Imagine it’s the middle of a sweltering summer day in Clarksville, IN. The sun is blazing, temperatures are soaring, and you can feel the heat creeping into your home.
You reach for the thermostat to crank up the air conditioning, expecting a refreshing burst of cool air. But nothing happens. Your AC won’t turn on, and panic starts to set in. What could be wrong? Is it a simple fix, or will you need a professional?
Let’s go through what to do when your Clarksville AC unit won’t turn on.
Look at Your Thermostat
The thermostat is the control center of your air conditioning system, and any issues here can prevent your AC from turning on. You’ll want to keep a particularly close eye on things when the seasons are changing.
Ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature setting is lower than what the specific room temperature is. Sometimes, the system might be set to “heat” or “off,” so reversing that can help with fixing AC malfunctions.
If you have a programmable thermostat, ensure the schedule settings haven’t been changed accidentally. It’s possible that the thermostat is set to a different time or temperature than expected, causing the AC to stay off.
Check the Power Supply
You’ll also need to consider the power supply. Locate your home’s electrical panel and check the circuit breaker for the AC unit. If the breaker has tripped, it will be in a different position than the rest.
Reset it by flipping it fully to the “off” position and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again immediately, there could be a more serious electrical issue that needs professional attention.
Some AC units have a main power switch located near the indoor unit, often in the attic, basement, or utility closet. Make sure this switch is turned on. It can sometimes be mistaken for a light switch and accidentally turned off.
If your AC unit is plugged into a GFCI outlet, ensure that it hasn’t tripped. Reset the outlet by pressing whatever reset button is available.
If the GFCI outlet continues to trip, it could indicate a ground fault or other electrical issue that needs professional evaluation.
Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can significantly impact your air conditioning system’s ability to function properly. Visually inspect the refrigerant lines and coils for any signs of leaks. Look for oily residue or visible damage on the lines, which can indicate a refrigerant leak.
Check the evaporator coils and refrigerant lines for ice buildup. Ice formation is a common sign of low refrigerant levels, which can occur due to a leak. If you see ice, turn off the AC and let it thaw before inspecting further.
Listen for unusual sounds coming from the AC unit, such as hissing or bubbling. These noises can indicate that refrigerant is the cause of air conditioner not working.
If your AC has been struggling to cool your home effectively or if you’ve noticed a gradual decline in its performance, a refrigerant leak might be the cause. Low refrigerant levels can prevent the AC from reaching the desired temperature.
Consider the Outdoor Unit
If you have an outdoor unit, you’ll need to take a look at it.
Ensure the outdoor unit is receiving power. Verify that the disconnect switch near the unit is in the “on” position. Look at the circuit breaker panel to find any outdoor unit tripped breakers, and reset if you need to.
Inspect the area around the outdoor unit for anything like leaves, dirt, or grass clippings. Clear away any obstructions that might be blocking airflow. You need proper airflow for your Clarksville AC unit to function correctly.
The compressor is a key component of the outdoor unit. If it’s not functioning correctly, the AC won’t cool your home. Listen for the compressor starting when you turn on the AC. If it’s not starting or if it’s making unusual noises, a professional should inspect it.
Clean Every Filter
Identify all the filters in your AC system. Most systems have at least one filter located in one of the ducts you can access. Some units might have additional filters in the indoor and outdoor units.
Before you start cleaning or replacing filters, ensure your Clarksville AC unit is turned off to avoid any accidents or damage to the system. Carefully remove the filters from their housing. Note the airflow direction on the filter frame to ensure you reinstall them correctly.
If your filters are reusable, rinse them under running water. Use a specific brush to scrub off stubborn dirt and debris. Don’t use harsh chemicals or high-pressure water, as these can damage the filter material. Make sure they dry completely before reinstalling them.
For disposable filters, all you need to do is replace them with new ones of the same size and type. Check your owner’s manual or the existing filter frame for the correct specifications. Regular replacement every 1-3 months is recommended for optimal performance.
Regular replacement every 1-3 months is recommended for optimal performance.
Hire Professional Help
Sometimes you just need to call up a local AC professional. Clarksville HVAC technicians have the training and experience to diagnose complex AC issues quickly and accurately. They can identify problems you might not otherwise see.
These experts can come up with full solutions that go beyond temporary fixes. They can repair, replace, and maintain various components of your AC system, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
While hiring a Clarksville AC expert might seem expensive, it can save you money in the long run. Efficient repairs and maintenance can improve your AC’s performance, lowering energy bills and reducing the likelihood of costly future breakdowns.
AC Unit Won’t Turn On: Call in Clarksville HVAC Services Today
Now that you know what to do when your AC unit won’t turn on, you can make sure you stay cool all summer long.
Are you ready to hire Clarksville HVAC services? One Choice Mechanical has been providing stand-out comfort and quality since 2007.
Contact us today.
