To troubleshoot the reason your AC unit will not turn on, start by making sure its circuit has not tripped. Then make sure your thermostat is functioning properly. If it is, then proceed outside to check the condensate pump and the electric connections. Ultimately, consider testing the unit's double run capacitor.
Once you've figured out why your AC unit will not turn on, fixing it may often be surprisingly simple. We'll walk you through the troubleshooting measures and what to do to fix the issue you find. You might receive your AC unit started back up at the moment. Start by heading to your circuit breaker.
Your central electric panel divides electricity from your primary supply line out to every electrical fixture throughout your home. This could include both your thermostat (if it's connected rather than battery-operated) and your AC unit . Circuit breakers trip to shield your fittings whenever they feel a surge of harmful amounts of power. Tripped circuit breakers cut all electricity off to the fixture they are protecting until you reset them.
Tripped circuit breakers are surprisingly common. You might only observe a circuit breaker tripped when you notice the fixture won't turn on. Locate your main electrical service panel and search for tripped breakers. The tripped breaker will be changed down to the"OFF" position rather than the"ON" position, and might also be indicated by a red warning tag. Simply flip the circuit breaker back on and see if your AC unit begins back up.
If your thermostat isn't functioning properly, then maybe it does not send the appropriate cooling instructions to your AC unit. Even if the AC unit is perfectly operational, it will never turn on because it doesn't know that you're telling it ! Malfunctioning thermostats are often easy to spot. In case the screen won't turn on, it does not respond to input signal, or it instantly loses programming, then something's wrong. Try replacing the batteries , again, tripping a circuit breaker.
If nothing looks wrong with your thermostat, there's one relatively easy method to try it out. First, switch off the power to your thermostat (THIS IS IMPORTANT). You will need a screwdriver. Take off your thermostat and open the entrance compartment at the trunk. Locate the green and red cables, detach them from their terminals, and manually wrap them together. Then, let go of the wiring and turn the breaker back on. If the AC unit begins, then you have to replace the thermostat.
While you have the access panel open, locate your unit's condensation pump. This pump removes moisture that builds up on the device's condensation tray by pumping it through the drain line. This drain line harmlessly deposits the warmth outside of the unit. If the drain becomes obstructed, but then the pump will not have the ability to eliminate condensate. On the contrary, it is going to build up within the AC unit until the unit's safety features prevent it from tripping.
Unclogging the drain pump is comparatively easy. First, turn off the power to the AC. Locate the tray, pump, and drain line. If you have a hand vac, suction out any excess moisture from the tray. Then, disconnect the drain and apply the hand vac to suction clogs out inside it. If you don't have a hand vac, use water or compressed air. After reassembling the elements, reintroduce a little moisture to the tray to be certain everything functions properly.
Dual Run (or Double Round) Capacitor malfunctions are among the most common AC issues. These capacitors sit within the AC unit's entry panel split power to provide the compressor and fan at once. If they stop working, then the compressor and fan will not be able to begin the cooling procedure. Finding, testing, and even replacing the Dual Run Capacitor in your AC device is easy. Here's how to do it step by step:
What you will need: a screwdriver or nut driver (depending on your device ), pliers, and a duster of some type.
If you've tried each of these common troubleshooting steps and you still can not get your AC unit to turn on, do not worry! These measures haven't exhausted all of the possible quick fixes; only the ones you should try yourself.
Whether you've drained your troubleshooting choices or not, you can always call Queen Charlotte Plumbing Charlotte for back up. Our specialist electricians offer you dependable, licensed help that can address your issue and cool your home down again fast. AC is particularly significant during summers when we can't leave home, and therefore don't cook any more--if your AC won't begin, phone Queen Charlotte Plumbing now!
