If your home's central air isn't working at all, check the main electrical panel in your house. It could just be a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If that's the issue, just reset the breaker or replace the blown fuse. Your thermostat setting could be another reason why your central air isn't working.
It Won't Turn On
Check your breaker box for a blown breaker or tripped fuse. You may be able to fix this AC issue with the flip of a switch. If that doesn't do the trick, check the wiring in your thermostat. A loose or frayed wire could also prevent your unit from turning on.
Power issues: A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse in your home's electrical system will prevent your AC from starting. Thermostat problems: Make sure you have your thermostat set to “cool” and the temperature is set below the current temperature in the room.
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.
It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.
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 your thermostat is set to cool but your AC isn't turning on, there could be several potential causes ranging from a simple tripped breaker to more complex refrigerant or compressor issues. Start with the basics, like checking the thermostat settings and power supply, and work through more detailed troubleshooting.
The most likely reason your central air unit is freezing over is because of a clogged or dirty air filter.
Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling.
Power down your AC: Turn off your AC unit and unplug it from the power source. This will ensure that you stay safe while working on the unit. Locate the reset button: Most air conditioning units have a reset button located near the outside unit. It is usually a small button located inside a small hole.
Blowing the fuse cuts the power to the unit to prevent electrical damage. If your AC has shut down and won't start again, especially if you've noticed odd electrical behavior immediately before the shutdown, chances are the fuse has done its job and will need to be replaced.
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.
Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.
Signs of a Faulty Thermostat
AC Refuses to Start or Stops Suddenly: A thermostat that's not working correctly might fail to initiate the cooling cycle or might randomly shut off the AC. This erratic behavior can be due to electrical issues or miscommunication with the AC unit.
Try checking the circuit breaker box or replacing the batteries. Bad wiring: The thermostat may be unresponsive if the wiring has gone bad. Remove the cover and check inside for loose, detached, or corroded wires. If you spot any problems, contact an HVAC technician for assistance.
The easy explanation for your AC not turning on is a thermostat issue. Double check your thermostat is on, set to “cool,” and that the temperature is set to a few degrees colder than the normal ambient temperature of your home. You may also need to replace the batteries.
The AC itself isn't detecting the temperature in your home, so it has to rely on the thermostat.
Circuit breakers can be found in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They are typically located in the main electrical panel, which is typically located in the basement or garage.
A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.