What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
Air conditioners keep our homes cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, some homeowners might suddenly find that their cooling system won’t turn on. They have to endure staying inside a hot and humid house while waiting for an HVAC contractor to come and fix the issue. In some cases, the air conditioner won’t turn on because of a simple reason that also requires a simple do-it-yourself solution. Check the list below so you don’t have to deal with staying in a sticky and uncomfortable home when the temperature is scorching hot outside.
What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
This article includes a few tips on how to troubleshoot your air conditioning system when it doesn’t operate as expected.
1. Air Conditioner Power Source
When the summer heat arrives and you have an air conditioner that won’t turn on, it is likely that the stress and high temperatures might cause distress and you are not able to think clearly. You might end up overlooking the obvious, which could be the root of the issue. Therefore, the first thing you need to check is if it is caused by electricity issues. Find the main electrical panel in your house to determine if the circuit breaker tripped. If so, switch it back on.
You should also make sure that the electrical plug is connected properly. Someone might have unplugged it, or it could be that the plug is loose. Check the thermostat as well. Some homeowners might think their air conditioner is the problem when it’s their thermostat that is faulty. Make sure it is properly connected to a power source and has the correct settings. These might just be basic tips, but many homeowners tend to overlook these usual culprits, so make sure to check them carefully.
2. Familiarize Yourself With Your AC Unit & Its Switches
It is recommended for you to be familiar with your air conditioning unit. This will allow you to troubleshoot common issues with your system. After all, knowing how to conduct effective maintenance is an important aspect in prolonging your unit’s lifespan. You should also understand the basic components of an air conditioning system. For instance, some homeowners do not know about the on and off switches. There could be a few instances when the inside unit’s power switch is off, and you need to turn it back on. An emergency shut-off switch is also located next to the outdoor AC unit. It could have gotten switched off on accident and needs to be turned on as well.
3. Check Your HVAC Air Filter
The air conditioner filters need replacing every 60 to 90 days. Depending on your home’s location, and if you have any pets, among other factors, you might need to have the filter replaced more often. Bear in mind that this is an essential maintenance task if you want your system’s efficiency level to remain high.
Filters trap dirt, dust, and other debris so that they do not get into your air conditioner and cause issues. They tend to get dirtier the longer they stay on. Clogged filters can result in your air conditioning consuming more energy to maintain the set temperature in your home. This means you’ll have an increased energy bill. In the worst-case scenario, a clogged filter can cause the unit to stop working.
Remember when you conduct filter replacements. A few homeowners write the day they replaced the filter in it and set a calendar reminder so they’ll know when to check if the filter needs replacing. Replacing the filters before they get clogged with contaminants helps prolong your system’s service life.
Allowing your system to consume more power than needed can cause permanent system failure. You will need to replace the unit itself instead of only the filters, making it a costlier endeavor. Therefore, do not neglect the air filters and replace them regularly.
4. Check The Drain Pan & Lines
Ask how to check the unit’s drain pan during consultations with an HVAC professional. A full drain pan will trigger the float switch, and this will prevent your air conditioner from turning on. The normal operation of your air conditioner will lead to the creation of condensation. This is disposed of through a drain line that could get clogged and cause the system to switch off. The drain pan needs to be emptied and the drain line unclogged to fix this problem. If you encounter any difficulties with unblocking the drain line, call a reliable technician to help you.
5. Check Your Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils should always be clean. This is essential in ensuring the prolonged lifespan of your system. It is a task that is as crucial as regular filter replacements. Cleaning the evaporator coils decreases the risk of system damage. Dirty evaporator coils could also be why your air conditioner won’t switch on. Think back on when was the last time you had them cleaned. Bear in mind that they should be cleaned at least once a year to ensure they remain in tiptop condition.
Consult your local HVAC company on how to clean the evaporator coils properly. Make sure that your system receives annual maintenance as well. This will help prevent your air conditioner from experiencing problems at the height of the summer heat. Therefore, it is crucial that your unit receives regular maintenance, cleaning, and the necessary services from a licensed HVAC contractor.
Final Words
An air conditioner that won’t turn on could be because of an electrical issue, such as a loose plug, a tripped circuit breaker, or a unit that was disconnected from the power source. Other causes could be a clog in the drain line or a full drain pan. You can repair these issues easily. However, a professional HVAC contractor is needed when the problem is a more complicated one. Remember to get your system maintained at least once a year as well.
Call Lawes Company For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
For all your superior HVAC services in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey, do not hesitate to call Lawes Company. We have the best professionally certified and highly trained technicians who can conduct top-tier heating and cooling services, including air conditioner maintenance, boiler replacements, furnace installations, and mini-split repairs. Our friendly techs are equipped with years of experience and knowledge to service your HVAC system correctly and promptly.
Our company guarantees affordable and competitive HVAC service prices in the area. Improved comfort, energy efficiency, and reduced HVAC costs can be achieved with the help of our maintenance services. We can also recommend the best and most budget-friendly solutions for all your HVAC repairs and replacement issues. All our works come with a guarantee. To book a service appointment, give Lawes Company a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!