Eight Reasons Why Your AC Won’t Turn On-And What to Do

Things can get stuffy fast when your air conditioner won’t turn on in Dallas. Thankfully, Levy & Son Service Experts is here to help you stay cool, even when your AC isn’t starting properly. Here are eight potential reasons why your air conditioner won’t turn on and how to fix them. 

1) Check the Thermostat 

The easiest explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat malfunction. Check to ensure your thermostat is on, set to “cool,” and that the temperature is set to a few degrees lower than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You might also need to replace the batteries. If that doesn’t solve the issue, the temperature sensor in the thermostat could be inaccurate. A thermostat that can’t read the set temperature could stop your air conditioner from turning on. Once you’ve discovered that the thermostat is broken, it’s time to replace it. If you can’t decide on a thermostat that’s right for your residence, speak with an Expert to help determine the best choice. 

2) Check the Air Filter 

Your air filter should be exchanged every 30-60 days at minimum. You should change them more often depending on the number of pets and people living in your home, plus the local air pollution levels close to your residence. A dirty air filter can affect airflow, causing your air conditioner to freeze and not turn on. 

If your air filter appears dirty or you can’t recall the last time you changed it, it’s time to replace it with a new one. If your AC was frozen, wait for it to thaw after changing the filter before turning it back on. 

3) Check the Circuit Breaker 

Open the electrical panel inside your home and attempt to see if the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner is tripped. You can identify if the breaker is tripped if the switch has flipped to the “OFF” position. To resolve this issue, simply flip the breaker so that it’s in the “ON” position. 

If your AC continues to trip the breaker after correcting this issue, you might have a serious problem and should call the Experts at Levy & Son Service Experts to keep it from damaging your home or air conditioner. 

4) Check the Indoor Shutoff Switch 

Often mistaken for a light switch, if your AC won’t turn on, the indoor shutoff switch could have been flipped accidentally. These switches are usually located near your furnace, in a closet, crawl space or attic. Once you reach the shutoff switch, make sure it’s in the “OFF” position. If so, simply turn it back on. It’s always a good idea to label this switch to keep anyone from mistakenly turning it off. 

5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch 

If you or someone else has recently serviced your air conditioner, they could have turned off the external shutoff switch as a safety precaution. First, find the external shutoff switch, which should be near your AC unit. If the switch is in the “OFF” position, simply flip it to allow your air conditioner to turn on. 

6) Locate the AC’s Reset Button 

When your air conditioner won’t turn on, it could simply need to be reset. Not all ACs have a reset button, so first find out if your unit does. If you can find the reset button, push it before attempting to turn your AC on again. If you can’t find the reset button, manually reset your air conditioner by switching your thermostat off for five to 10 minutes before turning it back on again. 

7) Inspect the AC for Ice Buildup 

Inspect the air conditioner for any ice buildup either on or inside the unit. If you discover ice on your machine, you need to wait for it to melt before trying to start the unit or you risk damaging the AC. Though there are various reasons you may see ice on your air conditioner, it’s always preferable to call Levy & Son Service Experts for a consultation to keep further damage from occurring. 

8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn’t Clogged 

If you don’t come across ice on the air conditioner, the condensate drain might be backed up. When clogged, your AC won’t turn on as a safety precaution. To resolve the issue, clear the drain line trying suction from a wet/dry vac. Check that you’ve resolved the blockage by pouring a small amount of clear water and watching it flow out. For severe clogs, it might be best to call the Experts. 

AC Still Won’t Turn On? Call Levy & Son Service Experts! 

There’s no reason to suffer without air conditioning—contact your local HVAC Experts in Dallas to help find out why your AC won’t turn on. Our fully trained technicians can diagnose why your unit isn’t working, and complete a repair or install a replacement. And with Levy & Son Service Experts, your satisfaction is guaranteed!* 

Contact us at 469-250-0932 to schedule your air conditioning appointment in Dallas today!