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

Things can get uncomfortable fast when your air conditioner won't turn on in Albany. Thankfully, Roland J. Down Service Experts is here to help you stay cool, even when your AC isn't functioning properly. Here are eight potential 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 malfunction. Check to ensure 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 take care of the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat could be inaccurate. A thermostat that can't read the correct temperature could keep your air conditioner from turning on. Once you've verified that the thermostat is broken, it's time to replace it. If you can't decide on a thermostat that's right for your residence, speak with an Expert to help determine the best choice.

2) Check the Air Filter

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

If your air filter seems dirty or you can't recall the last time you changed it, it's time to get 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 might have a serious problem and should call the Experts at Roland J. Down Service Experts 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 could have been flipped on accident. These switches are often placed near your furnace, in a closet, crawl space or attic. Once you find the shutoff switch, check to see if it's in the "OFF" position. If so, you’ll need to turn it back on. It's always a smart idea to label this switch to keep anyone from mistakenly turning it off.

5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch

If you or someone else has recently serviced your air conditioner, they may 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, just flip it to allow your air conditioner to turn on.

6) Locate the AC's Reset Button

When your air conditioner won't turn on, it may simply need to be reset. Not all ACs have a reset button, so first find out if your unit does. If you can find the reset button, push it before going to turn your AC on again. If you can't find 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 ice buildup either on or inside the unit. If you come across ice on your machine, you need to wait for it to melt before attempting 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 Roland J. Down Service Experts for a consultation to keep further damage from occurring.

8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn't Clogged

If you don't see ice on the air conditioner, the condensate drain may be backed up. When clogged, your AC won't turn on as a safety precaution. To resolve the issue, clean 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 could be best to call the Experts.

AC Still Won't Turn On? Call Roland J. Down Service Experts !

There's no reason to suffer without air conditioning—reach out to your local HVAC Experts in Albany to help resolve why your AC won't turn on. Our highly trained technicians can diagnose why your unit isn't working, and complete a repair or install a replacement. And with Roland J. Down Service Experts , your satisfaction is guaranteed!*

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

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