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

Things can get uncomfortable fast when your air conditioner won’t turn on in Thankfully, Mr. Heating and Cooling LLC is here to help you keep your cool, even when your AC isn’t working properly. Here are eight possible reasons why your air conditioner won’t turn on and how to fix them.

The simple explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat issue. Check to ensure your thermostat is on, set to “cool,” and that the temperature is set to a few degrees cooler 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 set temperature could prevent your air conditioner from turning on. Once you’ve verified that the thermostat is faulty, it’s time to replace it. If you can’t decide on a thermostat that’s right for your residence, consult with an Expert to help determine the best choice.

Your air filter should be exchanged every 30-60 days at minimum. You should change them more often depending on the number of pets and people living in your home, plus 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 remember the last time you changed it, it’s time to replace it with a new one. If your AC was frozen, wait for it to thaw after changing the filter before turning it back on.

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 flipped 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 may have a serious problem and should get in touch with the Experts at Mr. Heating and Cooling LLC to prevent it from damaging your home or air conditioner.

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

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, identify 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.

When your air conditioner won’t turn on, it could 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, push it before trying to turn your AC on again. If you can’t locate the reset button, manually reset your air conditioner by switching your thermostat off for five to 10 minutes before turning it back on again.

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 melt before trying 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 preferable to call Mr. Heating and Cooling LLC for a consultation to stop further damage from occurring.

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

There’s no reason to suffer without air conditioning—reach out to your local HVAC Experts  to help find out 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 Mr. Heating and Cooling LLC your satisfaction is guaranteed!*

Contact us at (304) 490-5555 schedule your air conditioning appointment today