There’s nothing worse than having an AC unit that won’t turn on in the middle of an Indiana summer. Sometimes the problem is an easy fix. But in other instances, you’ll need a skilled HVAC technician to make a proper diagnosis and offer a solution.
Keep reading to learn why your AC unit won’t turn on in Noblesville, Indiana!
Thermostat Issues
One of the best HVAC maintenance tips is to check your thermostat from time to time. After all, this is your command center where you set and manage temperatures in your home. If your thermostat’s malfunctioning, it won’t trigger your system to turn on.
You want to make sure your thermostat’s batteries are fresh and check that it’s set to cool your space. Set the temperature beneath your room’s actual temperature to make sure the system turns on. If the system doesn’t click on to start cooling, your thermostat could be the problem.
Do a little cleaning, too. You can remove the faceplate and clean the interior with compressed air. This ensures that the wires and sensors are free of dust and debris that could impact their connections to the rest of the system.
Old Air Filters
When it comes to AC troubleshooting tips, a big one is to check the air filters. Clogged or dirty filters can contribute to a lot of air conditioner issues. They prevent proper airflow, which can cause short cycling.
With dirty filters, you may see reduced efficiency, warmer air, and higher utility bills. Additionally, you could hear strange noises and notice condensation. And, at a certain point, your AC might just stop working.
Filters aren’t a high-cost item. So, you can save yourself – and your budget – some grief by replacing your filter every 30 days.
Electrical Problems
Without electricity, your AC won’t be able to function. So, check your electrical panel to see if you have tripped circuit breakers. You may need to reset them.
In an older Noblesville home with older electrical components, you may have a blown fuse. You can try replacing the fuse.
Whether you replace a fuse or reset a breaker, if your unit doesn’t start working, you may need to hire a professional technician. If you notice signs of electrical hazards, like worn wires, don’t try to do any further troubleshooting.
As another potential solution, check the switches on both the indoor and outdoor parts of your system. They should be set to “On.” If they aren’t, flip the switch and see if that powers up the unit.
Check to ensure that your condenser is plugged in, too. It needs to be connected to your electrical supply to function.
Clogged Drain Lines
Have you noticed water collecting around your AC unit? If so, you may have a clogged drain line. And this could be why your system is not working.
To fix this problem, your AC will need to be shut off and the drain line will need to be disconnected. Use a hose to run water through the drain line to remove the clog. Assuming the water pressure forces out the clog, you may have fixed the problem.
Reattach the drain line and turn on your AC. If it’s still not working, it may be time to call a professional HVAC technician in Noblesville to investigate other causes.
Frozen Coils
Frozen coils can be another possible culprit when your AC won’t turn on. If your system gets too dirty or cold, your condenser or evaporator coils can freeze.
Evaporator coils use refrigerant to get rid of heat from the air. Condensor coils release heat picked up from the evaporator coils. Both coils typically are made of copper, and they can freeze if refrigerant is low or there are other issues, like a faulty thermostat.
Likewise, your coils can accumulate dirt over time. This, too, can force the coils and system to work harder. And, as a result, you’ll experience short cycling that can lead to system failure.
In short, your AC unit may stop working when the coils are frozen or caked in debris. Alternatively, it might stop producing cold air. In this case, the solution is to switch off your AC to give your coils time to thaw.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your AC functional. Refrigerant absorbs and removes warm air so your home can stay cool on hot summer days in Noblesville. But if there’s not enough of it, your compressor will sense this and shut down.
Repairing leaks is not something that should be done as a DIY repair. A technician with intimate knowledge of the system will know how to properly and safely seal any leaks. They’ll also be able to restore coolant levels so your system cycles as it should.
Old Motor
Finally, your AC’s motor could be what’s not working. Over time, a motor can wear down, though most motors can last around 20 years with proper maintenance. Even so, contact Noblesville HVAC repair technicians to check its status to see if it’s the reason your system won’t turn on.
You may be able to get your motor repaired since it tends to be one of the easier cooling system fixes. But if your entire unit is worn, you may be better off replacing it.
While this can be expensive, it also can be a selling point for your home if you’re planning to move soon. If not, it’s still worth the investment to end up with a more reliable and energy-efficient unit that keeps your home comfortable!
Why Your AC Unit Won’t Turn On
If your AC unit won’t turn on, it could be due to a number of reasons, including clogged filters. While changing filters is a good initial plan, other causes include a bad thermostat or electrical issues. Frozen coils, clogged drain lines, and an aging motor could be causes, too.
At Stay Comfy HVAC, we provide residents in the Indianapolis and Hamilton County areas with expert HVAC services. With free estimates and same-day service, you can count on us for help when your AC isn’t running. Reach out to us today!