On a hot summer day in Kansas City, the last thing you want to worry about is your air conditioner not turning on. A broken AC unit can quickly make your home uncomfortably hot and may even pose health risks. It’s important to get your air conditioner fixed as quickly as possible. 

Your air conditioning system is a complex home utility, and repairs should be left to HVAC professionals. However, understanding how your air conditioning unit works can make identifying the problem much easier. As a full-service HVAC company, Cates Heating and Cooling can diagnose any issues with your air conditioner and discuss your options with you. While there are many possibilities, here are the most common reasons why your air conditioner won’t turn on. 

Your Air Filters Are Clogged

Your air filter is important for proper airflow with everyday use. Not only does your air conditioner cool the air, but it also keeps your home from becoming humid. Moisture and other debris are caught in the air filter. Condensation then gathers and follows the drain line to properly drain away from your home. 

Without a properly cleaned air filter, your air conditioner can’t work efficiently and is unable to manage the humidity in your home. Air filters collect moisture, dust, and other debris to give your home clean air, but if left unchecked, they can block the airflow in your home. A clogged air filter makes your system work harder until it eventually shuts off.   

If your air conditioning unit won’t start due to a clogged air filter, the simplest way to fix it is to clean the filter or replace it. Your air filters should be checked and replaced regularly. At Cates Heating and Cooling, we maximize the usage and efficiency of your AC system by offering comprehensive HVAC service plans. We recommend replacing your AC’s filter every three months. 

Your Air Conditioning System Is Dirty

Just like air filters, there are many other components to your air conditioner that are prone to debris build-up. Inside your air conditioning unit, there are two vital pieces to cooling your home: an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. Together, these coils bring in hot air to be treated by the refrigerant inside, which is then expelled back into your home as cool air. 

While these coils are vital to your air conditioner’s performance, they also collect a lot of dirt, dust, and moisture. A dirty air conditioning system can increase your energy consumption and decrease your air conditioner’s cooling capacity. The extra wear on your unit can shorten the lifespan of your AC or lead to more frequent repairs. 

It’s important to keep these components of your air conditioning system clean and free of dirt, dust, and other debris. Compressed air can knock away any hard build-up and keeping leaves and trash away from your outdoor air conditioning unit can help. To get into your air conditioning system to clean the coils, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC company. 

Electric Issues Keep Your AC from Starting

While keeping your air conditioner clean is necessary for efficiency, sometimes your AC won’t turn on due to electrical issues. Your air conditioning system is connected to different components with wires throughout your home’s electric system. Most of these wires are hidden behind walls in your home, but there are some exposed wires to be mindful of. Damage to the exposed wires can cause your system to shut off. 

Air conditioners are also prone to tripping the circuit breaker in your home. A tripped breaker typically means too much electricity was being used at one time. The breaker kills the power to keep your home safe. Check to see if your circuit breaker tripped. If it did, reduce the amount of electricity you’re using, and your air conditioner should turn back on.  

A blown fuse may also keep your air conditioner from turning on. You’ll want to test each fuse and purchase a replacement if needed. If you need assistance, an air conditioner repair company will be able to test and replace a blown fuse. 

The Motor Stopped Working

If you turn your air conditioning on and the fan motor in the middle does not spin, your motor might be broken. Often, a motor will make a loud crunching sound before it shuts off for good. A trained HVAC professional will need to inspect the motor for repairs. 

Cates Heating and Cooling provides air conditioning repair services to Kansas City residents. Our certified HVAC professionals can diagnose your unit and determine if your motor needs a repair, or if you will need a full air conditioner replacement. With same-day, 24/7 emergency service, our team is there when you need them. 

What to Try When Your Unit Won’t Turn On

Before you call an air conditioning repair company, there are a few things you can try first. Make sure your thermostat is set to cool and is below the current temperature in your home. You’ll also want to check your AC filters and circuit breakers, as we discussed. 

If your air conditioner still won’t turn on, you may need to check the shut-off switch. In most units, there is a metal box mounted to your home’s exterior with what looks like a light switch inside. Often, repair companies will hit this switch if they are performing maintenance on your HVAC unit. If the switch was left off, turning it back on should restore power to your unit. 

Working with a Professional HVAC Company

If you’re still having issues with your air conditioner not turning on, it’s time to hire a professional HVAC repair company. As Kansas City’s preferred full-service HVAC repair company, you can trust Cates Heating and Cooling. Our trained experts service air conditioners in Johnson County and parts of Northwest Missouri quickly, without the hassle. We also offer financing options to fit any budget. 

Kansas residents, call 913-888-4470 to schedule your appointment. Missouri residents, call 816-944-1844 to schedule your appointment.