Inside AC Unit Not Turning On

The sun is out, and the day is growing warmer by the minute. Your air conditioner should be kicking on any minute now. But even though outside temperatures are blazing, the inside AC unit is not turning on! What should you do? There are a few simple reasons your inside AC unit might not be blowing, and a few reasons that require professional assistance.

Inside AC Unit Not Turning On: Troubleshooting Tips You Can Try

Before you panic, there are a few things you can check out yourself. These are easy remedies that will restore cool comfort in no time.

1. Check the thermostat. This is incredibly common for folks who live with others. Someone adjusted the thermostat, and now the settings have been changed. Make sure the thermostat is set to “Cool,” and that the temperature setting inside is lower than the outside climate.
2. Take a look at the circuit breaker. For a variety of reasons, the circuit breaker may have tripped when your AC unit engaged. Check the main breaker, as well as the breaker your unit is plugged into. Double-check your AC unit to make sure it is turned on, as well.
3. Examine the air filter. If your air filter is clogged or blocked, your AC unit won’t turn on. Air needs to flow through the filter in order for the system to work, so try changing your filter.

When to Call the Professionals If the Inside AC Unit Is Not Turning On

Once you’ve done some basic troubleshooting, it might be time to look a bit deeper into your AC unit to determine why it’s not turning on. While you may not be able to fix these problems, you’ll be able to report your findings to a professional.

First, look inside the unit for any ice build-up. The evaporator coil and refrigerant line sometimes ice up, which will freeze the entire unit until the ice melts. There are many reasons why this may happen, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose the situation, once you’ve explained the location of the ice.

If you have an older AC unit, the motor or fan belt might have given out. Belts can crack and break, and motors can become jammed or simply wear out with age.

Newer AC units might fall victim to a faulty contact in the fan relay. Additionally, the capacitor could freeze or short, requiring repair or replacement. These are both situations that a professional technician can easily fix.

The problem may not be within the unit. If the thermostat appears to be working, but the inside AC unit is not turning on, there could be a problem with the wiring, or with the thermostat itself.

If your inside AC unit is not turning on, there are a few simple steps you can complete before calling a professional. However, if your thermostat, circuit breaker, and air filter are all fine, call 844-962-2681 to connect with an HVAC professional in your area. Let your technician know if you spot any ice, or notice any strange smells or noises, as these could point to a troubled motor. The technician will come to your house to assess the situation and provide you with a no-obligation quote for the needed repairs.

Though a day without air conditioning can be very uncomfortable, there might be a simple fix for your AC unit not turning on. For everything else, there’s a professional just a phone call away.