Why Won't My Air Conditioner Turn On?

Whether it’s the middle of winter, or at the height of summer, your air conditioning system can help you regular the temperature indoors and keep you nice and comfortable. But what happens when it refuses to start? This can be a perplexing predicament and to get to the bottom of it, you need to understand the possible underlying causes.

Power Issues: Check the Basics First

In many cases, the reason your air conditioner won’t start is surprisingly simple and relates to power supply issues. Before you panic, try these simple fixes first and see if they work:

• Check the Power Switch: It may seem obvious but check to see if your air conditioner’s power switch is in the ‘on’ position.
• Check your Circuit Breakers: In the event of a power surge, your circuit breaker may have tripped, disconnecting power to the air conditioner. It can also happen if you run your air conditioning system for too long. Look at your switchboard to see if it needs resetting.
• Check your Remote Batteries: If you’re using a remote to control your unit, ensure the remote batteries aren’t flat and replace them if necessary.
• Re-Set Your Air Conditioner: Sometimes a reset is all it takes to get your air-conditioning system back online. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you do it correctly.

Remember, safety should be your utmost priority. If you’re not confident about dealing with electricity, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.

Technical Troubles: When Things Get Complicated

If power supply isn’t the issue, then a more complex technical problem could be preventing your air conditioner from functioning. Here are some common technical causes which may be to blame:

• Faulty Control Board: Most air conditioners have a control board or PCB assembly. This effectively controls all the different small components of your air conditioning unit. Because of this function, it can be tricky to figure out which component is faulty.
• Faulty Capacitor or Compressor: Your air conditioner relies on these critical components to start and run smoothly. If they’re defective or damaged, your system may not start at all.
• Damaged Thermostat: The thermostat controls your air conditioner’s operations. If it’s inaccurate or faulty, your air conditioner may not turn on.
• Clogged Air Filters: Blocked filters can cause your air conditioning system to overheat and shut down. Regular maintenance helps avoid this problem.
• Clogged Drain Line: To function, air conditioning units create condensation, which drains through a drain line outside. If this line becomes clogged, your air conditioner won’t turn on, as a safety switch will trip to avoid damage.
• Dirty Air Conditioner: If your air conditioner isn’t turning on, the cause could be that your air conditioner is dirty. If your evaporator coils or condenser lines build-up with dirt, the system may refuse to switch on. Regular maintenance is important for this reason.
• Do a Gecko Check: Geckos love the warmth inside air conditioning systems and crawl into small spaces around the edges. If they hang out in your air conditioner to long, they can ruin the printed circuit board (PCB) and fry themselves by short-circuiting it. So, if your house has a lot of geckos, they may be the culprit.

Time for a Professional Inspection

If you’ve checked the basics and your air conditioner still isn’t turning on, it’s time to bring in the experts. A professional can identify and fix less obvious problems, such as refrigerant leaks or mechanical wear and tear. In addition, they can provide valuable advice on maintaining your air conditioner to prevent future issues. A qualified technician can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and safely, ensuring your comfort isn’t compromised.

Looking for Air Conditioning in the Central West?

Contact Chill-Rite Refrigeration & Air Conditioning today. We have offices in Dubbo, Orange and Mudgee and have helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses with their air conditioning systems. Our team of trained and licensed technicians are on call 24/7, so we’re here to help when you need us most. No matter the make, model or age of your system, we can repair or replace your air conditioner and give you advice on how to maintain your system long term.