Make sure the outside unit is turned on (there's probably a switch near the unit). If the outside unit has a separate circuit breaker, check your circuit box and make sure it hasn't been tripped. A more serious issue if the outside air conditioning unit's not working is a broken compressor, capacitor or fan.
The main reasons your AC unit outside is not turning on could be something that has tripped the circuit breaker, something is blocking the fan's airflow, or the condensing unit is damaged. Other potential issues could be the thermostat isn't set correctly or the compressor could be malfunctioning.
When the outside unit breaks down but the inside unit is running, the culprit may well be a broken compressor in the outside unit. That's typically a major repair, something that might even warrant a system replacement.
If your AC unit has a reset button on the condenser unit, you simply press it and hope that the problem resolves. Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot.
Make sure the outside unit is turned on (there's probably a switch near the unit). If the outside unit has a separate circuit breaker, check your circuit box and make sure it hasn't been tripped. A more serious issue if the outside air conditioning unit's not working is a broken compressor, capacitor or fan.
Common Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner is Not Turning On
Resetting your thermostat is often all that's necessary to get it working again. A tripped circuit breaker is another common reason why your AC won't turn on. Using too many appliances at once can trip the circuit breaker.
Shut off your system by hitting the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot fully disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.
No Sound Coming From The Condenser
Listen if sounds are coming from your outdoor unit. It is a sign that it isn't working as it should if you don't hear any sound. Some air conditioners are designed to be quiet, but you should still hear a low hum.
Why Is My AC Fan Not Spinning? In short, common issues that can cause an air conditioning unit fan to stop spinning are electrical issues, problems with the capacitor, contactor issues, a burnt out air conditioner motor, a broken fan belt, or clogged air filter.
Check Your Circuit Breaker
Locate your main circuit breaker and switch it back to the "On" position. Wait 30 seconds and turn on your air conditioner again. If it still doesn't work, you'll need to call a professional for help.
If you find that the inside part of your AC is buzzing along but the outside unit isn't cooperating, there's a chance that the issue could be as simple as a lack of power. Power issues are not uncommon, and they can occur for various reasons, including a flipped disconnect switch or potential wiring problems.
The AC fuse on most HVAC systems is typically on the unit's control board. You'll normally find the board behind an access panel on the unit's lower compartment. While you sometimes have to unscrew areas to access the control board, others have clips.
Typically, you can find the switch for the indoor unit near your system's furnace or air handler. You can find the switch for the outdoor unit next to the outdoor unit, usually in a metal box on the exterior of your home.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can strain the compressor and other components, leading to more severe and costly repairs. If there's a refrigerant leak or airflow issue, running the AC can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, compounding the problem.
In the majority of cases, your AC system will return to functioning normally after this breaker reset. It's important to know that this isn't an instant fix and may take up to an hour to get back up and running as normal again.
The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.
There are two types of air conditioners without an outdoor unit: Monobloc air conditioner: they require a specialized installation and is placed within your wall. Mobile or portable air conditioner: you can buy this air conditioner online or through your DIY store and it does not require any installation.
Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.
If you think your air conditioner has blown a fuse, the first sign you'll notice is that the outside AC unit is inoperable. The best way to check for a blown fuse is by using a voltmeter. Be warned — you are working with live electricity and should use extreme caution when troubleshooting your system.
Your air conditioner's internal circuitry needs some time to reset after you turn it back on. This can take approximately a half-hour, so sit tight for about 30 minutes. How to reset air conditioner after power outage at the thermostat. After 30 minutes have passed, turn your air conditioner back on at the thermostat.