In the warmer months here in Northeast Ohio, things can get stuffy in a hurry when your air conditioner doesn’t turn on. Thankfully, the friendly experts at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling are here to help you get cool again when your AC isn’t working. Here are eight common reasons why your air conditioner won’t come on and how to fix each one.

#1: How does your thermostat look?

Perhaps the simplest explanation for an AC unit not turning on is a thermostat issue. Ensure your thermostat is on, set to Cool, and the target temperature is set a few degrees lower than the current temperature of your living space. You may also need to replace the batteries. If these fixes don’t address the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat might be faulty. A thermostat that can’t read the desired temperature correctly – or at all – can stop your air conditioner from running.

If you’ve determined that your thermostat is malfunctioning or has failed, it’s time to replace it. However, if you can’t decide on a thermostat that’s right for you, call us! We’ll help you find the best choice for your home and family.

#2: When was the last time you checked your air filter?

Your HVAC system’s air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30-60 days at most, and more frequently if you have pets or a large family. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow, causing your air conditioner to ice up and not turn on.

If your air filter looks dirty, or you can’t remember when you changed it last, it’s time to get a new one. If your AC is frozen, shut off its power and wait for the ice to melt after changing the filter before turning it on again.

#3: Maybe the circuit breaker is tripped?

If you suspect a tripped circuit breaker, open the electrical panel inside your home to see if the breaker connected to your air conditioner has shifted to the Off position. To resolve this issue, simply flip the breaker back to the On position again.

If your AC keeps tripping the breaker after addressing this issue, you could have a significant problem. Therefore, we advise you to keep the breaker turned off and contact our expert team immediately to prevent further damage to your home or air conditioning system.

#4: Is your AC’s indoor power switch off?

Often mistaken for a light switch, the indoor shutoff switch may have been turned off by accident. This switch is usually located near your furnace. Once you find the switch, look to see if it’s in the Off position. If it is, simply turn it back On.

Neighborly Tip: It’s a smart idea to clearly label this switch to prevent anyone from accidentally turning it off.

#5: How about your AC’s outdoor shutoff switch?

You may have turned your AC off at its outdoor switch for the winter, or a service technician may have shut it down as a safety precaution and neglected to turn it back on. Head outside and locate the external shutoff switch, which should be near your AC’s condenser unit. If the switch is in the Off position, just flip it back to On to allow your air conditioner to run once again.

#6: Does your AC have a reset button?

When your air conditioner doesn’t turn on, it could need resetting. Not all AC units have a reset button, so verify whether or not your unit has a reset. If it does, press the button before turning your AC on again. If it doesn’t – or you can’t find the button – manually reset your system by switching your thermostat off for 5-10 minutes before turning it back on again.

#7: Does your condenser or coil look more like an igloo than equipment?

Inspect these two parts of your air conditioner for any ice buildup on or inside them. If you discover ice, turn the power off and wait for the ice to melt before using your AC, to prevent damage.

If the unit ices up again, turn it off and call us immediately. There are many reasons why ice may form on your air conditioner, and it’s always advisable to have one of our neighborly technicians visit for a service call to prevent further damage from occurring.

#8: Is the condensate drain line clogged?

When your AC’s condensate drain is blocked, your cooling system won’t turn on as a safety precaution. Unclog the line using a wet/dry vacuum’s suction to resolve this issue. If it looks clear after doing this, you can verify there’s no blockage by pouring a small amount of clear water and watching it flow out.

If you encounter a particularly tough clog, having our team come to your home is the best choice. We’ll free up your drain line and have your AC running and your family cool and comfy again in no time.

Is your AC still not working? Don’t worry – we can help!

Don’t suffer without air conditioning this summer – call Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling to determine why your AC won’t turn on. Our trained technicians will diagnose why your unit isn’t working and repair it properly or install a new, more efficient model. Contact us today at 844-HEY-NEIGHBOR to schedule your air conditioning appointment!