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Air Conditioners | 5 Min.

Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On – How do I fix it?

Written by Nikita

Every summer, Canada experiences scorching heat waves making air conditioners a necessity. Heatwaves are again rising with summers starting in Canada. Air conditioners are the saviors of summers. Even a UBC expert believes air conditioners should be classified as medical devices to survive heat waves.

When the temperature spikes during summer, air conditioner malfunctions seem to be the biggest hassle. AC users often complain, ‘AC won’t turn on. How can we fix it?’. This article will explain different reasons why your AC may not be turning on and how to fix it.

Six reasons why your AC is not turning on and how to fix it

Thermostat issues

A thermostat is like a sensor for an air conditioning system. It detects indoor temperature levels and signals your HVAC system to start. An issue with the thermostat, such as weak signals, old batteries, etc., may prevent it from signaling the AC to turn on.

A few common reasons for thermostat issues are that someone simply turned it off, its battery died, wrong settings, dirt, corrosion, loose wires, or blown fuses.

You can fix a few by turning on the thermostat, replacing batteries, setting it at ‘cool’, and cleaning dirt with a soft brush. For the rest, seek professional help.

Power issues

Power is the fuel on which an air conditioner works. Without electricity, an AC will not turn on. Hence, a consistent supply of electricity is important for the smooth working of an air conditioner.

A few common reasons for power disruptions are turned off power buttons, tripped circuit breakers, and blown fuses.

You should ensure both indoor and outdoor AC units are turned on. If a circuit breaker has tripped due to high voltage, simply turn it off and then turn it back on. Try changing the blown fuse. If a circuit breaker keeps tripping, contact an expert as you may have a high voltage issue at your end.

Refrigerant issues

Refrigerant is a chemical fluid that converts liquids into a gas and back while absorbing heat. It is the main element of the refrigeration cycle with which air conditioners convert heat into cold air. Low refrigerant levels affect the efficiency of an air conditioner.

The main reason for low refrigerant levels is leakages caused by cracks and corrosion. Lack of regular maintenance causes corrosion and cracks.

When it comes to leaks, you can’t trace and fix them all. Instead of wasting time and worsening the situation, seek professional help.

Capacitor issues

Capacitors are an important component of air conditioners as they provide a strong current to start the AC motor, which is impossible with home electricity. AC motors are high-power machines that need bursts of energy to start. It optimizes the power supply after kickstarting the motor to run it continuously.

To fulfill both roles, there are two types of capacitors:

Any issue with capacitors may affect the working of an air conditioner. Overheating, power fluctuations, and aging cause failure of the capacitor.

As capacitors are prone to electric shocks, seek professional help instead of replacing them yourself.

Condenser issues

A condenser, usually the outside portion of AC, helps in removing the heat to the outside. It helps in completing the refrigeration cycle and finally removes the heat from indoors. Any problem with the condenser may result in the inefficient working of an AC and high temperature and humidity levels indoors.

Accumulation of dirt is one of the main reasons for breaking a condenser as it makes the condenser work harder, draws more electricity, and causes tripping of electric circuits.

Cleaning the condenser coils is not as simple as it may appear. Any improper action may damage the condenser coils, causing expensive replacements. Thus, seek professional help and stay regular with AC maintenance.

Clogged air filters

Air filters help maintain consistent air circulation. Any dirt and clogging restricts the flow of hot air to refrigerant and hinders the cooling cycle. It also causes overheating and inefficient working of AC.

You can easily clean the accumulated dirt from filters. Simply remove the filters, clean them, and put them back in. Regular maintenance also helps keep the air filters clean.

Use the above tips to find out why your air conditioner is not working. If your AC continues to malfunction even after applying the above tips, contact us for assistance.

FAQ

Why is ac not turning on even though the power supply is consistent?

Even with a consistent power supply, your AC may face issues due to wrong thermostat settings, clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, etc. You can try the above tips to identify and resolve these issues.

How much does AC repair cost?

An AC repair may cost you between $323-$1300 in Toronto. Smile HVAC offers you the same at $280.

When should you call an expert for AC repairs?

First, try to locate and resolve the problem using the above troubleshooting tips. If the problem persists or if it needs professional assistance, contact an expert. Smile HVAC offers impeccable HVAC services in Canada.

Here is a video to help you out if your air conditioner is not turning on.

If you are facing issues with your AC, Smile HVAC will help you repair your AC in Toronto.