air conditioner that’s not turning on. Think about when the last time the coils were cleaned. The coils should be cleaned at least annually for maintenance.
Consult your local, trusted HVAC contractor for proper coil cleaning via annual tune-ups. After all, you don’t want to have air conditioner problems during the peak of the summer heat. Therefore, you must have a licensed technician to regularly clean, service, and maintain your air conditioning unit.
Conclusion
The reason behind an air conditioner failing to turn on can be a simple electrical problem, such as a loose plug or a tripped circuit breaker. You can easily fix these. You can also repair the issue if it’s caused by a full drain pan. All you need to do is empty the drain pan. However, you need to call a reputable HVAC professional when the issue is more than basic. Remember to get your HVAC system maintained at least once a year as well.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers high-quality heating and cooling services in the Greater Princeton, NJ area. Rest assured, we only have the best professionally certified technicians for all your HVAC service needs, including replacements, installations, repairs, and tune-ups. All our friendly techs have the knowledge and experience to ensure excellent and accurate services on your HVAC system.
Our company guarantees highly affordable HVAC service rates in the area. Our maintenance services help increase energy efficiency and improve your comfort and indoor air quality while reducing your energy costs. When you need to repair or replace your HVAC system, we can recommend the most fitting solution within your budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee. Book a service appointment by calling PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!