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 Fort Lauderdale. Thankfully, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you stay 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.

1) Check the Thermostat

The simple explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat malfunction. Make sure your thermostat is on, set to “cool,” and that the temperature is set to a few degrees colder than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You will also sometimes need to replace the batteries. If that doesn’t fix the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat could be inaccurate. A thermostat that can’t read the correct temperature could keep your air conditioner from turning on. Once you’ve learned that the thermostat is broken, it’s time to replace it. If you can’t decide on a thermostat that’s right for your residence, ask an Expert to help determine the best choice.

2) Check the Air Filter

Your air filter should be changed every 30-60 days at minimum. You should change them more frequently depending on the number of pets and people living in your home, in addition to the local air pollution levels surrounding your residence. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your air conditioner to freeze and not turn on.

If your air filter seems dirty or you can’t think of 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.

3) Check the Circuit Breaker

Open the electrical panel inside your home and check 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 moved 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 fixing this issue, you might have a serious problem and should call the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to prevent it from damaging your home or air conditioner.

4) Check the Indoor Shutoff Switch

Often mistaken for a light switch, if your AC won’t turn on, the indoor shutoff switch may have been flipped unintentionally. These switches are often located near your furnace, in a closet, crawl space or attic. Once you reach the shutoff switch, make sure it’s in the “OFF” position. If so, just turn it back on. It’s always a smart idea to label this switch to prevent anyone from mistakenly switching it off.

5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch

If you or someone else has recently repaired or maintained your air conditioner, they could 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.

6) Locate the AC’s Reset Button

When your air conditioner won’t turn on, it could simply need to be reset. Not all ACs have a reset button, so first determine if your unit does. If you can find the reset button, move it before trying to turn your AC on again. If you can’t find the reset button, manually reset your air conditioner by turning your thermostat off for five to 10 minutes before turning it back on again.

7) Inspect the AC for Ice Buildup

Check the air conditioner for any ice buildup either on or inside the unit. If you find 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 smartest to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for a consultation to prevent further damage from occurring.

8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn’t Clogged

If you don’t find 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, clean the drain line with 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 severe clogs, it may be best to call the Experts.

AC Still Won’t Turn On? Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning!

There’s no reason to suffer without air conditioning—reach out to your local HVAC Experts in Fort Lauderdale to help find out why your AC won’t turn on. Our well- trained technicians can troubleshoot why your unit isn’t working, and complete a repair or install a replacement. And with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, your satisfaction is guaranteed!*