HVAC Not Working After a Power Outage: 5 Possible Causes

Few things are as inconvenient as a power outage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, rain storms, and fallen trees can cause blackouts that will leave your Ocala home without power. However, your problems might not end once your power turns back on.

Is your HVAC not working after a power outage? Sometimes, power outages can cause electric air conditioning and heating systems to stop working.

In this guide, we explain five possible causes of an HVAC system not working after a power outage and what you can do to get the AC or heat working again. With emergency HVAC services in Ocala, FL, you can restore power to your home after a power outage.

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker Switch

Power outages disrupt your home's entire power supply. However, even after the rest of your home's power comes back on, your furnace or AC system might be without power. This problem typically occurs for one of two reasons: 

• Automatic power shutoff: Many furnaces use a Ground Fault Interrupter, or GFI. GFIs automatically shut your furnace down when your power goes out, protecting it from power surge damage. 
• Circuit breaker issues: Sometimes, lingering HVAC power issues result from a tripped breaker. Circuit breakers frequently trip when they experience a sudden power surge.

Check your outdoor and indoor circuit breaker boxes and reset each unit. Begin by identifying where your furnace or air conditioning switch is by locating the switches labeled "AHU" or "AC." If your circuit breaker has no labels, try looking for switches in the off position.

Reset each switch by turning it off, then wait 30 to 60 seconds. Turn the switch back on and wait a further 30 minutes. You can test to see if your HVAC system works by turning your central thermostat back on.

If you use a heat pump instead of a furnace or air conditioning system, ensure its power supply works before messing with the breaker box. Usually, heat pumps are split systems, meaning they have a condenser and air handler with separate circuit breaker switches.

If these switches aren't labeled, find the switches that are either set to off or have a color indicator suggesting that they tripped. The reset procedure for heat pumps is the same as for AC units and furnaces.

You may also want to reset the entire breaker. You can do so by switching off every switch on the panel, waiting 30 to 60 seconds, and testing your HVAC systems. If your appliances use a GFCI outlet, you'll need further professional assistance.

2. Broken Thermostat

If your HVAC is not working after a power outage, check your system's thermostat. Thermostats often connect to your home's central power supply. If this is the case, power outages can knock your thermostat out, leading to HVAC issues. Some common thermostat problems include:

• Dead batteries: If your thermostat relies on an independent power supply like batteries, they might be low, old, or decaying. Replacing your thermostat's batteries can often fix your HVAC problems.
• Safety reset functions: Like many electrical devices, thermostats use safety reset functions that trigger when there's a power surge. Try turning your thermostat's power supply off for 30 to 60 seconds, then turning it back on.
• Your thermostat is off: Many homeowners don't notice that their thermostat isn't on! Try turning your thermostat back on to fix this simple problem. You'll know if you have another issue if this move doesn't fix your problems.

When in doubt, check the manuals for your thermostat and HVAC system. They can tell you how to troubleshoot any problems you might be having. If you suspect that your thermostat's parts aren't working, contact your local HVAC repair experts.

3. Dirty Air Filters

When your HVAC isn't working after a power outage, air filters might not come to mind. However, dirty air filters are the source of countless HVAC problems, including power issues.

Your HVAC system uses air filters to catch and trap dust, dirt, and other particulates. Over time, these filters can become clogged. As they get dirtier and dirtier, your unit has to work harder to keep functioning, leading to overheating. 

Overheating may cause your unit's safety sensors to activate, preventing it from cycling properly. Sometimes, it can trip your home's circuit breakers, leading to power outages. Left unaddressed, you may even experience electrical fires and damage.

Regularly inspect your unit's air filters, replacing them as needed. It's best to develop a regular maintenance schedule, as it takes the stress out of maintaining your home's AC system. If you can't access your filters, or suspect that there are deeper problems at play, don't hesitate to contact your local HVAC professionals.

4. Breaker Box Issues

Power outages cause immense strain on your home's electrical system. Power outages often occur when extreme amounts of electricity flood your system, overwhelming it in what's known as a power surge. 

Power surges can damage your home's circuit breaker box. If you notice strange burning smells throughout your home or near your breaker, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Other common signs of breaker box issues include a box that is hot to the touch and a unit that constantly trips on and off, over and over again.

You might need to have a new breaker box if it's experienced power surge damage. In any event, you should address these problems as quickly as you can. Failure to do so can lead to electrical shocks, further damage, or even fires.

5. Your System Needs Resetting

You may simply need to reset your furnace or AC system after a power outage. Many units come with a built-in reset button. Modern furnaces usually feature a small yellow or red reset button, giving you the ability to quickly restart your furnace.

However, you should always reset your furnace's breaker before taking any further steps. If you own an older gas stove with a pilot light, turn it off. You can tell if your furnace is working again after you turn it on and if the light works.

If your furnace doesn't turn back on after resetting, it likely has some other issues. In any case, HVAC experts can determine what's going on.

Choosing the Right HVAC Repair Service

You rely on your HVAC systems to provide you and your family with heating and cooling. When these systems fail, you deserve only the best HVAC repair services. With Fast Air Repair, you can rest easy knowing that you're in good hands. 

Our technicians are licensed, insured, bonded, and skilled at emergency HVAC services. We can help you fix your home's HVAC issues before they become a more serious problem. Our customer service is second to none, as we pride ourselves on treating our customers like family. When you work with us, we treat you with the respect and attention you deserve.

We can also walk you through the available residential electric rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, like installing a new air conditioner or replacing a furnace with a heat pump.

Quality HVAC Services in Ocala, FL

If you need quality HVAC repair services for your Ocala home, Fast Air Repair has your back. We know what is considered an HVAC emergency and can help you decide on a plan that works for you. You won't need to search "HVAC not working after a power outage," as you'll be able to count on us. Give us a call at 352-290-7968 to speak to one of our team members today!