#acisnotworking

With the weather getting warmer by the day, people are finding it difficult to stay indoors without turning on their air conditioning systems. If your air conditioner refuses to turn on in this scorching heat, it can be a major cause of worry for your whole family. However, no need to panic because air conditioners not turning on is not an uncommon problem. Read on to learn about the steps to identify the root cause of the problem.

Why Your Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On

Here are the most common reasons why your AC unit won’t turn on:

Tripped Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker can trip due to several reasons including an electricity overload. Regardless of the cause, if the circuit-breaker providing power to your air conditioner trips, your AC won't turn on.

Blown Fuse

Your AC will not turn on due to a blown out fuse. A multimeter test can confirm whether the fuse is working correctly or not.

Icy Build Up

Your AC would absorb moisture from your home under normal circumstances. However, dirty air filters will cause the water droplets to freeze and eventually form an icy layer on the coils.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

When debris accumulates on various components of your AC, including evaporator coils, condenser, it makes your system less efficient. This can ultimately lead to a total AC breakdown.

Refrigerant Leak

If you have a refrigerant or freon leak, your AC won’t start or function as expected. It can also lead to refrigerant poisoning.

Faulty Motor

A faulty motor is another significant reason for your AC not turning on. When your AC produces strange noises before it stops working entirely, the problem can be a faulty motor.

Faulty Wiring

The wires in your unit or the one that connects your unit to an outlet can get eroded or damaged. These faulty wires can be a significant reason for air conditioner breakdowns.

Bad Thermostat

A thermostat can become blank, broken, outdated, need battery replacement, or develop other similar issues. Any of these thermostat issues will prevent your AC from turning on.

Air conditioner repairs can be costly, so it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance and tune-ups with experienced AC contractors to enjoy the best AC performance. Also, it’s crucial to learn about the common air conditioning problems so that you can take preventive measures to avoid huge repairs.

Here are 10 common AC problems and their possible solutions:

1. Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On

You must check your thermostat batteries when your AC is not working or turning on. Replace the batteries if they are dead. If the batteries are in working condition, check the thermostat settings to determine whether the cooling mode is on with your desired temperature settings. If your thermostat is on, but your AC is still not turning on, check the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker is tripped, your AC won’t turn on. Reset the circuit breaker by flipping the switch off and then on.

2. Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air

Your AC will not blow cold air if a dirty air filter blocks the airflow of your unit. A dirty air filter can further freeze up the condenser unit and limit the cooling power of your AC. Changing your air filter every month will help your AC unit blow cold air.

3. Air Conditioner Freezing Up Outside Unit

Your air conditioner can freeze up due to:

Insufficient airflow

Low outside temperature

Low coolant levels

Blower motor problems

Stuck contractor

Also, Read - Air Conditioning Maintenance: Tips to Make Your AC Ready for Summer

4. AC Refrigerant Leak

When the coolant in your air conditioner starts leaking, the temperature will vary, and the unit will not perform accurately. Refrigerant leaks can result in:

Low efficiency

High power consumption

Coil freezing

Damaged compressor

Uneven cooling

Inspect your air conditioner regularly for any refrigerant leaks.

5. Air Conditioner Making Noises

An air conditioner can make different sounds depending on the type of problems. There are different reasons why your air conditioner is producing a variety of sounds:

A refrigerant leak can produce a hissing sound.

If you hear clicking sounds when you turn on and off your AC, it might be a relay problem.

Thumping, rattling, or banging noises mean there is a problem with a blower or motor assembly.

The compressor or fan motor produces a screeching noise.

Faulty electrical components produce a buzzing sound.

6. Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil freezes when your air conditioner does not receive sufficient air needed for operation. A frozen evaporator coil can make your AC freeze up and stop working. Blocked vents and ducts, dirty filters, or a faulty fan can cause insufficient airflow in the system. A clean air filter is important to maximize airflow and indoor air quality.

7. Electric Control Failure

When you frequently turn on and off your air conditioner, the fan controls and compressor can wear out. The condenser fan motor, the compressor, and the blower motor make an electrical connection to start the unit. A connection problem can prevent the motor and compressor from turning on. You should check the electrical connections to determine the issue.

8. Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside

Water leaking outside from your AC on a hot or humid day, especially when the unit is running, is considered normal. It is also normal if the water leakage occurs outside in cool weather at a temperature of 60 degrees or less, as the unit can freeze up and leak water when it melts. Other reasons for your air conditioner to leak water outside, include:

Dirty air filters

Improper installation

Blocked drain pipe

Low coolant levels

Broken condensate pan

Also, Read - HVAC Tune-Up Checklist: What Does It Consist of?

9. Drainage Problem

The drain pipeline can also become clogged with dust, algae, and dirt. If water does not drain properly, mold, fungus, and mildew can develop. Also, gasses and bad odor can filter into your home. To prevent this, make sure your drain line is regularly maintained, cleaned, and inspected. Air conditioners which are not mounted level may not drain properly.

10. Sensor Problem

The air conditioner contains a thermostat sensor, located near the evaporator coil. The thermostat measures the air temperature in the evaporating coil and adjusts the cooling based on the condition of the room. If the sensor is forced out of position, the air conditioner can randomly turn on and off or cycle constantly. The sensor should be placed near the evaporator coil without touching each other. Adjust the sensor by bending the wire that holds it in position.