The last thing you want is to come home to a faulty air conditioning unit. Is your air conditioner unit not turning on? There are many reasons why it’s not working, and you may be able to resolve this issue yourself.
Georgia Air Cooling & Heating offers air conditioner repair services in Pooler, GA, and the surrounding areas. Trust our air conditioner repair professionals in Pooler when you need a reliable AC repair. Our team provides individualized service and prioritizes your comfort no matter your AC unit’s issues.
If your AC unit isn’t turning on, you’re probably wondering what the problem is. In this article, we detail the potential issues and how to resolve them.
Troubleshooting Your AC Unit
Many issues could prevent your AC unit from turning on. Between a faulty thermostat, a damaged power cord, or having the wrong sized unit in your home, it can be challenging to determine what the cause is. It could be a severe issue like an AC motor failure, or a minor problem like a worn power cord.
1. Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat could be the source of your air conditioner unit not turning on. It may be on the wrong setting, or the batteries may be dead. In other cases, there could be damaged components inside the thermostat, such as the circuit board.
To determine the issue, inspect your thermostat. Is it on and set to the right temperature? Replace the batteries in a battery-powered thermostat if yours isn’t working.
After years of use, your thermostat collects buildup that interferes with its performance. If your thermostat is on but the AC isn’t working, open up the thermostat’s cover and check for dust and corrosion inside the unit. Clean the thermostat with a cloth and soft brush, and check for loose screws or damaged wiring.
2. Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common issues that explains your air conditioner unit not turning on. Without regular maintenance, your air filters clog with pet hair, dust, dander, and other debris.
Contaminants clogging your air filter reduce your AC unit’s air intake, causing heat to build up inside the unit. Eventually, your air conditioner overheats, leading to AC power failures.
In other cases, poor airflow can cause frozen evaporator coils, preventing your unit from operating. Without proper airflow, the refrigerant inside the coils doesn’t evaporate the warm air; instead, it creates condensation that freezes on the coils. This built-up ice must melt before the unit will operate.
You should change your air filters twice yearly to prevent airflow issues. An HVAC technician can help you clean your unit after the coils freeze.
3. Failed AC Motor or Capacitor
A failed AC motor or capacitor also explains an air conditioner unit not turning on. When these parts wear out, you will need a replacement. Typically, your AC unit should last up to 20 years before showing signs of inefficiency.
The capacitor sends electricity to the motor. Most capacitors don’t last longer than 15 years. If your unit is younger than this, you could have a different problem, such as a blockage in the outdoor condenser fan or a blown fuse.
Your motor’s capacitors are sensitive to power fluctuations, temperature changes, and more. Overworking your AC on a hot day can contribute to its shorter lifespan. Power outages can also damage the component.
Turn off all power to your air conditioner before troubleshooting the issue to avoid electrocution. Examine your AC’s motor with a multimeter. Check the start and run capacitors to ensure both are in good standing.
4. Improperly Sized AC Unit
If your air conditioner unit is not turning on, it could be the wrong size for your home. An improperly sized AC unit must work harder to meet your home comfort demands, whether it’s too big or too small for your space. It’s vital to ensure your unit is the right size before installation.
An AC system too small for your home will run almost constantly to keep up with cooling. It may take hours for it to reach the temperature you set. This issue increases your energy bills and causes faster wear and tear on your unit.
An air conditioner that’s too big for your space will short cycle or turn on and off frequently. Short cycling is due to the unit being too powerful for your cooling demands. It only has to run for a short time before cooling your space but must start up again soon after to maintain the temperature, further increasing internal damage.
Resolving this issue requires an HVAC technician. They’ll calculate your cooling demands and can install a proper sized AC unit.
5. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
A tripped circuit breaker is an occasional issue for homeowners that could explain their air conditioner unit not turning on. This safety mechanism protects you from high voltages and may trip during a power outage. Check the fuse box for a tripped breaker.
Locate the AC system’s circuit breaker and turn it off. After waiting a few minutes, turn it on again. Avoid touching it further and get a professional repair if it still trips.
6. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Despite using an air filter, debris and airborne contaminants can still get inside your AC unit. Dust, dirt, and other debris stick to the evaporator coils and other components. In addition to cool air, this debris circulates through the inside of your HVAC system and causes inefficiency issues.
Turn off the power to your AC unit and look inside. Is your air conditioner unit not turning on due to dirty internal parts? The dirtier and more inefficient your HVAC system’s components, the sooner it could cause a complete failure.
Scheduling routine HVAC maintenance can prevent AC system failures from occurring. Your HVAC technician catches minor issues like dirty coils before they cause worse problems.
7. Damaged Power Cord or Switch
Sometimes the issue regarding your AC unit’s power failure is simple. Like most appliances, your AC unit has a power cord and power switch. Problems with these components could be the cause of your AC not working.
If you’ve put your AC unit in storage, this could lead to damage. Rodents chew on wires and could be the culprit of a damaged power cord. Alternatively, the power switch could stick due to dirt, corrosion, humidity, or old age.
Unplug your AC system from the wall and inspect it. If you notice bite marks on the cable or damage to the electrical prongs, you’ll need to replace the power cord.
Consider other possibilities if the cord or shut-off switch isn’t the problem. You may have a faulty outlet. Examine the outlet and contact a trusted local electrician to help.
8. Clogged Drain Pan or Drain Line
If your air conditioner unit not turning on also comes with leaking water, this concern could signify you have a clogged drain pan or condensate drain line. As condensation forms on the evaporator coils inside the unit, the drain pan catches it. The condensation travels outside via the drain line.
The moisture in your AC unit mixes with the dust and debris from indoor pollution. As the water travels through the drain pan and condensate line, it eventually leaves sludge. This sludge prevents condensation from exiting your AC unit.
The water may exit the unit from elsewhere as the drain pan overflows. You’ll need to clear the condensate line yourself or contact an HVAC technician for help to resolve the issue.
9. Old HVAC Unit
Sometimes the issue is simply old age. After a certain point, your AC unit has experienced too much wear and tear to run. Even with regular maintenance, your unit becomes inefficient.
Avoiding maintenance and prompt repairs decreases your AC unit’s life. As its energy-efficiency drops and its problems increase, a replacement is unavoidable.
It’s challenging to restore your old HVAC unit. You risk needing frequent repairs for recurring problems by keeping your old unit. Instead, get a new AC system to save the most money and enjoy excellent energy efficiency and cooling performance.
An HVAC company like Georgia Air offers many different AC systems. You can find an energy-efficient model that meets your cooling needs and has intelligent features.
Request an AC Repair Today
If your AC unit still doesn’t work after troubleshooting the unit yourself, it’s best to call the professionals. At Georgia Air Cooling & Heating, we offer high-quality AC repairs by friendly experts. Our team is licensed, bonded, and insured for your safety.
As homeowners ourselves, we understand your concerns when your AC unit won’t turn on. We diagnose and repair your unit’s problems accurately. Don’t let your air conditioner unit not turning on prevent you from getting the indoor comfort you deserve. Learn how to tell if you have low freon in your AC system, then get help from the expert HVAC technicians at Georgia Air Cooling & Heating today. Call 912-513-3741.