It’s hot outside and you’re ready to turn on the air conditioner so your home can be cool and comfortable. But, when you go to turn it on, nothing happens! You’ve got a problem – why is my outside AC unit not turning on? Don’t worry – with a few simple steps you can quickly diagnose the issue and get your AC running in no time.
As a handyman, I know how frustrating it can be when something doesn’t work as it should. When your AC isn’t working properly, it pays to do some troubleshooting before calling in an HVAC specialist. In this article, I’m going to walk you through what could be causing your outside AC unit not to turn on so that you can take action yourself if possible.
Whether it’s an electrical issue or a mechanical one, we’ll cover all of the possibilities and provide helpful tips for fixing them. So don’t sweat it – let’s dive in and figure out what’s wrong with your AC so that you can stay cool all summer long!
1.Check Your Thermostat
So, let’s start with the basics: checking your thermostat. You’ll want to make sure the temperature you’ve set is lower than the current room temperature. If it isn’t, then something is wrong with your thermostat and you’ll need to call a professional for help. If the setting is correct, then it’s time to move on.
Next up, check all of your circuit breakers. It’s possible that a breaker has tripped and is preventing power from reaching your outside AC unit. I’d recommend taking a look at your circuit box and checking each breaker one by one. If one of them has switched off, just switch it back on and you should be good to go!
And if that doesn’t do the trick? Well, then it might be time to take a look at the power source itself. Make sure all wires are securely attached and there are no fraying or exposed wires. If everything looks alright there too, then you may have a bigger problem on your hands and will likely need an expert to come in and take a closer look.
2.Check The Power Source
When it comes to troubleshooting outdoor AC units, checking the power source is a must. It’s essential to ensure that the power switch is on, that the breaker hasn’t been tripped, and that the fuse hasn’t blown. Here’s how to do it:
First, locate the power switch near your AC unit and make sure it’s in the “on” position. If it isn’t, simply flip it back on. Next, take a look at your circuit breaker box; if one of the breakers has been tripped or flipped off, try resetting it. Finally, check for any blown fuses and replace them with new ones if necessary.
Now that you’ve taken care of the basics, it’s time to inspect your AC unit’s wiring for any issues. Be sure to turn off all power sources before doing so—you don’t want to get electrocuted! Inspect each wire for frayed edges or exposed wires; if you find anything wrong with them, you’ll need to call a qualified technician for assistance.
Taking these steps will help ensure that your outdoor AC unit runs like clockwork when temperatures start heating up.
3.Inspect The Wiring
Now it’s time to take a look at the wiring. This can be a tricky one, so you want to make sure you know what you’re doing before touching anything. When dealing with electrical components, safety should always come first! There are three main things to inspect:
• Check for any exposed or damaged wires that may need replaced • Make sure all connections are secure and free of corrosion • Inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses
If any of these items needs repaired, it could be why your AC unit isn’t turning on. A good handyman knows how important it is to double check these areas before moving on. If you don’t have experience working with electricity, it might be best to call in an expert who does.
Now that wiring is taken care of, let’s move on to examining the fuses and breakers. Pay close attention to details as these pieces play an essential role in keeping your AC running smoothly.
4.Examine The Fuses And Breakers
After inspecting the wiring, it’s time to start examining the fuses and breakers. This can be a tricky process, but with a little know-how, you’ll have your AC unit running in no time. Here’s what you need to do:
• Start by checking your main panel. If you see any tripped breakers or blown fuses, reset them or replace them with new ones. • Examine the outdoor unit’s disconnect box. Check for any tripped breakers here as well. • Look for other signs of damage on the fuses and breakers, such as rust or corrosion. Make sure there are no loose connections either.
To ensure everything is working properly, take some time to check out the disconnect box next. It’s important that you make sure this is in good condition otherwise your AC unit won’t turn on at all! Look for any broken wires or faulty connections that might be causing a problem. Also be sure to check if there’s power going into it – if there isn’t, then that could be why your unit isn’t running. After doing all of this, if you’re still having trouble getting your AC unit to turn on, then it might be time to call in a professional!
5.Check The Disconnect Box
We’ve been tappin’ away at this problem, and now it’s time to pull out the meter and take a look in the disconnect box. Before we do that, let’s get ourselves in the right frame of mind. We’re like a detective, trying to figure out what piece of the puzzle is missing. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in!
First things first: locate the disconnect box and make sure it looks intact. If you spot any signs of damage—like missing screws or broken plastic parts—it’s time to call in a professional. Otherwise, remove the cover from the box, which should reveal two breakers and two switches inside.
Now comes the tricky part: checking for power. Grab your multi-meter, turn off all power sources connected to your AC unit (including isolating switches), then set your multi-meter to measure volts AC. Place one end of the meter on each side of each breaker switch, then check for power readings that are higher than zero but below 240VAC—if both readouts are within these parameters, you can safely assume your disconnect box is functioning correctly.
Time to move onto verifying your unit’s voltage supply!
6.Verify The Unit’s Voltage
Did you know that an air conditioner needs the correct voltage in order to turn on? Without it, your unit won’t be able to power up. That’s why it’s important to verify the unit’s voltage when troubleshooting an outside AC unit that won’t turn on. Let’s take a look at what you can do!
First, locate the main power switch. This switch should be located nearby your outdoor AC unit, and will look like a large box or cylinder. Turn it off, and then back on again to make sure there is power going through the system. Once this is done, check for any tripped circuit breakers in your home’s breaker box. If you find one has been tripped, reset it and try turning on the AC again.
Next, you’ll need to inspect the wiring that connects your outdoor unit to your home’s electric supply panel. Ensure all wiring is securely connected and not corroded or damaged in any way. If everything looks okay here, now is the time to test the voltage of your outdoor AC unit with a multimeter or voltmeter. If the voltage readings are too low or too high compared to what they should be according to your manufacturer’s instructions, then you may need help from a qualified technician who can help diagnose electrical problems with your unit more accurately.
When all else fails and you’ve checked out every possible issue with no success – call in a professional HVAC technician for help! They’ll be able to investigate further and figure out what’s causing your outdoor AC unit not to turn on so that they can provide an appropriate solution for repair or replacement if necessary.
7.Check The Furnace Blower Motor
As the chief handyman of your home, you can often find yourself in a situation where something needs to be fixed. In this case, it’s why your outside AC unit isn’t turning on. It’s like there is an invisible force keeping it from operating as it should – a sinister force that only you can battle against.
First, you had to verify the unit’s voltage, and now it’s time to take on the next step in this journey: checking the furnace blower motor. This is one of those times where you need to take care of the problem before things get worse. If the blower motor isn’t working correctly, it won’t be able to distribute air through the vents which will lead to bigger issues down the road.
So, how do you check if the blower motor is working properly? First off, make sure that all power sources are turned off and that any related switches are in the ‘off’ position before doing anything else. Then you will want to inspect for any visible signs of damage or corrosion on both ends of the unit and its wiring connections. Finally, use a multi-meter to test for continuity between two points on each end of the wiring connections – this will tell you if electricity is flowing through them properly or not.
If all these steps have been completed and everything looks good, then congratulations! You have successfully checked your furnace blower motor and can move onto your next task: checking out that condensing unit fan…
8.Check The Condensing Unit Fan
Right, so the next step is to check the condensing unit fan. This is the piece of equipment that helps transfer heat from inside your home to the outside air. It’s important to inspect it as it can be a source of problems if it’s not working properly.
Now, in order to check this fan, you’ll need to take off its outer panel and look at its blades. Make sure they’re all spinning correctly, as any issues here could cause your entire system not to work properly. If you notice any damage or wear and tear, then you should replace the fan right away. Otherwise, the issue may persist.
Once you’ve inspected the fan, make sure everything looks good and replace the panel if necessary. If all looks normal, then you can move onto inspecting the fan motor – but more on that in a moment!
9.Inspect The Fan Motor
Time is of the essence when it comes to diagnosing an outdoor AC unit that won’t turn on. With a few simple steps, you can get your air conditioner up and running in no time. Let’s take a look at how to inspect the fan motor.
The fan motor is the powerhouse of your air conditioner’s condensing unit. A faulty motor can cause your system to fail to start, or run inefficiently. It’s essential to check both the power supply and its connections before inspecting the motor itself. If all is well there, then it’s time to crack open the housing and take a look inside.
It may seem daunting, but checking the fan motor doesn’t have to be tricky! As long as you’re careful with the wiring, you should be able to locate any issues with ease – such as poor lubrication or broken belts – that can be causing your outdoor AC unit trouble. Once everything looks good, simply reassemble and test again – and voila! You’ve got your air conditioner back up and running in no time at all. Now let’s move on to inspecting the start capacitor…
10.Inspect The Start Capacitor
Before we move to the next step, some of you may be wondering why we’re focused on the start capacitor. After all, there are other components that need our attention too. The answer is simple – this component plays a vital role in the unit’s function and should always be checked first.
As a handyman, I’m sure you already know that the start capacitor supplies a surge of power when you turn your AC unit on. It helps to kick-start the fan motor and compressor and get them going. So, if it isn’t working properly, then your AC won’t turn on either.
Now, let’s take a look at how you can inspect the start capacitor for any problems or faults. First off, make sure that the wiring is secure and connected properly. If not, then reconnect it carefully before continuing with your inspection. Next, use an ohmmeter to test its capacitance levels and check for any irregularities. Finally, don’t forget to inspect both sides of the capacitor for any signs of physical damage like corrosion or leakage.
Once done with this section, let’s move on to checking out the compressor…
11.Check The Compressor
Finally, we come to check the compressor. Carefully monitoring this crucial component is key when tackling the issue of an outside AC unit not turning on. Checking the compressor requires a bit more precision than some of our other steps, so let’s take a look.
The compressor is one of the main components that helps keep your home cool. If it isn’t working properly, your outside AC unit won’t be able to produce cold air. Test for power at the wires coming from the capacitor, then use a multimeter to test for continuity in them as well. If there’s no power, you may need to reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse in order to get your system running again.
On top of that, inspect all wiring connections and make sure they’re secure and haven’t been damaged by age or corrosion. Tighten any loose screws or replace any corroded parts if necessary. Once everything looks good, turn on the unit and see if it starts up correctly – if not, it could be time to call in a professional technician for further assistance!
12.Inspect The Refrigerant Lines
Troubleshooting an outside AC unit can be like a game of detective. You have to piece together clues to figure out why the unit isn’t working. Inspecting the refrigerant lines is one of the last steps in that process, so let’s take a look at what you should do.
First off, make sure the power to the outside AC unit is on. If it is and the unit still won’t start, then your next step is to check the compressor. After that, you’ll need to inspect the refrigerant lines for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
Start by taking a visual inspection around the entire unit. Look for anything out of place: dents in pipes or fittings, cracks, leaks, or corrosion. Any of these issues could indicate that there’s a problem with one or more of the refrigerant lines. If you see any indication of damage, then it’s best to call in a professional HVAC technician right away as these repairs can be tricky on your own.
Once you’ve determined that everything looks good visually, use a pressure gauge to measure how much pressure is in each line. Low pressure could mean there’s an issue with one or more lines and may require replacement parts which should only be handled by a certified technician.
Now that you’ve inspected the refrigerant lines and checked for signs of wear and tear, it’s time to move onto another area — checking all connections and switches around both inside and outside units.
13.Look For Signs Of Wear And Tear
Now that you’ve checked the refrigerant lines, it’s time to look for signs of wear and tear. This is an important step in determining why your outside AC unit isn’t turning on. It’s a good idea to take a close look at all the components of your system – you don’t want any worn-out parts creating problems down the line.
Check out the condenser fan, compressor, and coils. If they look rusty or dirty, they need to be cleaned or replaced. You’ll also want to check for any loose or frayed wires, as these can cause the unit to not turn on properly. And make sure all the screws are tight and secure.
If everything looks okay, then you can move on to reviewing troubleshooting tips and checking other components of your AC unit. Taking a careful look at all parts of your system will help you figure out what might be preventing your outside AC from working properly – and get it up and running again quickly!
14.Review Troubleshooting Tips
Okay, now that you’ve checked for wear and tear, let’s move on to reviewing some troubleshooting tips. This can be a bit tricky, so make sure you have all the right tools ready to go before starting. Check your circuit breaker first – if it’s been tripped, it may be preventing your AC from turning on.
Next, check the thermostat settings. If they’re not set up correctly, your AC won’t turn on either. And if you’ve got an older model thermostat, consider upgrading it to a programmable one as this could help reduce energy costs in the long run.
Finally, check for clogged air filters or debris around the unit that could be blocking airflow and preventing your AC from working properly. Clear away any clutter and replace any dirty air filters with new ones. If none of these steps get your unit running again, then it’s time to call in the professionals!
15.Call An Hvac Professional
Are you stumped? Has your outside AC unit been giving you the silent treatment? Well, it’s time to call in the big guns: an HVAC professional. Let me tell ya, this is an absolute must-do if you want to get that AC unit up and running again.
It’s no exaggeration when I say that an expert technician can be worth their weight in gold! They’ll take a look at the unit and diagnose any potential issues. This can save you time, money, and heartache in the long run. Plus, they know all of those little tricks of the trade that make all the difference.
So don’t delay – call an HVAC professional today! They have all the tools and knowledge necessary to quickly and efficiently get your AC unit back in tip-top shape. And with their help, you’ll be enjoying cool air again sooner than you think!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! If your outside AC unit isn’t turning on, you can try to troubleshoot the issue yourself. While some of these steps might require that you investigate further, most of them are easily within the range of a handyman. Just make sure to be safe and take caution when working with electricity or refrigerant lines.
But if all else fails, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. HVAC technicians have seen it all before and will be able to quickly identify and repair any issues with your unit. After all, they say that prevention is better than cure—so why not make sure that your AC unit is running smoothly? Alliteration will help ensure that your air conditioner runs at its best for years to come.
At the end of the day, a little bit of DIY can go along way when it comes to keeping your outside AC unit in tip-top shape. By following these simple steps and using a bit of common sense, you should be able to diagnose any minor issues and get your AC back up and running in no time. Good luck!