Why Won’t My AC Turn On? 5 Troubleshooting Tips

You depend on your AC to keep you cool on a hot day, especially in New Orleans. But it can’t do much good if it doesn’t turn on properly. If your air conditioner won’t turn on, you should let a professional HVAC technician take a look right away.

There are many possible explanations, and finding the root cause of the problem is the key to getting the right repair. In this blog, the HVAC experts at Stuart Services explain why your AC might not be turning on and how to best fix the issue.

1. Check the Thermostat

It may seem obvious, but sometimes, a broken thermostat can be the real cause of your AC issue. If you feel like you’re always hitting buttons on your thermostat but nothing happens, it might mean your thermostat isn’t communicating with your AC.

This could be an issue with your AC or an electrical issue within the thermostat — either way, thermostat issues are typically easy to fix.

2. Inspect Circuit Breakers

Breaker trips are a common issue when you run your air conditioner frequently, especially if you have other large appliances in your home. You might feel comfortable resolving a tripped breaker on your own, but more complex electrical issues like a blown fuse or overheated system require a professional.

A trained electrician can also inspect the unit to diagnose and repair any related issues that could be causing the breakers to trip or fix damage that might occur as a result.

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3. Look at Air Filters

By far, the number one cause of a faulty AC is a clogged air filter. That’s why changing the air filter is part of recommended AC maintenance. When you skip this important step, dust builds up, restricting the unit’s airflow.

If this is what causes the issue, don’t worry — replacing or cleaning the dirty air filter makes it easy for air to flow properly again.

4. Check the Indoor & Outdoor Shutoff Switches

If the indoor shutoff switch — which can easily be mistaken for a light switch — is flipped accidentally, your AC won’t turn on. If you see that the shutoff switch is in the OFF position, just turn it back on, and your AC should turn on properly.

Your AC also has an outdoor shutoff switch, which can be turned on by following these same steps.

5. Look for Ice Buildup

Have you noticed frost or ice built up on your AC’s evaporator coils? This is a telltale sign that your AC isn’t circulating air properly. Changing your air filter can help, but your unit could also be low on refrigerant. When you call a professional for repair, they can diagnose the cause of the freeze-up.

What To Do if Your AC Won’t Turn On

You can perform a few DIY checks, like flipping the shutoff switch if it’s off or turning your thermostat off and back on again. But if your unit still won’t turn on, you should schedule air conditioner repairs with trained HVAC technicians.

An experienced technician can examine all aspects of your system to identify the root cause of the issue and fix it accordingly.

Choose Stuart Services for AC Repairs in New Orleans, LA

Stuart Services is a leading HVAC company serving New Orleans homeowners with professional service. With 24-hour emergency AC repairs and on-time scheduling, we’re here for you when you need us. Our NATE-certified technicians are qualified to troubleshoot and repair your cooling system.

Make sure your AC is ready to take on the summer heat. Contact Stuart Services to schedule the AC replacement or repair you need.