What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
When it’s hot and humid outside, there’s no better feeling than sitting down in a nicely air-conditioned home at the end of the day. But if your AC condenser isn’t running, your home may be almost as intolerably hot as the outdoors.
Although most AC issues should be handled by a professional, there are a few things you can do to get your air conditioning system running again if the problem is minor.
The Most Common AC Issues
Air conditioning systems tend to be very reliable, but here are a few things that may stop your AC condenser from turning on:
- Thermostat issues
- Wiring issues
- Icy buildup
How To Fix These Common Air Conditioner Problems
The good news is that these issues can be fixed yourself relatively easily, with no special tools or equipment. To get your air conditioning system running again, follow these steps:
Check Your Thermostat
The thermostat for your HVAC system can easily be reset if the batteries are replaced, or if you have more than one person in the home, it can accidentally be changed to a setting that won’t allow the AC condenser to turn on.
Make sure your thermostat is set to at least 5 degrees below the current room temperature, that the mode is set to “Cool,” and that the fan is set to “Auto” for the most effective cooling.
Let Icy Buildup Thaw
Ice or frost accumulation on the evaporator and refrigerant lines can stop the air conditioner from cooling properly, forcing the system to shut down due to an overheating compressor. Typically, this is caused by dirt clogging the evaporator coil.
To get the system running again temporarily, let the evaporator thaw out naturally, then restart the system. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Don’t be tempted to scrape or physically remove the ice, as this may damage the coils.
In addition to a dirty evaporator, other possible causes of a frozen coil include low refrigerant levels, a faulty fan, or airflow issues, so it’s best to call a professional to learn why the coil froze in the first place.
Check the Power Switch or Emergency Shut-Off
One of the most common causes of a malfunctioning AC is a loss of power. If your system won’t turn on, ensure the circuit breaker that operates the system hasn’t tripped. Locate the break in the main electrical, then turn it off and all the way back on.
If power isn’t restored, check near the air handler in the attic, crawl space, or utility closet for a switch that controls power to the HVAC system, and make sure it’s turned on.
Finally, check outside near the condenser unit for an emergency shut-off or disconnect, which may have been turned off if anyone has serviced your air conditioner recently. Turn this back on or re-insert the disconnect bar.
Consult an HVAC Professional
Although DIY fixes can work for minor problems or temporarily in cases like a frozen evaporator, it’s best to call a professional for AC repairs anytime you have a problem with your air conditioning system. Some issues can cause lasting damage to your AC if they’re not repaired promptly.
A skilled technician will make sure the problem is repaired safely and correctly, protecting your system and preventing lasting damage.
Schedule AC Repair With Harris Air Services in Texas
When you need an AC repair expert you can count on in the McKinney area, contact Harris Air Services. We’re a family-owned HVAC company with over 15 years of AC repair experience, and we feature licensed, certified technicians who are happy to help with all your heating and cooling needs.
We’re A+ certified by the Better Business Bureau, and we feature friendly, no-pressure service with upfront pricing, convenient financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Call Harris Air today at 469-325-1034 to schedule same-day AC repairs in McKinney, Allen, Richardson, or surrounding areas.
