Air Conditioner Is On But Not Working

HVAC technician standing next to outdoor heat pump and air conditioner units performing AC maintenance

If your Air Conditioner is on but not working, there may be several reasons why it is not working properly. These include loose thermostat parts. If this is the case, you need to check the wiring schematics in the user manual. Another reason why your AC may not be working is that there is a problem with the refrigerant in the coils. This fluid is responsible for cooling your AC and keeps the air warm or cold if your AC is a heat pump.

Checking the thermostat

A blank screen on your thermostat might be an indication that the thermostat isn’t functioning properly. The problem could be minor, such as a dead battery, or it could be an internal problem. It is important to note that the thermostat may also be connected to the main electrical system. In this case, the thermostat may trip a circuit breaker.

To check the thermostat, open the breaker box and locate the thermostat’s power switch. If it is tripped, the thermostat won’t work. If it isn’t tripped, turn the breaker off and check the wiring. If all the wires are still connected, check for loose screws and corroded wiring. Otherwise, replace the thermostat. Typically, a new thermostat costs between $20 and $200.

Checking the evaporator coils

If your air conditioner is not working, it could be due to dirty evaporator coils. The evaporator coils are found near the air handler and furnace. You should check the user manual to find out how to access the coils.

A dirty coil will not allow the supply fan to move the coolant at a high enough volume. This will result in dynamic braking, which reduces the speed of the fan and reduces the amperage it uses. To check the current level in the supply fan, you can use a special tool or a standard multimeter.

Checking the compressor

If your air conditioner is not functioning, the problem could be in the compressor. You should check the compressor voltage, fuses, and breakers to find out if there is a problem. If you cannot diagnose the problem yourself, you can call a professional HVAC technician.

The compressor in your air conditioner is the main component that moves the refrigerant through your appliance. It compresses the cold gas, so it can transfer the heat outside. If the compressor does not work, the problem may be in the wiring, compressor housing, or thermostat. Sometimes, a faulty outdoor unit may also be the culprit.

Checking the float switch

A common cause of an air conditioner not working is a defective float switch. This part of the air conditioning system is located on the side of the air handler. In some cases, it can become dislodged if it is accidentally bumped. It is often a small metal arm that protrudes from the main body of the switch. When the arm is not lifted easily or if there is a clicking noise when it is lifted, it is a sign of a defective mechanical section.

Checking the float switch is a simple process that can be performed by anyone. First, set the thermostat to HEAT. It may need to be adjusted a few degrees to turn the furnace on. Then, check the condensate drain to make sure the drain line is clear. If the drain line is clogged, it may prevent the water from draining properly and activate the float switch.

Checking the batteries

Checking the batteries is an easy fix when the air conditioner is on but not working. If the batteries are dead, the thermostat will not send a startup command to the air conditioner. The batteries are usually accessible from the thermostat’s front panel. Replace them if necessary.

If you’ve tried resetting the batteries and still have the problem, you should check the breaker panel. The breaker panel is usually located on the main electrical panel. To reset it, simply push the panel to the off position and then back on. Some panels may have fuses instead of breakers. If there are blown fuses, you can replace them. Otherwise, you should contact a professional AC Repair tech like Sure Temp Air Conditioning for help.