When your cooling system won’t turn on, many Hoosier homeowners are quick to worry about such a major problem. When the temperature outside is hot, a home without air conditioning, a functional heat pump, or mechanical cooling system can turn your space into a warm, uncomfortable mess. A number of components could be involved in such an issue, though professional repair isn’t always necessary to diagnose an air conditioning system that appears broken. Before you call for HVAC repair service, these troubleshooting tips can help you fix your cooling system unit and start it up again soon.
When your cooling system problems include an air conditioning that won’t start, check these components to diagnose simple service issues first. Many times, there’s no need to repair or replace an air conditioning unit. All your system may need is a quick check and an easy fix, which doesn’t cost a cent!
A heat pump or air conditioning unit has many components, and malfunctions involving various parts can cause the system to not turn on and the temperature to warm up inside your house. While a number of problems will require professional repair, there are a few common issues that cause a cooling system not to turn on that troubleshooting can usually solve. These cooling system problems include:
Before you call your HVAC professional to schedule repair services, we recommend you perform some quick troubleshooting steps to diagnose simple problems without the cost of a service appointment. If your heat pump or air conditioning unit cooling system will not start this summer, run through these steps first, as they may save you hours of uncomfortable waiting.
The easiest explanation is commonly the answer – if your mechanical cooling system won’t turn on, does it have power? Your first step is to inspect all system power sources and each switch that controls your equipment.
An incorrectly set thermostat or a malfunctioning unit can cause an air conditioning system not to start when expected. The thermostat is the device that communicates with your cooling system or heat pump, alerting it when it is time to run a cooling cycle and when the cycle should end. If your air conditioning system doesn’t start up, check the thermostat settings after you inspect for electrical and power issues.
If HVAC system filters become clogged with contaminants, filters can stop a furnace or air conditioning unit from turning on. A clogged filter prevents proper airflow through the system which can cause overheating. When components overheat and the internal temperature within the unit is too high, the system shuts down for safety, in order to prevent damage. Once electrical and battery power issues and thermostat settings have been cleared as the cause of your air conditioner not turning on, check filters.
Avoid serious cooling system issues this season when you check heating and cooling system filters regularly – once a month, at least. This is a critical maintenance step for heating and cooling equipment. Extremely clogged filters could cause serious damage to your air conditioning unit, warranting expensive service calls. Dirty filters prevent free air movement which not only could damage the system, but your home will not receive the cold air you expect due to this airflow restriction.
Air conditioning units and heat pumps produce condensation as they cool air during a cooling cycle. As the fan blows air across the evaporator coils, the coils cool the air and the moisture within condenses into water. It drops out of circulation, which provides some dehumidification.
Normally, the water will drip from the evaporator coils into a drain pan and flow out of the system through the attached condensate drain line. If the condensate drip pan or drain line is clogged, water backs up and fills the drip pan. Not only can water overflow and spill out of the system, which can cause water damage to the unit and the surrounding area, but the excess water volume can trigger a float switch which stops the system to prevent water damage.
Before you start placing calls for repair services, make sure you also check the air conditioning drain line.
Performing these maintenance steps periodically throughout cooling season can help you avoid system issues and water damage.
If your air conditioning system still does not start up after you check the system drain components, power, filters, and thermostat, it’s time to call for professional repair services to solve the problem. A motor or fan problem may be to blame, electrical problems involving more complex components like the capacitor or contractor, or other mechanical parts may be broken or malfunctioning.
A broken cooling system happens to the best of us, heating up homes and leaving families to sweat through warm temperature discomforts. If your system doesn’t cool your home properly or won’t even start, call Williams Comfort Air for repair services. We perform thorough diagnostics to identify service issues and repair or replace problem parts. Call us today to schedule repair service for your air conditioning unit or heat pump.