Why Won’t My Air Conditioner Turn On
When you turn your air conditioner on, you expect the unit to power up and start cooling your home. That is the reason you bought it in the first place. But sometimes, your AC won’t turn on. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! There are a few common reasons why an air conditioner may not be working, and many of them are relatively easy (and inexpensive) to fix if you have the right HVAC contractor to back you up.
One such contractor is Downey Plumbing. We have been providing reliable service to Orange and Los Angeles residents since 1930. Our team can diagnose the exact issue with your air conditioner and provide a cost-effective solution that will get your unit back up and running in no time. Read on to learn more about why your AC won’t turn on and how to get it running again.
10 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
From thermostat issues to dirty filters, there are a variety of reasons why your AC could be faltering. Here are 10 common culprits as to why your air conditioner won’t turn on.
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
It may seem basic, but it’s possible that your breaker has been tripped and is preventing the AC from turning on. Check your breaker box and flip the switch back to the ON position if it has been tripped. If it keeps tripping, then you may have an electrical issue and should contact a professional electrician for help.
2. Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat is another common cause of air conditioner failure. If your AC doesn’t turn on when the temperature setting is lowered, it could be a sign that your thermostat is not working. If it’s digital, try replacing the battery first before calling for a repair.
3. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter prevents air from circulating through your AC unit and can cause the unit to overheat and shut down. Check your filter regularly and replace it when necessary (usually every one to three months). If your AC filter is dirty, it can also cause the freezing of the outdoor unit. When this happens, turn off the AC and contact a professional to service your unit.
4. Refrigerant Leak
One of the frequent reasons an AC won’t turn on is the low refrigerant level. Over time, refrigerant can start to leak out of your air conditioner’s components. If this occurs, the AC won’t be able to cool your home efficiently, and may even shut down completely. A refrigerant is a fluid that is used to cool the air in an AC system, and it needs to be at the correct level for proper functioning. Do you suspect a refrigerant leak? Since it is a hazardous chemical, you should call a professional HVAC contractor to have your unit inspected and refilled if necessary.
5. Blocked Condensate Drain
As your air conditioner cools your home, it also removes moisture from the indoor air. The condensate drain in your AC unit is there to drain this excess water away from the unit, but it can become blocked by dirt or debris over time. You may need to call a professional HVAC contractor to unclog the pipe and get your air conditioner back up again. You can avoid this issue in the future by regularly checking your condensate drain and cleaning it if necessary.
6. Your AC is The Wrong Size
If your AC is fairly new and not turning on, it could be because the unit is actually too large or too small for the space that you’re trying to cool. This can lead to poor air circulation, inefficient cooling, and even short cycling of the AC unit (where it runs for shorter periods of time). Did you get a professional opinion when you purchased your air conditioner? If not, it may be time to call an HVAC contractor and have them come take a look.
7. Malfunctioning Motor
The motor is an important component of the AC unit that helps keep it running smoothly. When it isn’t working properly, it can cause the AC to shut down. If you hear grinding noises when you turn on your AC or you see smoke coming from the unit, you should turn off the power immediately and contact a professional to inspect the motor and make any necessary repairs.
8. Your AC Has Reached The End Of Its Life
Air conditioners typically need to be replaced after 10-15 years of use. If your AC is nearing the end of its life, it may start to become less efficient and have difficulty turning on due to worn-out parts or lack of regular maintenance. If you’re spending more on energy bills or repairs, it may be a sign that you need a new air conditioner. It is always best to contact a professional HVAC contractor who can inspect your unit and provide advice on the best course of action for you.
9. Dirty Condenser
The condenser is the outdoor portion of your AC unit, and it is responsible for releasing heat from your home. If the condenser is dirty or caked with debris, it can prevent your AC from cooling effectively and cause it to shut down. You should inspect the condenser regularly and clean off any dirt or debris that may be clogging up the airflow. If you need help with this, contact a professional HVAC contractor to come take a look.
10. You Forgot to Turn On The Switch
We saved the easiest one for last! Sometimes the reason why your AC won’t turn on is as simple as you forgetting to turn it on. It is also possible that someone else turned it off after you had turned it on. Make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool” mode and double-check all of your switches (including the breaker switch) to make sure they are in the “on” position. If everything seems good, you should be able to turn on the AC and start cooling your home.
If none of these solutions solve your problem, then it’s time to call in a professional HVAC contractor who can inspect the unit and determine exactly what is causing the issue. A technician will have the tools and expertise to get your air conditioner back up quickly.
Contact Downey Plumbing if Your AC Won’t Turn On
These are only a few of the reasons why an air conditioner won’t turn on. If you’re still having trouble getting your AC to power up, contact Downey Plumbing for reliable service that will get it back up and running quickly and efficiently. We provide expert AC services and our team of experienced technicians is ready to help. Contact us today at 562-646-1221 and let us take care of all your air conditioner troubles.
