The lack of cooling of an air conditioner, the presence of a leak, the emission of parasitic noises or even the electrical installation which cuts out can be the symptoms of a faulty or broken down compressor.
If you notice that your air conditioner turns on but does not start, you will need to check several elements:
- the temperature of the compressor, which must not be hot or even lukewarm,
- the condition of the compressor cables,
- and the status of the terminals on the compressor.
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as an air conditioning system that powers on, but simply won’t start the cooling process. This problem can occur due to a variety of reasons. Understanding the potential causes can assist you in troubleshooting the issue or explaining the situation to a professional service technician.
Thermostat Settings The first step is to check your thermostat settings. If your air conditioner turns on but doesn’t start, it might be because the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Make sure your thermostat is set to cooling mode and the desired temperature is lower than the actual room temperature.
Circuit Issues Electrical issues such as a tripped circuit breaker can interrupt the power supply to your air conditioner, causing it to turn on but not start. Check your home’s electrical panel to ensure the circuit for your air conditioning system hasn’t been tripped. If it has, reset the breaker. If the breaker continually trips, this could indicate a more serious electrical problem that needs a professional’s attention.
Condensate Drain Line Air conditioners produce condensation that needs to be drained out. If the condensate drain line gets clogged, it may trigger a safety switch that turns off the AC to prevent water damage. A regular maintenance routine that includes cleaning the condensate drain can help prevent this issue.
Refrigerant Levels Low refrigerant levels can prevent your air conditioner from starting. This is usually because of a leak in the refrigerant line. Low refrigerant levels can also cause the unit to freeze up, reducing its efficiency. This issue should only be fixed by a licensed professional due to the dangerous nature of handling refrigerants.
Dirty Air Filter A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the air conditioner to struggle to cool your home. If the filter is not cleaned or replaced regularly, it could lead to the AC turning on but not cooling. It’s recommended to check your filter once a month and replace it as necessary.
Faulty Capacitor or Compressor The capacitor and compressor are key components that start the cooling cycle. If these parts are faulty or damaged, your air conditioner may turn on but not start. Replacing these parts typically requires the expertise of a professional technician.
Conclusion If your air conditioner turns on but doesn’t start, it’s important to identify the problem as soon as possible. Some issues can be easily fixed, like adjusting the thermostat or changing a dirty filter. However, other problems like a faulty compressor or a refrigerant leak require professional help. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues and ensure that your air conditioning system runs smoothly and efficiently.
