It’s a terrible experience as a homeowner to turn your AC on and get nothing at all. In the middle of a hot, humid Michigan summer, the last thing you need is another headache. If there’s a serious problem, calling a professional HVAC technician is your best option. But first, let’s explore the steps you can take to rule out any minor issues.
Check Your Thermostat
The first step is to check your thermostat. You may discover an inactive display, which could suggest the thermostat has failed or needs a new battery. It may also mean it’s no longer getting power from the AC, which could indicate many different problems, including a clogged drain line.
If the thermostat is active, verify it’s in Cool mode and has an appropriate temperature setting. Putting the thermostat in Hold mode will temporarily override any potential programming issues. You can also try power cycling the thermostat: Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
Look for a Tripped Breaker
Make sure you’re not dealing with a power outage. If you’re unsure, use your phone to check with your power company for outages in your area. If power is fine, go to your home’s electrical panel and locate the circuit breaker for the AC system. A tripped breaker will be halfway between on and off. It may also have a red or orange indicator light.
If the breaker has tripped, you can reset it by moving it to the right. An air conditioner draws significant electricity on startup, and an isolated trip usually isn’t anything to worry about. If the breaker trips again, don’t keep resetting it. It’s time to call the pros. That indicates a serious electrical problem, and continued resets may result in additional damage to your system.
Check Shutoff Switches
Most ACs have a shutoff switch because it’s required by the National Electrical Code. You’ll usually find your HVAC disconnect switch near the AC’s outdoor unit. The installer may have mounted it directly on the house or a nearby pole.
Lift the cover and verify that the plug is present and seated firmly. Look for corrosion or any other damage. If you recently had an AC tune-up, the technician may have forgotten to reseat the plug. In rare cases, someone may have stolen it, and you’ll need a technician to replace it.
Check Your Air Filter
All ACs will have at least one filter that protects the equipment and your air quality. If you have a central system, you’ll find the filter at the large supply vent. If you have ductless AC, you’ll find the filters inside the indoor units themselves.
Check the filter to see how dirty it is. A clogged air filter increases static pressure in the system. When the pressure is too high, the AC can’t turn on. Simply removing the filter will fix the problem, but remember to insert a new filter before running your AC again.
When to Call for Professional Repairs
If your air conditioner still won’t turn on, you’ll need to call a professional for AC repair. The technician will likely retrace your steps, including checking the filter, thermostat, electrical panel, and disconnect switch.
Often, when the blower won’t turn on, there’s a motor problem or an electrical issue. A technician will check the blower inside the house and also the fan motor and condenser pump outside. In some cases, it can be as simple as a blown capacitor, bad wire, loose connection, or faulty control board. If a motor or pump is bad, it may require a rebuild or a total replacement.
Condensate drainage issues will stop an air conditioner from turning on as a proactive measure. If you have a heat pump, its reversing valve may be stuck in the heating position. Another potential problem is low refrigerant pressure due to leakage.
Why Choose Robin Aire for AC repair?
Robin Aire Service Company has over 40 years of experience serving Wixom, MI, and surrounding areas. Our company is an ACCA member and NCI-certified. We employ NATE-certified HVAC technicians and conduct drug testing and background checks before hiring.
Our technicians receive ongoing training because the HVAC industry is constantly evolving, so you can be confident that we’re up to date on industry technology and best practices. We’re a Lennox Premier Dealer, but we also install and service all brands.
We’re committed to helping our customers save money and avoid AC repairs, which is why we offer worry-free maintenance plans.
Contact Robin Aire today to schedule a service or on-site consultation.
