10 Reasons Your Outside AC Unit Isn’t Turning On

A functioning AC unit is essential during the hot summer months. If your outside AC unit isn’t turning on, you’ll want to figure out why and get it working as soon as possible. Here are some possible reasons why your outside AC unit isn’t turning on and some troubleshooting tips.

Broken Thermostat

The thermostat controls your home’s temperature. If it’s broken, it can’t tell your system when and how long to run. Thermostat replacement is not a do-it-yourself (DIY) job, but a certified HVAC technician can properly install and calibrate the thermostat.

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The Thermostat Is Not Set to Cool

Check the thermostat to make sure it’s set to cool. Someone else in the house may have raised the temperature or turned it off. Set the temperature lower than the current house temperature and wait to see if the room cools down. If not, it could be a different problem.

The Inside Switch Is Off

Outside AC units typically have a power switch near the attic furnace, closet, or crawl space. This switch looks like a standard light switch, and it’s easy for homeowners to turn it off accidentally. Flipping this switch off turns off the power to the blower, which will power down the outside AC unit.

The Shut-Off or Emergency Switch Is Off

Another switch that could cause your outside AC unit not to turn on is the emergency or shut-off switch next to the unit. This switch allows the cooling system to be turned off from the exterior.

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Check to see if this switch is in the “on” position. You can also press the reset button on the outside AC unit or use the indoor system to reset the cooling system. After resetting the system, wait and see if the house cools down.

There’s a Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker

A power surge or an overworked AC unit can trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse. Go to your home’s main electrical panel and look for a tripped circuit breaker. Turn off tripped breakers and turn them on again. If it trips again after turning it on, you may have an electrical problem that requires an electrician’s help.

Older homes may have a fuse box with a blown fuse that needs replacing. The outside AC unit may also have a shut-off box with a blown fuse inside. In this case, an HVAC contractor may need to replace the fuse.

The Air Filter Is Dirty

A dirty air filter causes your air conditioner to run at lower efficiency, which can increase your energy bill and keep your home warmer than it should be. A dirty filter can block airflow to your AC unit, putting more pressure on the system and causing it to overheat and shut down.

Shut the AC unit off and open the access panels to the filter. Remove the old filter and replace it with the correct size and type of air filter. Pay attention to the arrow direction on the sides of the filter. These indicate the direction that the air is flowing through the unit.

The Capacitor Is Malfunctioning

If you hear unusual noises from the outside AC unit and it isn’t turning on, there could be a problem with the capacitor. This happens when the AC condenser tries to spin without power from the capacitor.

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An AC unit has a run capacitor and a start capacitor, which wear down over time. To test the capacitor, try spinning the condenser fan. If you have a dual-run capacitor and it starts spinning, there may be debris in the fan motor, or it’s damaged. If it doesn’t spin, the capacitor has malfunctioned.

Clogged Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils on an outdoor air conditioning unit get dirty quickly. This makes it difficult for your equipment to transfer heat, so the unit must work harder to keep your home cool. Dirty coils are also prone to corrosion and lead to refrigerant leaks.

This is why it’s essential to have an HVAC contractor clean your AC and perform preventive maintenance every year.

There’s a Problem With the Condensate Drain Line

Your air conditioner produces condensation which drains out through a drain line. When there are high humidity levels, these lines clog more frequently. If this happens, the line trips the safety switch to shut down your AC unit.

The Unit Is Low on Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a chemical compound found in copper coils in your outside air conditioning. As warm air moves over the coils, the refrigerant absorbs the heat and cools it down. If there’s a leak in the coils, refrigerant leaks out and the AC won’t turn on. Other signs include ice buildup outside the unit, warm air coming from the vents, and unusual noises.

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, only a licensed professional can fix this.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor