5 Likely Causes of Your Air Conditioning Not Turning On

newly installed AC condenser units

When your air conditioner is on the fritz, don’t panic. You may be able to get it up and running on your own, or at least pinpoint the problem before our expert HVAC technicians can get there. Here are five reasons your AC won’t turn on, including troubleshooting tips, when appropriate:

Reset Needed

If nothing looks wrong or damaged with your AC unit and the vents are clear and unobstructed, your first step should be trying to reset your AC system. Reset instructions vary depending on the make and model, but generally, resetting involves three simple steps:

  1. Flip the breaker powering your AC to the off position.
  2. Find the reset button on your AC (check the manual or look online for the location).
  3. Hold down the button for three to five seconds before releasing. If your AC still doesn’t power on after you reset the breaker, call us!

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Since turning your AC breaker off is part of the process of resetting your AC, a tripped circuit breaker will be easy to spot. When you go to turn off your AC breaker, if it’s already in the “OFF” position, then you know your AC problem is simply a tripped circuit breaker.

Thermostat Problems

Most people don’t realize that their thermostat should be replaced or updated every time a new HVAC system is installed, or every 10 to 15 years in between HVAC replacements. If your thermostat is unresponsive, it could be the reason your AC is not turning on.

Other signs of thermostat failure include when it doesn’t respond to a temperature adjustment, the air temperature in the room does not match the thermometer temperature, short-cycling, or the thermometer program keeps resetting itself.

 Ice Buildup on the Condenser Unit

Some people think ice buildup on your condenser unit outside is normal, but it’s definitely not! Ice is likely due to a refrigerant leak or low refrigerant, a dirty evaporator coil, blocked airflow, clogged air filters, or a damaged blower fan. You need a trusted AC professional to accurately diagnose the cause and fix it.

Overdue Maintenance

You can avoid stressful moments like not having your AC turn on by scheduling routine AC maintenance with us. When you sign up for our maintenance plan, our HVAC professionals will thoroughly inspect your air conditioning system twice a year and catch any issues before they become a big problem, like a clogged condensate drain line or pump, clogged or dirty coils, or a dirty air filter. We also oil parts, check and replenish refrigerant levels, repair leaks, tighten loose components, and clean your unit. In short, we do it all to ensure your AC is running optimally and ready to go when you need it.

Schedule AC Service in Tampa With Hoffman

Family-owned and -operated since 1989, Hoffman Electrical & A/C is Tampa’s leading HVAC contractor because we’re honest, on time, and the best at what we do. Read our thousands of positive reviews to learn more!

Plus, with our upfront and fixed pricing, coupons, and financing, you can be confident knowing you’re in control and can get the services you need without breaking the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your AC service in Tampa or St. Petersburg today!

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The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice.
All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details.
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