Why is My AC Not Turning On? How to Fix? [With Pictures]

Summer is finally here, and with it comes the heat! For many people, this means turning on the air conditioner to cool down. But what if when you need cool air the most, you find your AC not turning on?

AC not turning on is a significant issue for many, as the weather is only getting hotter and hotter. But, don't worry, we're here to help. In this article, we'll tell you how to fix any problems that might be preventing it from cooling your home and common reasons why your AC system won't turn on. So keep reading for all the tips you need to stay cool this summer! And be sure to check on your air conditioning system with an AC service call before the summer heat really sets in to make sure everything is working properly.

Turn Your AC On Now With An HVAC Pro

How Air Conditioner Works

An air conditioner is a device that uses refrigeration to cool a room or building. It works by extracting heat from the air inside the building and transferring it to the outside. This cold air circulates back into the building, which helps cool it down.

First, warm indoor air is sucked into the return vent, through a filter, and blows over the evaporator coil. The heat is absorbed into the cold refrigerant, turning it from liquid to gas. The air, which is now cool, is blown back into the home.

The transfer of heat is possible due to a chemical called refrigerant. The refrigeration process works by compressing gas and turning it into a liquid. The refrigerant makes its way outside the house to the compressor inside the outdoor unit, which squeezes the warm refrigerant, raising its gaseous temperature even more.

When the super hot vapor refrigerant reaches the condenser, the last step, the heat is expelled and absorbed into the outdoor air. The refrigerant instantly cools, which changes it from gas back to liquid form. The cold liquid refrigerant is now ready to repeat the process.

What To Do When A/C Is Not Turning On

Check Your Thermostat