Reasons Your Air Conditioner Isn't Turning On

Your air conditioner is built to last, but every now and then, a problem may arise. One of the most stressful A/C scenarios you can experience is when the unit just doesn't turn on. So what steps are in order when that happens? Read on and learn how not to panic, but see if you can resolve the issue before you have to call for help.

Why Your A/C Might Not Be Turning On

1. No power. Believe it or not, but oftentimes when HVAC businesses get calls about an A/C not working, it turns out to be simply a matter of the power or the control being off. Before you call, do the following:

• Make sure the electricity is on in the house.

• Make sure the breaker that controls the A/C has not flipped.

• Make sure the unit is turned to "air conditioner" or "cool."

• Make sure the unit is turned to auto or on. If it's on auto, turn the thermostat down a few degrees to see if it comes on.

2. Thermostat is set too high. The unit will not turn on if the thermostat is set higher than the ambient temperature. Lower it to see if the A/C comes on.

3. Thermostat isn't working. If your thermostat uses batteries and the digital window is blank, try changing the batteries. If the thermostat is wired, check the wires to make sure none are loose or frayed. It could also be that the thermostat has stopped working and needs to be replaced.

4. Air filter is dirty. Although this is less likely to cause the A/C to stop running altogether, it is possible. A dirty filter slows air flow and can cause the unit to freeze up. It may either stop cooling or stop running if this happens. Whenever you see ice on either the indoor or outdoor components, turn the A/C off and allow it to defrost before you turn it back on.

To learn more about reasons your air conditioner may not turn on, call Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “GDJ/Pixabay”

Solve Last Summer's A/C Problems Prior to This Year's Cooling Season

Solve Last Summer's A/C Problems Prior to This Year's Cooling Season

Before it gets hot in Tulsa, it's a good idea to prepare your A/C for the cooling season. For you, this may mean addressing an issue that developed last year but wasn't serious enough to cause a breakdown. If the issue continues to go unresolved, this could be the summer your A/C fails. It's best to get in touch with your trusted A/C professional and schedule a tune-up and maintenance check. So what are some of the problems that can undermine A/C operation? Here are a few:

• Fan and compressor controls can wear out. Wiring and terminals can also become corroded. Your HVAC tech will check the controls during your tune-up and clean and tighten the wiring and terminals.

• The refrigerant charge can be incorrect. This can severely impede your air conditioner's performance. Your HVAC tech will measure the refrigerant and correct any deficiency. He'll also check for refrigerant leaks.

• The air filter can become clogged. Change the air filter at the start of the cooling season, and check it regularly after that. Change it as soon as it looks dirty, as a clogged filter can severely restrict airflow.

• The condensate drain can become clogged. Your HVAC tech will check it during your tune-up. But you should check it, as well, throughout the cooling season.

• It could be that your air conditioning issue has nothing to do with your cooling system, but with your ductwork instead. Your HVAC tech should check for any leaks in your duct system and repair them as needed. Alternatively, check your ducts yourself and make the necessary repairs, using mastic and mesh. While you're at it, check all your registers, and make sure they're free of obstructions.

For quality assistance in solving last summer's A/C problems before the start of this year's cooling season, contact Air Assurance.  We've been serving homeowners in Broken Arrow and greater Tulsa since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock