What to Do If Your Air Conditioning System Won't Turn On

There are some summer days that could be advertisements for central air conditioning systems: those stifling hot days when the harshness of the sun is outmatched only by the drenching humidity in the air. These are the kind of summer days that it can be downright fun to flip the “on” switch, knowing that it won't be long before gloriously cool air soothes your symptoms of overheating.

But…what's this? The air conditioner isn't turning on, and now sweat is pouring from your forehead because you're overheating with anxiety. If this scenario hasn't unfolded in your life yet, this summer might spell the end of your lucky streak, especially if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old and is entering the final phase of its projected lifespan.

Try four easy fixes

So what do you do with a non-responsive air conditioning system? First, try not to panic. Many times, some simple troubleshooting steps will point out the problem – and the solution. Try checking:

• Your thermostat. Some are more sensitive than others, so even if you have your thermostat set at 72 degrees and the reading says 74 degrees, turn it down to 68 or 69 degrees to see if your air conditioner turns on. It could be that your thermostat needs to be calibrated, which is a fairly simple repair. Or you might need a new thermostat.
  
  
• Your filter. It could be so stuffed with dust and dirt that your air conditioner has shut down. Call it a form of revolt – and one that you can easily gain the upper hand on by replacing the old filter with a clean one.
  
  
• Your air conditioner's circuit breaker (which should be clearly labeled, exactly for times like these). A simple flip of the breaker could put your air conditioning system right back in business. However, if the breaker trips again, it might be overloaded or require a repair.
  
  
• The area around the outdoor unit. If you see grass, weeds or shrubs leaning against the side of the unit, chances are good that they might have grown inside and harnessed some interior components. Remove any debris; then create a 2-foot clearance around the unit and an 8-foot clearance zone above it to foster air flow.

An annual maintenance check is vital

If your air conditioner hasn't turned on at this point, things usually get a little trickier. But a phone call to Experts In Your Home, followed by a service call, will help demystify why your air conditioning system won't turn on. Some likely culprits include:

• A problematic compressor or motor
• A refrigerant shortage or leak
• Icy buildup on the condenser coils
• Wiring problems

And let's not overlook one of the leading reasons that air conditioners break down: because the unit becomes mired in dirt and grime. That's a not-so-subtle hint that if you haven't scheduled your annual system maintenance check with Experts In Your Home, now is the time to do so.

Dirt and neglect not only interfere with the smooth operation of your system year to year; they reduce the lifespan of the system overall. Regular maintenance is the single biggest factor in determining why one system barely makes it to the 12-year mark while another still hums along smoothly after 20 years.

If you're already fearing the worst – suspecting that the time has come to replace your aging system – remember a guideline advanced by the U.S. Department of Energy: if a repair will cost more than 50 percent of the system's value, it's usually more economical, in the long run, to replace the system.

Rest assured that Experts In Your Home will inspect your Chico area air conditioning system thoroughly and, one way or another, ensure that the rest of your summer days are as cool and comfortable as they ought to be.