If your AC won’t turn on, it can be both frustrating and uncomfortable, especially during the hot Las Vegas summers. Understanding why this can happen and knowing what steps to take can help alleviate the stress and potentially even solve the issue.
- Check Your Thermostat Settings
- Inspect The Circuit Breaker
- Evaluate The Air Conditioner’s Disconnect Switch
- Examine The Air Filter
- Inspect The Condensate Drain Line
- Assess The Capacitor and Contactor
- Troubleshoot Potential Refrigerant Issues
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
If your AC won’t start, the first step is to examine your thermostat settings. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as incorrect settings. Ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, check if they need replacing. For smart thermostats, check your Wi-Fi connection, and compare your smart thermostat’s reading with another thermometer. After inspecting the thermostat, if your AC still won’t turn on, contact us to see if you need a thermostat replacement.
- Change your thermostat batteries once a year for the best performance.
- For wired thermostats, check to see if the power supply is running.
- The average thermostat lasts 10-20 years but varies by model.
- Extreme heat and temperature changes can affect thermostat lifespan.
2. Inspect The Circuit Breaker
If the thermostat settings are correct, your next step should be to check your circuit breaker. Tripped breakers are common, especially in areas like Las Vegas, where AC units work harder and pull more electricity. Reset any tripped breakers and try to turn your AC on again. The following can be a culprit for a tripped circuit breaker.
- Electrical Surge
- Overloaded Circuit
- Defective Appliances
3. Evaluate The Air Conditioner’s Disconnect Switch
Most outdoor AC units have an exterior safety switch. It’s common to turn this off during maintenance or lawn activities accidentally. Ensure the disconnect switch is in the “on” position so your AC functions properly.
4. Examine The Air Filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing a range of issues, including preventing your AC from starting. Check your filter and replace it if it looks dirty. This will help with your AC start-up issue and enhance the overall air quality in your home.
- Remove the air filter from the housing or grille according to manufacturer instructions.
- Look for any visible dirt, dust, or debris accumulation.
- Replace clogged or dirty filters with a new one.
- Ensure that the replacement filter is the correct size and type for your HVAC system.
- Reinstall the new filter securely into the housing or grille.
- Check and replace the air filter regularly, typically every 1 to 3 months.
5. Inspect The Condensate Drain Line
When the drain line is clogged, it can trigger a safety switch that shuts off the AC to prevent water damage. You can attempt clearing the blockage with a wet-dry vac or call a professional to handle it.
6. Assess the Capacitor & Contactor
Your air conditioning unit’s capacitor and contactor are critical to its operation as they help power the motors and compressors. Signs of wear, damage, or corrosion can prevent your AC from starting. These components should be examined regularly as a part of maintenance and replaced by a professional technician.
7. Troubleshoot Potential Refrigerant Issues
Low refrigerant can cause your air conditioner to malfunction or prevent it from starting altogether. If your AC unit hisses or cycles on and off too frequently, you might have a leak or low refrigerant levels, requiring professional intervention.
- Check for visible leaks.
- Inspect the evaporator coil and condenser coil for frost or ice buildup.
- Hire a professional HVAC service to detect hidden leaks.
On-Demand AC Service For Immediate Assistance
If you’ve gone through these steps and your AC still won’t turn on, it might be time to call in the experts. Discount Air Conditioning & Heating provides Las Vegas emergency AC repair and 24/7 HVAC assistance. Our team is trained to diagnose and fix any AC problem in Sin City, ensuring your home returns to a comfortable temperature quickly. Don’t let a broken air conditioner disrupt your day. Contact us today for your on-demand AC service needs!
