What to Do When Your HVAC Won’t Turn On
Are you experiencing HVAC issues? Call Felix Appliance Repair at 480-406-7487 for a solution!
Imagine it’s a blazing hot day and to give yourself some cooling relief, you flip the switch on your air conditioner only to find that the HVAC won’t turn on. This is extremely frustrating, but don’t panic! The experts at Maricopa’s trusted HVAC company put together a guide of everything you should do if your HVAC system won’t turn on.
Examine the Circuit Breaker
It’s not uncommon to experience HVAC power problems because a circuit breaker tripped. If you suspect this might be the case, head to your home’s main electrical panel and find the breaker that powers your air conditioner. You can easily read whether the breaker is set to the on or off setting.
If the circuit breaker tripped and is now off, flip it back on. Keep an eye out for future issues and consult a professional if the breaker frequently trips.
Check Your Air Filter
Clogged air filters can wreak havoc on your HVAC system and, if severe enough, can prevent your unit from switching on. Make sure you change your filters on a routine basis since they collect dust, dirt, hair, and other allergens daily. As these pollutants accumulate within the filter, it restricts airflow through your HVAC system and eventually causes the internal coils to freeze.
If your HVAC system won’t turn on and it’s been a while since you replaced your air filter, swap your dirty filter for a new, clean one. You’ll need to shut off the system as well as the circuit breaker that powers it and wait a while for potentially frozen coils to defrost. After some time, restore power to the air conditioner and turn it on to see if this troubleshooting worked.
Clogged air filters can also cause your energy bills to skyrocket because the HVAC system needs to work harder to force air through. Consider investing in high-efficiency HVAC equipment to save money and avoid this issue.
Inspect the Thermostat
It’s possible that your air conditioner is fine, but thermostat issues are behind the system not turning on. The thermostat is the main control point for your air conditioner, and if it’s malfunctioning, it directly impacts your air conditioner.
A common reason behind a faulty thermostat is dead batteries. Try replacing them and see if that makes a difference. If your thermostat still doesn’t work, you may need to replace it or have a professional check the electrical wiring.
Look for the Condenser Unit's Plug
It sounds obvious, but sometimes your HVAC system won’t turn on because it isn’t plugged in. This is not uncommon, but the fix is very simple. Check to see if your condenser unit is unplugged by locating a small brown cord that connects to a panel along the side of your house.
It’s possible that your air conditioner doesn’t work because the cord was unplugged or became damaged by animals who chewed through it.
Check Your Outdoor Fuse Box
A blown fuse is one of the most common reasons why your HVAC won’t turn on. You can repair this issue on your own but must use caution. Turn off the AC unit and your power supply before tinkering with the fuse box to avoid electric shocks.
You can then test each of the fuses with a multimeter and see if any of them aren’t working. Depending on your findings, you can either replace the blown fuse or keep searching for other reasons why your unit won’t turn on.
Inspect the Condensate Drain
You may have a clogged AC drain line if you ignore basic HVAC maintenance. This component is essential for transferring the heat inside your home to the outdoor condenser unit. Condensation will filter through this drain, but if there’s a clog in the system, the air conditioner won’t turn on as a safety precaution.
With the power turned off, try pouring a cup of boiling water down the drain pipe to clear any blockages. Do this every few weeks to avoid future clogs.
Contact Our Heating and Cooling Experts
If none of these troubleshooting techniques help and your HVAC system won’t turn on still, it’s time to bring in a professional. We can give you tips about what to do if your HVAC won’t turn on, whether it’s worth running AC with the windows open, and other common issues.
Call Felix Appliance Repair at 480-406-7487 or request an appointment online for professional HVAC repairs.
