I Can’t Turn On My Air Conditioner. What Should I Do? Here Are The Things You Need To Do

 

Many people crank up the air conditioner during the summer to cool off. If your air conditioner fails to turn on, what can you do? You may be able to get your AC running again if you follow these basic troubleshooting steps. The weather is only getting hotter and hotter, which causes many AC units not to turn on. You don’t have to worry; we’ve got you covered. You’ll need these tips to stay cool this summer, so keep reading. Ensure your air conditioning system is working properly before the summer heat sets in with an AC service call. You can visit Gibber Services for the job!

 

 

Air conditioners are devices that use refrigeration to cool rooms or buildings. A heat exchanger transfers heat from inside to outside by extracting heat from the air. By increasing cold air circulation, your air conditioner can cool the building. Air from the return vent is sucked into the evaporator coil, passed through a filter, and blown over it. The cold refrigerant is converted from a liquid to a gas by absorbing the heat. The now cool air blows back into the house. 

 

A refrigerant chemical can transfer heat and begin the refrigeration process. In the refrigeration process, gas is compressed and transformed into liquid. As the refrigerant travels outside the house and reaches the compressor inside the outdoor unit, it is squeezed and heated even more, increasing the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant.

 

During the final step, the super hot vapor refrigerant is expelled and absorbed by the outdoor air as it reaches the condenser. Cooling instantly transforms the refrigerant from gas to liquid. As a result, the cold liquid refrigerant is now ready for a second cycle. 

 

In this article, we’ll explain what you need to do to fix any problems stopping your AC system from setting up and turning on.

1. Make sure you set your thermostat correctly first.

Check that you select the “cool” setting. You should set the thermostat lower than the current room temperature to achieve your desired temperature. If the fan is on “auto,” it will only run when the air conditioner is cooling if the fan is in “on,” it will run whenever the air conditioner is heating air. Even if the AC isn’t cooling air, the fan will run continuously if the setting is “on.”

 

The thermostat may require new batteries or a circuit breaker may have tripped in connection, leading us to the next step.

2. You should check the circuit breakers at home.

Their electrical circuits consume a substantial amount of electricity during air conditioning operations. Circuit breakers can trip when a short power surge occurs and stop electricity from flowing through them. You won’t be able to turn on your AC when that happens.

 

Tripped circuit breakers will switch from “on” to “off” positions. You must flip tripped breakers back to the “on” position to reset them.

3. Ensure that you turn the power switches on for your HVAC system.

The majority of central air conditioners come with two power switches. One switch powers the indoor unit, and the other powers the outdoor unit. If you want your air conditioner to work, you must turn both switches on.

 

Switches for indoor units are near furnaces or air handlers. Your outdoor unit’s switch outside the house is in a metal box next to the unit.

 

4. Check to see if the air filter needs replacement.

When your air filter is clogged, it restricts airflow, which strains your air conditioner and increases the likelihood that it will overheat and shut down. For most homeowners, replacing their air filters during the cooling season should be done at least once every three months.

 

Your air filter needs replacement if it looks dirty or hasn’t undergone replacement in a while. Keeping several filters on hand is a good idea so you can replace them when needed.

 

5. Ensure that no plants or debris will crowd your outdoor unit. 

When landscaping, leaves, dirt, or miscellaneous debris block airflow, your air conditioner can overheat and shut off. Ensure that at least two feet of clearance surrounding the unit and several feet of clearance vertically are available. Most of the heat releases from the top of an outdoor air conditioning unit, so they need a lot of space above them to breathe.

6. It may be possible to reset the unit if you know how.

When a power surge trips the circuit breaker on your air conditioner, it might start acting strangely. There is good news, though: sometimes, it only needs to be reset. To avoid inadvertently creating further problems, you should refer to the owner’s manual for your specific system for instructions on how to reset it correctly.

 

7. Check for ice buildup in the air conditioner

Make sure there is no ice buildup on or inside the air conditioner. When you discover ice on your machine, you should wait for it to melt before starting it, or you may damage the unit. To avoid further damage to your air conditioner, it’s always a good idea to call us for a consultation. Several reasons may lead to ice building up on your air conditioner, but we recommend a consultation with professionals. 

8. Check that the condensate drain is not clogged

The condensate drain may have clogs if you do not find ice on the air conditioner. During clogging, your air conditioner will not turn on to avoid electrical accidents. You can resolve the problem by suctioning the drain line with a wet/dry vacuum. Observe the flow of clear water after pouring a small amount of clear water and ensure you resolve the blockage.

For severe clogs, it’s likely the best option to call an expert. Gibber Services has the tools and expertise to clear most clogs you can or cannot imagine; with years of experience servicing Memphis and its surrounding areas, we’re confident we can help you too. Visit our membership page to learn more about how to save more today by joining VIP.

If I Still Need Help, What Should I Do?

If you’ve tried these steps, but your air conditioner is still not working, you should consider an Air Conditioning Repair Expert. At Gibber Services, we have HVAC technicians with the necessary training to diagnose and fix the problem immediately so that you can stay cool all summer. Contact us today at 901-422-1258 if you need AC service.