Even if it's hot outside, you still want your home to be cool and comfortable. However, what if your air conditioner suddenly stops working and won't turn on? It can be frustrating and stressful, especially during the hottest time of the day. But, don't worry, because many AC problems can be fixed without calling an expert. Here are five simple and easy steps to fix an AC that won't turn on.

Step 1: Check the thermostat

The first thing to do is to check that the thermostat is set correctly. Verify that the temperature is below the current room temperature and that the cooling mode is on. Sometimes, the thermostat may be the reason why your AC won't turn on. If the thermostat is old, damaged, or malfunctioning, then you might need to replace it.

Step 2: Turn off the power

Before checking the AC unit, it's necessary to turn it off from the main power source. Head over to your circuit breaker box and toggle off the power source for the AC unit on the breaker. Before opening the AC unit panel, wait for a few minutes for the electrical charge to dissipate.

Step 3: Inspect the AC unit

Inspect the AC unit's indoor and outdoor components to see if they are clean. Check if there's any debris or dust clogging the air filters or coils. Dirty air filters can prevent the AC unit from working efficiently and normally. Clean or replace the filters if necessary. Moreover, your AC unit might need cleaning if there are twigs or leaves outside of the fan or if the fan blades are scratched.

Step 4: Check the wiring

Loose wirings might cause the AC unit to not turn on. Check for any unconnected or damaged wires and fix them. However, if you’re not familiar with electrical work, be careful and leave it to an expert. Loose wirings may pose risks of electric shock or fire.

Step 5: Call a professional

If all of the above steps have been checked, yet the AC unit won't turn on, then it's time to call an expert or HVAC technician. Sometimes, AC problems might be caused by major technical difficulties, such as a damaged compressor or broken fan motor. Inexpert repair might cause further damage and even accidents that could cost more.

An air conditioner not turning on during the hottest time of the day can be frustrating and aggravating. But, before calling in the experts, you may want to go through simple and easy steps that could fix the problem. Check the thermostat, turn off the power, inspect the AC unit, check the wiring, and call an expert if necessary. However, always remember to handle the AC unit carefully and protect yourself from electric shock, especially when inspecting the wirings. If the problem still continues, don't hesitate to contact an expert. Finally, regular maintenance and professional care services can help prevent AC unit breakage and ensure a longer lifespan for your cooling system.

For more information on AC system repair, contact a professional near you.