Why Won't My AC Turn On?

There can be many reasons your AC randomly decides not to turn on, so it’s up to you to figure out why. The last thing you want during the warmest months of the year is for your air conditioning to mysteriously stop working. Even more so, you don’t want to spend unnecessary money by hiring someone to figure out what might be wrong with your unit, only to find out it was something small that could have been fixed on your own. Here are some of the many reasons your AC might not be running and exactly how to fix the issue.

Thermostat

It sounds silly, but it’s a possible reason that your air conditioner might not be running. Whether it was an accident or because something might be wrong with your thermostat, it is smart to check here first. Make sure that it is set to “cool” and not heat or completely off. If it is set to cool, but still not blowing out any air, try setting the temperature about 5 degrees below the current temperature that is being read on the thermostat. If your AC still doesn’t turn on, it’s time to look deeper. 

Air Filter

You should be changing your air conditioning filter at least every 6-12 months. It is most beneficial to get your air filters switched out with new ones before every season, but we understand that sometimes life gets busy. If you’ve forgotten to change your air filter, this could be the reason you’re not feeling any cold air coming from the vents. If you still don’t feel cool air coming out of your vents after changing the filter, move to the next step.

Breaker Box

Another common issue might be that your circuit breaker was tripped. Circuit breakers are designed to automatically shut off if too much electricity is being sent through. It can be inconvenient, but it is overall a good thing as it helps to protect your home from fires. Breakers are usually tripped if too many electrical appliances are being used all at once. If you notice that your AC still isn’t running, you could check your breaker box to see if that might be the problem. Make sure that you carefully read the labels of the switches so you make sure to flip the correct switches. 

Refrigerant Leak

One of the more serious issues could be a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can be caused by things such as corrosion, weak connections in the AC, improper installation, factory defects and wear and tear. It is important to be extremely careful when it comes to refrigerant leaks. The coolant can cause allergic reactions, frostbite or chemical burn. If you discover that you do have a refrigerant leak, call a professional from Air Tech of Humble for help. 

Condensation Drain

The condensation drain is the system where the moisture is taken from the air that is collected through the evaporator coil. The water then travels down a drainpipe, which is then deposited outside near the outdoor AC unit. To fix a clogged condensation drain, you can easily use a wet/dry vacuum to suck the extra moisture out of the pipe. You can also clear the drain by using a solution to break down the water that’s stuck inside.

Regular maintenance on your AC unit is an important step to keep your unit in tip-top shape. You can reference one of our previous blog posts, “Air Conditioning Maintenance Walkthrough” for an in-depth process of what our maintenance checks consist of. Whether you’re needing a regular check-up or professional help on identifying and fixing your AC problems, we’re here to help! Contact us at Air Tech of Humble for any home and commercial services!