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 Raleigh. Thankfully, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you remain cool, even when your AC isn't running properly. Here are eight potential 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 lower than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You may also need to replace the batteries. If that doesn't take care of the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat might be inaccurate. A thermostat that can't read the desired 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 exchanged every 30-60 days at minimum. You should change them more frequently depending on the number of pets and people living in your home, in addition to the local air pollution levels close to your residence. A dirty air filter can impact airflow, causing your air conditioner to freeze and not turn on.
If your air filter looks dirty or you can't recall 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 correcting this issue, you could have a serious problem and should contact the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 might have been flipped on accident. These switches are typically located near your furnace, in a closet, crawl space or attic. Once you reach the shutoff switch, make sure it's in the "OFF" position. If so, just turn it back on. It's always a good idea to label this switch to keep anyone from mistakenly switching it off.
5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch
If you or someone else has recently repaired or maintained your air conditioner, they could have turned off the external shutoff switch as a safety precaution. First, locate the external shutoff switch, which should be near your AC unit. If the switch is in the "OFF" position, simply flip it to allow your air conditioner to turn on.
6) Locate 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 determine if your unit does. If you can find the reset button, move it before trying to turn your AC on again. If you can't reach the reset button, manually reset your air conditioner by turning 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 come across ice on your machine, you need to wait for it to melt before trying to start the unit or you risk damaging the AC. Though there are various reasons you might see ice on your air conditioner, it's always best to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for a consultation to prevent further damage from occurring.
8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn't Clogged
If you don't see ice on the air conditioner, the condensate drain may be backed up. When clogged, your AC won't turn on as a safety precaution. To resolve the issue, clean the drain line with suction from a wet/dry vac. Verify that you've resolved the blockage by pouring a small amount of clear water and watching it flow out. For severe clogs, it may be best to call the Experts.
AC Still Won't Turn On? Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning!
There's no reason to suffer without air conditioning—contact your local HVAC Experts in Raleigh to help discover why your AC won't turn on. Our well- trained technicians can diagnose why your unit isn't working, and complete a repair or install a replacement. And with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, your satisfaction is guaranteed!*
Contact us at 866-397-3787 to schedule your air conditioning appointment in Raleigh today!
