Why is My AC Outside Unit Not Turning On
Nowadays, the majority of the air conditioning systems that are used in residential properties are split type. A split type air conditioner is a type of AC unit that features two components, an inside unit, and an outside unit, explains Superior HVAC Austin. They are one of the top choices if you need AC repairing in Austin.
To explain further, the inside unit of a split-type AC system is composed of an evaporator or an air handler, while the outside unit is consists of a condenser or a compressor.
According to Carrier, this type of AC system is preferred by many due to the following reasons:
- Quieter operation
- Easier to install
- Energy saving
- More stylish and blends well with existing decorations
- More control options
However, because of the separation of components, some people experience problems with their AC units that are difficult to solve due to the lack of proper knowledge and information about the system. Most of these people that have a problem are experiencing difficulties with the outside component and are wondering why their AC outside unit is not turning on.
Fortunately, this article will explain the most common reasons why the outside unit of a split type air conditioner is not turning on in order to determine the source of the problem and hopefully provide an effective solution to it.
Common Reasons Why the AC Outside Unit is Not Turning On
Based on the information gathered from Repair Clinic’s website, there are a lot of reasons why an air conditioning unit is not turning on. You have to remember that a split type air conditioning unit has two components and unless both of these components are operating, your AC unit will not function properly.
Now, before you call the repair company to fix your air conditioning unit, it is advisable that you first read the following reasons on why your AC outside unit is not turning on so that you can perform the steps that are provided to ensure that the cause of the problem needs the expertise of professionals and is not just simple problem that you can probably fix by yourself easily.
The most common reasons why an AC outside unit is not turning on include the following:
The Thermostat is Not Set Properly
One of the most common reasons why an AC outside unit is not turning on is because the thermostat is not set properly.
To check if it is the source of the problem, make sure that the thermostat is set to COOL, and if the outside unit is still not running, lower the temperature to at least 5 degrees below the current indoor temperature to trigger the sensors and make the outside unit operate.
Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
If after you have done the given instructions above and yet the outside unit is still not running, then another possible reason why this is happening is because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
To remedy this problem, go to your main electrical panel or fuse box and look around for a blown fuse or fuses. If there is one, replace it and check if the problem is solved.
If there are no blown fuses, you can check if the problem is because of a tripped circuit that is caused by excessive flow of electricity. To solve this, flip the circuit off and then back on and then check if it has fixed the problem.
The AC Unit’s Emergency or Shut Off Switch is Set to Off
Another probable reason why your AC outside unit is not turning on is that the emergency or shut off switch is set to off. You may not have noticed it but most AC units have a shut-off switch that is usually located near the outside unit.
To verify if this is the source of the problem, locate the switch, and then make sure that the switch is on. If your outside AC unit runs after that then the problem is solved.
The Inside Unit’s Power Switch is Off
The inside component of your AC is usually controlled by a power switch that is located on a closet, the attic, or the crawl space near your furnace. This switch that controls your AC looks exactly like a light switch which people may accidentally turn off.
Turning off this switch will cause the blower of the AC to stop operating causing the inside unit of your AC to freeze. To solve this problem, simply check if the switch is on. If not, then turn it on and verify if the problem is solved.
Broken Compressor
If after doing all the steps given above doesn’t work, then there is a high possibility that the compressor or the fan of the AC unit is broken. If this is the case then a replacement is needed and you need to call an AC repair company to assess the damage and cost of the replacement.
Final Words
The ability to perform the simple troubleshooting steps given above is a great way to determine the cause of the problem of why your AC outside unit is not turning on. Taking time to check these things before calling a repair service can save you both time and money that you can use for other important things that you can use for your family.
