An air conditioner is a complex machine, and like every machine, it too is liable to develop faults and malfunction. The good news is that modern-day ACs are built for performance and durability, provided you take reasonable care.
In warm weather, the dependency on AC increases dramatically. At this time, if the cooling system does not turn, it becomes a cause for concern. Needless to say, if you have scrimped on AC maintenance, the chances are pretty high that the trouble is of your own making.
There are several probable causes for the AC not turning on. Thankful, not all of them mean your AC is dead. The good news is that most issues are easily rectifiable. Although word to the wise is, do not underestimate the importance of annual preventive maintenance.
Reasons For Air Conditioner Not Turning On
An air conditioner that fails to turn on will require immediate attention, but it does not mean you need to replace it. Most AC problems can be corrected with relative ease. You simply have to ensure that nobody else is allowed to look after its upkeep and maintenance other than a trained HVAC technician. Let us now briefly look at all those reasons that lead to your AC not switching on.
1. The Circuit Breaker Is Tripped – The circuit breaker is a protection system that ensures the safety of the equipment as well as your house. Whenever there is a power surge or a short circuit, the circuit breaker trips, cutting off the power supply to the said appliance, machine, or equipment. It effectively cuts down the chances of electrical fire and also prevents the machine from frying.
When your AC fails to turn on, the first place to check is the circuit breaker. In case it is tripped, do not turn it back on immediately. First, confirm from other members of the family whether they switched it “off.” It is quite possible that, say, for example, a burning smell was coming from the AC, so someone flicked it to the “off” position. Once you are satisfied that the tripped circuit breaker was accidental and not intentional, only then turn it to the “On” position. Another thing to remember is that if the breaker trips again within a few minutes, do not switch it back “On.” Instead, call your HVAC technician for troubleshooting.
2. The Fuse Is Blown – There is a fuse between the AC and the thermostat. It functions in a similar manner as the battery in your car. If the battery is drained, the car won’t run. Therefore, if the fuse is blown, the AC will not switch on. Your only option is to replace the blown fuse with a new one, and until and unless you know for sure what you are doing, it is best to let the HVAC technician handle the situation. In trying to save a few dollars, you may land up spending way more rectifying your mistake.
3. Thermostat Is Faulty – There could be two things wrong with the thermostat preventing the AC from turning on. If it’s your lucky day, the thermostat batteries are dead, killing the communication link to the AC. Once you replace the dead batteries with new ones, the AC will start working like before.
The second could be an actual problem with the thermostat. If this happens to be the reason, you will require expert help to identify the issue correctly and carry out its rectification. Primarily thermostat problems relate to loose and frayed wiring. But again, you are limited by knowledge and expertise, so refrain from DIY procedures. Instead, the HVAC tech is your best bet.
4. The Transformer Has Blown – The transformer is yet another critical component of the AC. If it is blown, the AC will not start. If the transformer has blown, the chances are pretty high that you are also dealing with a bad contactor. Again, only a trained technician has the knowledge, skill, and expertise to figure out the root cause and take necessary corrective action so that the problem does not reoccur.
5. Failed Capacitors – There are usually two capacitors within the outdoor unit. One of these is the “Start Capacitor,” while the other is the “Run Capacitor.” These capacitors resemble big batteries and hold power to make the AC turn on and run. The problem with capacitors is that they have a limited life, and hence, eventually, they will fail. When the capacitors fail, the AC does not turn on. Nevertheless, replacing the capacitor will solve the starting and running problem.
6. The Indoor/Outdoor Disconnect Switch Is Off – Both the indoor and outdoor AC units have a dedicated disconnect switch. Someone could have intentionally or accidentally bumped it to the “Off” position. Remember, these are all safety mechanisms. Hence, always check with others to ensure that turning even one “off” was not intentional. If it was unintentional, turn on the one that was switched off, and it should take care of the problem.
Before We End
Thinking the worst when your air conditioner in West Palm Beach does not turn on is doing nobody any favors. In your panic, you may make an unwise decision. So don’t be in haste and check things out logically like a tripped circuit breaker, thermostat status, and sometimes even a small thing like whether the AC is even plugged in or not. If all seems to be okay, call your trusted HVAC technician. Allow the person to inspect the cooling system. The chances are it is a minor issue. Post repairs, the AC should work as before.
If your residential or commercial air conditioner in West Palm Beach needs some tender loving care, look no further than Aztil Air Conditioning. Serving South Floridians since 1981, we have established ourselves as a reputable, trustworthy, knowledgeable, experienced, and affordable HVAC contractor. We understand that HVAC woes can strike anytime. Hence, we keep ourselves available 24/7. To book an appointment, you can contact us at any time at +1-888-729-8452.
