Eight Reasons Why Your AC Won't Turn On-And What to Do

Things can get warm fast when your air conditioner won't turn on in Gainesville. Thankfully, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you stay cool, even when your AC isn't running properly. Here are eight typical reasons why your air conditioner won't turn on and how to fix them.

1) Check the Thermostat

The easiest explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat issue. Double check your thermostat is on, set to "cool," and that the temperature is set to a few degrees cooler than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You might also need to replace the batteries. If that doesn't solve the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat may be inaccurate. A thermostat that can't read the set temperature could stop your air conditioner from turning on. Once you've discovered that the thermostat is malfunctioning, it's time to replace it. If you can't decide on a thermostat that's right for your residence, ask an Expert to help determine the best choice.

2) Check the Air Filter

Your air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30-60 days at minimum. You should change them more regularly depending on the number of pets and people living in your home, in addition to the local air pollution levels near your residence. A dirty air filter can impact airflow, causing your air conditioner to freeze and not turn on.

If your air filter looks dirty or you can't think of the last time you changed it, it's time to replace it with a new one. If your AC was frozen, wait for it to thaw after changing the filter before turning it back on.

3) Check the Circuit Breaker

Open the electrical panel inside your home and try to see if the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner is tripped. You can identify if the breaker is tripped if the switch has shifted to the "OFF" position. To resolve this issue, simply flip the breaker so that it's in the "ON" position.

If your AC continues to trip the breaker after correcting this issue, you could have a serious problem and should call the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to prevent it from damaging your home or air conditioner.

4) Check the Indoor Shutoff Switch

Often mistaken for a light switch, if your AC won't turn on, the indoor shutoff switch might have been flipped on accident. These switches are usually located near your furnace, in a closet, crawl space or attic. Once you locate the shutoff switch, check to see if it's in the "OFF" position. If so, simply turn it back on. It's always a good idea to label this switch to prevent anyone from mistakenly turning it off.

5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch

If you or someone else has recently repaired or maintained your air conditioner, they might have turned off the external shutoff switch as a safety precaution. First, identify the external shutoff switch, which should be near your AC unit. If the switch is in the "OFF" position, simply flip it to allow your air conditioner to turn on.

6) Identify the AC's Reset Button

When your air conditioner won't turn on, it could simply need to be reset. Not all ACs have a reset button, so first determine if your unit does. If you can find the reset button, press it before going to turn your AC on again. If you can't locate the reset button, manually reset your air conditioner by switching your thermostat off for five to 10 minutes before turning it back on again.

7) Inspect the AC for Ice Buildup

Look over the air conditioner for any icy buildup either on or inside the unit. If you discover ice on your machine, you need to wait for it to defrost before going to start the unit or you risk damaging the AC. Though there are various reasons you could see ice on your air conditioner, it's always best to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for a consultation to prevent further damage from occurring.

8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn't Clogged

If you don't come across ice on the air conditioner, the condensate drain could be backed up. When clogged, your AC won't turn on as a safety precaution. To resolve the issue, clear the drain line trying suction from a wet/dry vac. Check that you've fixed the blockage by pouring a small amount of clear water and watching it flow out. For particularly tough clogs, it may be best to call the Experts.

AC Still Won't Turn On? Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning!

There's no reason to suffer without air conditioning—call your local HVAC Experts in Gainesville to help discover why your AC won't turn on. Our highly trained technicians can figure out why your unit isn't working, and complete a repair or install a replacement. And with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, your satisfaction is guaranteed!*

Contact us at 866-397-3787 to schedule your air conditioning appointment in Gainesville today!

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