Discovering that your AC unit is not turning on during hot weather in Citrus Springs is a stressful occurrence.
Read this guide for a discussion of the leading causes of this problem from Fast Air Repair, the superior AC repair specialist in Citrus County, FL.
1. Faulty Thermostat Settings
The first thing to check when your cooling system will not turn on is the thermostat. Make sure the thermostat has power — replace the batteries as necessary. If it does not power up, it could require replacement.
Check the setting to ensure it is set to “cool,” and the temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature.
Professional HVAC technicians can either replace a faulty thermostat or test your existing thermostat for proper function and calibration.
2. Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker
Air conditioners use a large amount of electricity, even when they are working at peak efficiency. Whenever an electrical surge or overload occurs, the circuit breaker serving the HVAC system in your electrical control panel could trip off as a safety measure.
In older homes, the panel may contain fuses, which blow when overloaded beyond their safety point.
Check your panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If the problem persists, you should have the system inspected immediately for safe and efficient function.
3. AC Power Supply Issues
Beyond the safety features of circuit breakers or fuses, a cooling system can have other electrical issues inside the unit or its wiring. Damaged or loose wiring can interrupt power to the unit, as can other issues with the electrical supply system inside your home.
If your AC unit is not turning on as you smell burning odors or hear strange noises from the unit, shut it down and call for professional assistance immediately.
4. Capacitor Malfunction
Your air conditioner’s capacitor is a sensitive electrical component that stores and releases energy in bursts when needed to start your system’s motor up and to maintain a safe, consistent flow of electricity to the system.
A capacitor malfunction often causes air conditioners to hum loudly without starting up or, in some cases, to make no sounds at all. Humming or buzzing from your outdoor unit when it refuses to start is a clear indication of capacitor issues that an expert technician should inspect as soon as possible.
5. Compressor Failure
The compressor is usually referred to as the “heart” of an air conditioner. It pressurizes and circulates the chemical refrigerant through lines and coils that remove indoor heat and humidity and release them outdoors.
Compressors can malfunction due to wear and tear, low refrigerant, or electrical problems. If your system starts briefly and only shuts down quickly, it could be experiencing compressor trouble.
Compressors are complex components that are, unfortunately, expensive to repair or replace, and prompt professional attention is essential to minimizing system damage.
6. Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters are a common issue that impacts airflow to cooling systems. During hot weather, filters more rapidly accumulate dust, debris, and particles that restrict the free airflow that your air conditioner must have to function correctly.
Blocked airflow can lead to freezing coils, which in turn place immense stress on the entire system — potentially leading to it shutting down to minimize damage.
You should change air filters every 30 to 90 days. Regular professional maintenance also helps to avoid internal dust buildup that chokes off freely circulating air.
7. Low Refrigerant Levels
The chemical refrigerant in your air conditioning system flows through a closed system of lines and coils. When even a tiny leak develops, the loss of refrigerant impacts the power of the unit to cool indoor air.
If your AC unit is not turning on, especially if you hear hissing sounds, it’s possible that the refrigerant is leaking. This is another issue that an expert technician must handle with the proper tools to locate and repair leaks and recharge refrigerant.
8. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
AC units expel excess indoor moisture through condensation in the outdoor unit. The condensed water drains away through a condensate line. When the line becomes blocked with debris or algae growth, cooling systems often shut down as a safety measure to prevent internal water damage to the unit.
Cleaning and inspecting the drain and lines are part of typical professional inspection and cleaning.
9. Tripped Safety Switch
Most modern HVAC systems include safety switches that operate independently of your electrical control panel. The switch works to prevent excessive damage or safety hazards from electrical issues or water leaks.
Of course, simply resetting the switch does not address the underlying problem that caused it to trigger system shutdown. A professional HVAC technician can inspect the switches and accurately diagnose the root cause of the shutdown.
10. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Dirty evaporator coils can prevent your system from starting or operating correctly. The coils attract dust and grime over time, which acts as an insulator coating the coils. The insulating effect causes excessive heat to remain inside the refrigerant lines, reducing cooling efficiency. This can eventually cause the unit to shut off as a safety measure.
Coils should be regularly cleaned by an HVAC professional. They are delicate and are easily damaged when not cleaned correctly or with the appropriate cleansing agent.
11. Contactor Problems
The contactor is an electrical switch controlling the compressor and fan. When the contactor malfunctions, you may hear clicking noises as the system fails to start. This is another issue for an expert technician to handle.
Call Fast Air Repair for Expert HVAC Service in Citrus Springs, FL
If your AC unit is not turning on, the key to effective repairs is a proper and accurate diagnosis of the problem. Fast Air Repair is your professional partner in Citrus Springs and around the region when your cooling system is having trouble or you require efficient regular AC maintenance services.
Call Fast Air Repair at Fast Air Repair for prompt attention to any issues affecting your indoor comfort in Citrus Springs. Reach out now.