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Help! My AC Won’t Turn On

With temperatures rising across the country, we are definitely feeling the heat right now! The last thing you want on a hot day is to find out that your AC won’t turn on. When your AC suddenly stops working, it can be really stressful, however many times it only requires a simple fix and you are back in business. Here are some of the most common reasons why your AC won’t turn on.

 

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Every home or building has a circuit breaker that monitors the electrical system in your home. The idea behind a circuit breaker is to shut off in the event anything gets overloaded with excessive current. When it shuts off, it protects your fixtures, appliances, and anything that is using electricity from damage. 

 

During the summer months when you are using your AC all the time, your power grid can get overwhelmed with demand, which can cause the circuit to flip or trip. You may notice other things in your house all of a sudden not receiving power if you have a circuit that has tripped. One of the fist things you should do when your AC won’t turn on is check the circuit breaker. If you notice any of the switches flipped off or not quite on, turn them back on. Once the switch is back on, check your AC. If it starts right up, then you have identified your problem. Be sure to monitor your usage and be on the lookout for future tripped fuses. If you continue to have issues, you should have your electrical system checked. If your AC still isn’t working, then more diagnostics may be required. 

 

Faulty Thermostat

Your thermostat may be the reason why your AC won’t turn on. Typically, thermostats last about 10 years. After that you may notice them start to malfunction, due to wear and tear, faulty wiring, or dust accumulation. Which is why, if your AC isn’t working, one of the first things you should check is your thermostat. If your thermostat is bad, it is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair. A new thermostat may in the long run, end up saving your money on your utilities because most new thermostats are designed to be more efficient than older ones. Some signs your thermostat is bad are:

 

  • Your AC won’t turn on
  • Your Thermostat is unresponsive
  • The AC stops before the desired temperature is reached
  • Your system continues to run and won’t turn off
  • Each room is a different temperature

 

If you notice any of these signs, chances are your thermostat is ready to be replaced

 

Clogged Drain Line

Your AC unit releases a lot of condensation when it is running. Which is why a drain line pumps water away from your unit to an appropriate place to drain. Over time, this can get clogged. When this happens and proper drainage isn’t possible, your unit has a safety feature that will automatically shut down to prevent damage. If you suspect your drain line is clogged, you can try to clear it. It is a relatively simple process and can be done using a shop vac. You first need to locate the tray, pump, and drain line. You can use the shop vac to suction out excessive water and any buildup that has accumulated. Once the line is clear, try your AC again. 

 

If none of the above work, you may have a more serious issue at hand, such as a faulty dual run capacitor. Air conditioning systems typically last around 15 years. The better a unit is maintained the longer it will last. Regular maintenance involves cleaning and inspecting the unit, and replacing any parts that are failing. This helps protect your unit from breaking down, helps it last longer, and helps it run more efficiently and effectively. 

 

AC not working? We can help! Contact Lesco today to schedule an appointment. 

 

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