In a humid state like Florida, your air conditioner is instrumental in maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity levels. A unit that won’t turn on may have several technical issues you must address.
If you’ve been asking, “I wonder why my AC unit won’t turn on?” you’ve come to the right place. Fast Air Heating & Cooling is your go-to contracting company for top-rated air conditioning repair in Silver Springs, FL, and nearby cities. Discover five reasons that your AC may refuse to work.
How Air Conditioners Work: Tips From Our Repair Techs
Diagnosing and repairing an air conditioner issue requires knowing the parts and processes we need to check. We’ve broken down the basics for the average homeowner.
Phase Conversion
Air conditioners cool indoor air with a process known as phase conversion. As noted through constant study, a liquid absorbs heat when it converts to a gas. To absorb heat from an indoor space, air conditioners use various chemical compounds that can convert phases constantly and at relatively low temperatures, called refrigerants.
The Coil System
The refrigerant exists in a closed coil system that circulates through a unit, pushed forward by pressure changes in the coils. Two major parts of the coil system are the low-pressure, cold evaporator coils and the higher-pressure condenser coils. The unit also has fans that blow air over the coils.
Fan Assistance
A fan blows the indoor air over the evaporator coils holding the liquid refrigerant. It absorbs the heat from the air, which the fan system pushes through the ducts to your rooms.
With the heat absorbed, the refrigerant turns into a gas. A compressor then adds more pressure to the coil system, forcing the refrigerant to heat further. The now gaseous refrigerant flows into the condenser coils, where another fan gets the refrigerant to release the gathered heat energy.
The refrigerant transfers the heat energy to the air from the fan. Then, the fan sends the heat to the already hot outdoor Silver Springs air, and the refrigerant cools enough to return to a liquid state. From there, the cycle starts again and should continue for as long as the central air conditioning system is on.
Why My AC Unit Won’t Turn On in Silver Springs, FL
If any part of your air conditioning unit stops working properly, it may prevent your air conditioning system from turning on. We’ve listed some of the most common below.
#1. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat controls how cool your air conditioner runs. A faulty or broken thermostat may not send the right signals to the unit, causing it to stay off. You may need to recalibrate or replace the system.
However, sometimes the thermostat issue is human error. The system will not turn on if the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature when in “auto” or “cool” mode. You may also need to replace the thermostat’s batteries.
#2. Unit Capacitor Problems
With the temperature patterns in Silver Springs, you can expect your air conditioner to work hard in the summer. An air conditioner uses a capacitor to help the compressor and fan motors work properly. Each time your air conditioner turns on, the capacitor keeps things running.
If the capacitor isn’t working, the fans and compressor likely aren’t working either. Without them, you cannot have adequate airflow or cooling. Since capacitors are electrical components, rely on an experienced HVAC technician for replacements.
#3. Dirty Air Filter Issues
When searching “why my AC unit won’t turn on,” you may think advice around replacing air filters is off-topic. However, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioner to malfunction. Various airborne debris collects in the filter to protect your system, but leaving it too long can reduce airflow.
A constrained flow could cause the unit to overheat, and safety mechanisms may forcefully shut the system off. Remember to change your air filters at least once every 90 days! Though, living in Silver Springs, FL, you may need to replace it more frequently during the summer to maintain your unit better.
#4. Condensate Drain Blockages
Evaporator coils can form condensation during phase conversion, which drops into the condensate drain and leaves the air conditioner. Over time, the bacterial and fungal ecology developing from the moist environment can clog the drain. To prevent water damage on your property, the safety mechanism inside your air conditioner could shut off the unit.
Silver Springs has many nearby water sources with lots of tiny organisms that travel with the outdoor air. In such humid spaces, you should check your condensate drain more frequently to prevent an accidental shut-off.
#5. Power Supply or Electrical Wiring Issues
If your system doesn’t have power going into it, it won’t turn on. However, the reason it lacks power can vary.
First, check the circuit breaker or fuse box for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If you find one or the other, reset the breaker or replace the fuse, then try to turn the system on again. Second, check if the switch on the indoor or outdoor unit is flipped off and flip it back on if it is.
If neither option works, you could have damaged or faulty electrical wiring, which may not be able to keep the unit on. After turning off the power to the unit, check the system for loose connections, burnt wire insulation, or fraying.
If you notice those signs, call a professional air conditioner repair specialist. Don’t DIY your electrical connections because you could hurt yourself or others.
Call an AC Repair Expert You Can Trust in Silver Springs, FL
Fast Air Heating & Cooling experts specialize in AC maintenance and repairs so you can keep your unit for as long as it will last. We provide top-quality customer service and ensure your satisfaction with the results of our work. If you’ve been asking, “I wonder why my AC unit won’t turn on?” visit our contact page for a free quote today!