Troubleshooting: When Your Air Conditioner Doesn’t Turn On

Starting Up Your Air Conditioner After a Long Winter’s Nap, and What to Do If It Won’t Turn On

Winter has passed and the temperatures are rising. You might come home soon from a long day at work to turn on your air conditioner for the first time since the fall, hoping to generate some cool indoor comfort …. and your system won’t turn on. What should you do?

The good news is that it might not be that serious. However, it’s important to assess what the problem might be. Let’s get the “must call a professional” kinds of problems out of the way first.  Is this an electrical issue? If you suspect faulty wiring (often caused by rodents in the attic, water damage and more), it’s time to step aside and let the right person handle it. Call your electrician or HVAC specialist for help in fixing the power issue. It’s not worth the safety risk to try repairing this kind of problem yourself.

Assuming your electrical system (and all wires and fuses) are fine, an air conditioner not turning on could be caused by several other in-system safety mechanisms. For example, if your compressor or motor is malfunctioning, the rest of the system will not start up. A qualified HVAC specialist should check out both to ensure they’re operating normally. You can visually inspect your condenser, too. A dirty one will hamper air conditioning function. Make sure you regularly switch out your HVAC filters. While you’re at it, make sure no leaves, branches or other yard debris has accumulated in or around the outdoor unit, which can also have a negative impact on your whole HVAC system.

Finally, take a look at the thermostat. Does it need batteries? Does it appear to be broken? Surprisingly, a newfangled Smart Thermostat is not only easier to operate than an older model, but will also help you reduce utility costs and use less energy. Programmable to accommodate your family’s schedule, you’ll avoid heating or cooling when no one is home to enjoy it, while setting the temperature at optimal levels the minute you walk in the door. If your thermostat is due for an upgrade, talk to your HVAC technician about your options.

Whatever the issue with your AC, most problems can be mitigated through regular maintenance and a yearly HVAC checkup. Your technician should not only troubleshoot existing problems, but also take steps to prevent future ones from developing.  You can expect this person to inspect all connections to make sure they’re well lubricated and fitting correctly, to empty the condenser drain, test the thermostat, refill coolant and clean the condenser and its coils as needed.

You can also discuss what size and model HVAC filters you should be using, so that you can replace them yourself even more frequently throughout the year. Don’t wait until your system breaks down to do repairs. You’ll save time and money by scheduling a visit now with your friendly neighborhood HVAC specialist. After all, life’s too short not to enjoy indoor comfort all year round with your family and friends, especially the four footed ones.

Call Air-Tro today to schedule a yearly inspection and maintenance of your HVAC equipment. We’re the company he San Gabriel Valley trusts for all its heating and cooling. (626) 357-3535.