In the scorching heat of summer, you rely on your AC to keep you cool and comfortable. When your AC unit doesn’t startup, it is more than a nuisance; it can also affect the health of vulnerable family members, including infants and seniors. When your air conditioning unit doesn’t start up, don’t panic; the experts at West Lake Houston HVAC have provided the following steps to help you figure out why your system won’t turn on.

Why Won’t AC Kick On?

Keep reading to learn the three most common reasons that your Air Conditioning unit won’t kick on.
1. Your circuit breaker tripped: Your circuit breaker is designed to shut off when it receives a surge of electricity and will protect your home from the risk of fire. One of the most common reasons circuit breakers trip is using too many appliances simultaneously. Other reasons include using an older device that uses too much electricity. If the breaker is tripped, your AC unit won’t turn on. Before you do anything else you should reset the breaker.
2. Your fuse is blown: To check if your fuses are working correctly, you need a multimeter device to perform a continuity test. Begin by checking both fuses; if the multimer beeps, your fuses are working correctly. If one beeps and the other doesn’t, you can purchase a replacement at your local hardware store.
3. Your air filter is clogged: Do you change your air filters regularly? For most homeowners changing air filters is an afterthought. When your air filters become clogged with dust and other debris, the airflow is obstructed, causing the water droplets that would typically drop into the condensation tray to freeze and cover the coils with a layer of ice. Depending on the size of your home, you should change your filter every 60 to 90 days.
4. Your evaporator coils are dirty: Dirt, dust, and pet dander can build up and become trapped on your evaporator coils, condenser, and your filters. This build-up of antigens makes your Air conditioning unit run less efficiently and can even result in a complete breakdown. Schedule an appointment with your West Lake Houston HVAC technician to perform your regular AC maintenance. Regular maintenance will keep your HVAC unit working optimally year-round.
5. Your condenser lines are dirty: Just like your air filters, you condenser lines can also become covered in debris like algae and mold. Occassionally, a bird or rodent may find this the perfect location to build a nest. If you plan on cleaning the condenser lines yourself, make sure you turn off the power for the unit at the breaker. Your condenser coils can be cleaned using distilled white vinegar. Or leave it to the experts at West Lake Houston HVAC to take care of it for you.
6. Your refrigerant is leaking: unlike your car, coolant doesn’t need to be added regularly. But if your coolant (Freon) is leaking, your AC unit wont operate correctly. Freon leaks can be serious and should be addressed immediately with your HVAC expert.
7. Your thermostat Needs to Be Replaced: Your thermostat is the brain of your AC unit. If your theromostat is old, needs new batteries, or is malfunctioning, it can stop your AC unit from turning on and cause many other issues. You can test your thermostat yourself by taking a few minutes to run through all of the settings to ensure they are working correctly.

Central Air Conditioner Repair, Replacement & More in Kingwood, The Woodlands, Huffman, Spring & Greater Houston Texas

If your Air Conditioning unit fails to turn on, the experts at West Lake Houston HVAC are only a phone call away. From repairs, maintenance<, installations, and inspections/a> of air conditioners, evaporative coolers, boilers, furnaces, and much more. We can take care of all of your HVAC needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.