Are you having difficulty getting your AC to turn on? Are you worried because you really can’t afford an unexpected repair (or worse, a replacement) right now? Well, the good news is that you may not need to hire a professional right away. We can offer you some tips on how to troubleshoot your AC unit yourself, though there are certain situations that you should defer to a professional.
If the latter situation is the case, our technicians at Ambient Edge can help. We make ourselves available any time of day (or night) to help you fix the problem when all else fails. Give us a call, and we’ll get you on the calendar for a service appointment.
Thermostat Problems
One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner refuses to turn on has to do with the thermostat. If the thermostat doesn’t work, then your air conditioner won’t work either. There may be no issues whatsoever with the air conditioner; it just gets its directions from the thermostat.
Troubleshooting a thermostat is pretty simple. If the screen is blank, then it isn’t on. If this is the case, someone else in the house might have turned it off. This is a common miscommunication. If it doesn’t just turn back on, then it may need new batteries. If it still doesn’t work after you replace the batteries, you may need to replace it.
Emergency Reset Button
It may seem like a silly question, but with the frequency with which it happens, it makes sense for us to ask it: did you check to see if the air conditioner is actually turned on? Different units have different “off/on” switches, and in different places.
It may also be an issue with the emergency shut-off switch on the condenser unit outside. You’ll usually find this switch inside the metal box that protects it from the elements. If this switch is in the “off” position, turn it to the “on” position, then check the unit itself for an additional switch. Generally, if you see a switch and you’re not sure what it’s for, give it a try – it may just be on the “on” button!
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your AC is not turning on, this could be the result of a good old-fashioned popped circuit breaker. Are you using too many appliances at once? Are too many plugged into the same outlet? Are you using older appliances that may require more energy to run? Any of these things could cause your circuit breaker to pop, so check it to see if it needs a reset.
Dirty Air Filter
Do you change the air filter in your AC unit as often as you should? Most people don’t realize this is something you actually need to do regularly to keep your unit running as smoothly as possible. Also, when you regularly clean your filter, you are helping your air conditioner enjoy an appropriate level of airflow. Once they become clogged with dust and dirt, air cannot get through, which can cause the unit an ice build-up, which will cause it to fail to turn on.
It May Just Be Its Time…
The last thing anyone wants to hear is that they need to replace an appliance, but it is inevitable – nothing lasts forever. If your air conditioner is 15 to 20 years old, then it may be near or at the end of its life, and it’s time for you to get an upgrade.
The best way to get the longest life possible out of your unit is to schedule regular maintenance for it. Ambient Edge offers preventative maintenance contracts, which allows our technicians to check on your unit every six months to ensure it is running as it should.
However, no matter how well you take care of an appliance, the day will come when you need to replace it. If this is true for you at this point in time, Ambient Edge can help you choose an air conditioning unit that is appropriate for your home and lifestyle.
Having Trouble Getting Your AC to Turn On Even After Trying to Troubleshoot It? Ambient Edge Can Help!
You’ve checked the thermostat, the circuit breaker, and the emergency reset button, and everything was in order. You still have no idea what is causing your AC to fail to turn on. Why not give Ambient Edge a call and have us take a look? Our knowledgeable team is available on your schedule, 24 hours, 7 days a week. So, fill out our contact form or give us a call, and we’ll get your air conditioning unit back up and running in no time!