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Why Won’t My Air Conditioner Turn On? Check These 6 Things

Air Conditioning vs. Natural Ventilation: Which is Better

Your air conditioner is an essential part of your home’s comfort during the warmer months. It keeps you and your family cool and comfortable on hot days. When your air conditioner won’t turn on, it can be a major inconvenience. It’s important to figure out why your AC isn’t starting so you can get it running again fast. Fortunately, we have 6 tips that you can use to help troubleshoot the issue and get your air conditioner up and running in no time.

6 Reasons Why Your AC Won’t Turn On

When you push the “on” button and nothing happens, don’t panic! It could be a simple issue like a tripped circuit breaker or a dead thermostat battery. Learn about these issues and more in this guide to troubleshooting your air conditioner. Find out how you can get it running again with minimal fuss.

1. The Condensate Drain May be Clogged

The condensate drain of your air conditioner is responsible for draining away the condensation that forms on your system when it’s running. If the drain becomes clogged, water will back up into the unit and cause it to shut down or not turn on at all. This can happen if dirt, dust, or other debris builds up in the drain line over time. To solve this issue, unclog the condensation drain and clear any blockages to get your air conditioner running again.

2. Check The Thermostat

Your thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature in your home and setting it at a comfortable level. Check to see if the thermostat is working and set to cool. Make sure the thermostat is set several degrees cooler than the normal room temperature and that the batteries are still working properly. If they seem low, change them out for new ones.

3. You Need to Check The Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker of your air conditioner controls the flow of electricity to the unit. If it trips, no power will be able to reach the air conditioner and it won’t turn on. To fix this issue, reset your circuit breaker and check that all of the connections are secure and properly connected. If the breaker trips again, you may need to call a professional electrician to check for any underlying issues.

4. Check Your Air Filter

The air filter of your air conditioner is responsible for keeping the air inside your home clean and free from dust and other allergens. If the filter becomes clogged with dirt or debris, your system will need to work harder to cool your home. This can cause it to overheat and shut down, or simply not start at all. To solve this issue, replace your air filter with a new one every 30 to 90 days depending on the factors discussed below.  If you have pets, you may need to replace your air filter more often as pet hair and dander can clog the system quickly. If there’s an allergy or asthma sufferer in your home, you may need to replace the filter more frequently to keep dust and other allergens out of your home. You also need to replace the air filter more often if there are people who smoke living in the home.

5. Check For Ice Buildup

During the cooler months, ice could build up on the coils of your air conditioner due to low temperatures or improper maintenance. This can cause it to shut down or not turn on at all. To fix this issue, you can turn off your AC and let the ice melt away. Once it’s gone, you should be able to turn it on again and get back to enjoying a comfortable home environment.

6. Check The Shutoff

Switches Your air conditioner has two shutoff switches that need to be in the “on” position for it to work properly. The first is an indoor shutoff switch close to your furnace or in the attic, which you will need to check and make sure it’s set to “on”. The second is a switch on the wall of your home not far from your AC unit that needs to be activated when you want your AC to turn on. Make sure these two switches are in the “on” position and that they’re working properly to get your AC up and running again.

Troubleshooting your air conditioner can be a daunting task. But if you know what to look for, it can be a relatively simple process. Use these 6 tips to take the guesswork out of diagnosing the issue and quickly get your air conditioner running again. With these helpful tips, you can make sure that your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long.

Contact DeZiel HVAC if The Problem Persists

If you’ve gone through all of the above troubleshooting steps and your air conditioner still won’t turn on, it may be time to contact a professional HVAC technician. At DeZiel Heating & AC, our experienced technicians have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and repair any AC issue quickly and efficiently. We can help get your air conditioner up and running again in no time. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today at (763) 200-5453 for more information.

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