One of the most inconvenient things that can happen on a hot summer day is for your air conditioner not to turn on. There are a few troubleshooting hacks that you can try to get your AC back up and running, but before learning about them, it helps to have some basic knowledge about the most common reasons why an air conditioner won’t turn on. McMaster, a reputable heating and air conditioning expert, lists some of them below.

Clogged air filter. When your air conditioner suddenly refuses to turn on, one of the first things that you need to think about is the last time you changed your air filter. Your AC’s air filter needs to be changed regularly to prevent dirt and debris buildup. Typically, when the filter hasn’t been changed for a long time, dust and debris can obstruct airflow. Furthermore, the AC is meant to absorb humidity from your home. The water droplets fall into a condensation tray and drain outside through the drain lines. When your air filter is dirty, the water droplets tend to freeze, covering the coils with ice.

Refrigerant leak. AC refrigerant doesn’t have to be added regularly. As long as your air conditioning unit is working properly, you don’t need to add more refrigerant. However, if there’s a refrigerant leak, your AC will stop working the way it should. In this case, it’s best to call a qualified technician to fix the issue.

Dirty evaporator coils. Dust, dirt and other debris can accumulate on the evaporator coils of your AC. When such contaminants build up on the components of your air conditioner, it causes your system to work less efficiently. Over time, this can result in the system’s breakdown, so make sure to schedule regular maintenance for your AC.

McMaster is a trusted heating and cooling expert. With years of experience working on various HVAC systems and components, we can guarantee an efficient approach to your HVAC needs. Call us at (949) 481-7995 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve customers in Irvine and Orange County, CA.