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Why Won’t My Air Conditioner Turn On? [Causes and Fixes]

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The heat of summer has finally arrived! Usually, this calls for turning on the air conditioner so it can cool off many households and offices. But what if your air conditioner fails to turn on when you need it the most?

Many people are having difficulties turning on their air conditioners as the weather continues to heat up. But no worries, we’re here to guide you!

As you continue reading, we will show you how to solve the typical issues that stop your air conditioner from cooling and the most typical causes of why your air conditioner system fails to turn on.


Reasons an Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

We know how excruciating it is to go through this heat without your air conditioner. Unluckily, the problem is difficult to diagnose under these conditions, and professional assistance is usually needed to fix and restore the system.

However, there are numerous reasons why your air conditioner won’t turn on. Take a look at the list of the common issues why it keeps you from cooling your homes and offices in this hot weather:

Power Problems

This first reason may seem self-explanatory, but you may have overlooked the most common cause of your air conditioner not turning on. It’s most likely the power!

Fix: Inspect whether the power hasn’t tripped or if a fuse has blown. It usually occurs when your air conditioner works overtime to keep you cool, calm, and collected during the blazing summer.

To resolve this, ensure your air conditioner is in a “cool” setting. Adjust the temperature to 5 degrees colder than what it is now. Check to see if the circuit breaker is the issue if it’s still not working. To determine if any switches have tripped, you can do this at your electrical box. You can always try to turn it on and off. However, if the problem persists, it is best to call the experts out of caution.

Problems With Temperature Control

You guessed it right! The temperature control unit of the air conditioner may be to blame if the temperature in the house or workplace isn’t cooling.

Usually, your air conditioner’s temperature has a sensor that controls and monitors the space to keep track of the temperature. The temperature will never decrease if the electrical unit’s connection to the sensor is faulty. Consider the sensor as your brain’s means of communicating with your body. The operation of your air conditioner depends on this link in a similar way.

Fix: Whether your air conditioner has a “fan only” option, turn it on to see whether your unit is receiving power or if the fan is running. While adjusting the temperature, pay close attention to hear if there is a “click” as the sensor and electrical unit connect.

Defective Control Board

Nowadays, the majority of air conditioners feature something called a control board or PCB assembly. It efficiently regulates all the various minor components of your air conditioner.

Locating the source of the problem can be particularly challenging because of this function.

Fix: Keep calm and collected! Check to see if the compressor or fan of your air conditioner won’t turn on. If not, you will most likely suffer through the heat, all thanks to your defective control board. Alternatively, a blown internal fuse may be to blame, which you should be able to locate and replace yourself.

Before attempting to solve a problem, always thoroughly review the user manual of your air conditioner. And it’s always a good idea to consult experts when in doubt about the issue of why your air conditioner won’t turn on.

Broken Thermostat

When your air conditioner fails to turn on, it can mean that the thermostat is damaged. Your air conditioner may not determine when to switch on and off if the thermostat isn’t functioning. It may lead you to have a miserable time in the scorching heat of the season.

Fix: We know it might appear simple, but did you inspect if your thermostat is on? If you notice that the screen is off, then this entire time, the thermostat may have been switched off. In that case, we can have an easy solution by turning it back on again.

If this isn’t the problem, make sure to change the batteries to see if anything changes. If all else fails, it may be time to seek advice from an expert or have a brand-new thermostat installed.

Drain Line Blockage

A clogged condensate drain line could be the root of the problem. Condensation produced by air conditioning units during operation travels through a drain line.

Of course, if this line is blocked, a safety switch will trip and prevent damage or risk, which prohibits your air conditioner from turning on.

Fix: Unclogging the line is the straightforward solution to your issue here. You might be able to reopen it with a shop vacuum or some other kind of suction.

Alternately, if your air conditioner includes a condensate drain pump to carry out this duty, it may be at fault, and as a result, the safety switch may trigger.

Unclean Air Conditioner

The simple fact that your air conditioner is unclean might be the cause of why it won’t turn on. It might not function if your condenser pipes or evaporator coils are dirty.

Fix: To guarantee that everything is and remains in excellent form, schedule routine air conditioner maintenance.

The Air Filter is Clogged

Your air conditioner may shut off due to an outdated or clogged filter.

Fix: Make sure to clean or replace the AC filter in your air conditioner machine regularly, approximately every three months.


Tips on Staying Cool in the Summer

Always ensure your air conditioner is in top condition with regular maintenance before you face the scorching hot temperature this season!

Keeping your AC in top shape guarantees it turns on and operates when you need cool air. A regular maintenance schedule for your air conditioner can help you avoid frequent issues.

The HVAC technician will inspect your refrigerant for potential leaks, review each mechanical component, and verify all requirements for correct airflow during an AC service. Because of routine maintenance, you won’t need to be concerned about another air conditioner repair issue interfering with your cool breeze.


Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! We hope this article guided you in resolving any problem causing your air conditioner not to turn on during this heatwave season.

We have addressed the source of your discomfort due to the heat caused by your malfunctioning air conditioners, which start from clogged air filters to power outages.

Now that you have these answers and information, you may enjoy a pleasant time this summer. The recommendations listed in this article may be helpful to you in the long run, not just during the warmer months. You may handle it by yourself or call a maintenance expert. But don’t forget to maintain your air conditioner regularly!

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JP Reyes

JP has been in the aircon industry for almost as long as he has been alive. As a child JP would help his tatay fix aircon units at their junk shop in Cavite. After graduating UP in the early 2000's, JP then started his own Aircon servicing business and within 5 years had 10 shops in 8 different cities. Fast forward to today and JP brings all his experience and expertise online to give readers trustworthy advice and reviews about Air-conditioning buying, servicing, cleaning and repair in the Philippines.

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