You wake up on a sweltering summer morning, already dreading the sticky heatwave forecasted for the day. Reaching for your thermostat, you set the AC to cool, but instead of that familiar hum of relief, there’s… silence. No cool air, no breeze, just the sound of frustration building.

Before panic sets in and you call for an emergency repair, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

Let’s go through the top solutions to HVAC unit not turning on.

HVAC Troubleshooting Tips: Check the Thermostat

One of the most common reasons an HVAC unit won’t turn on is a thermostat issue. First, ensure that the thermostat is set to the correct mode. If you’re trying to cool your home, make sure it’s set to “cool,” and if you’re trying to heat, switch it to “heat.”

Check the temperature setting. Set the thermostat a few degrees below the current room temperature for cooling or above for heating to see if the system responds.

Examine the Air Filter

Air filters can become blocked, reducing airflow. If the airflow is restricted, the system can overheat and shut down to protect itself. This is especially common in HVAC units that haven’t had their filters changed in a while. Make sure you’re using the right type of air filter, too.

Locate the air filter, which is typically found near the return air duct or inside the furnace or air handler. Remove the filter and check its condition. If it appears dirty or clogged up, it’s time to replace or clean it, depending on whether you’re using disposable or reusable filters.

Don’t Forget The Circuit Breaker

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the HVAC system itself but with the electrical power supply. A tripped breaker can cut power to your unit, preventing it from starting.

This can happen if there’s a power surge or if the system is drawing too much electricity at once, which can cause the breaker to shut off as a safety measure.

Hire Professional Help With Central Air Issues

While some air conditioning repairs are simple enough to handle on your own, others require the expertise of a licensed HVAC technician. Attempting to fix these tricky issues not only damages the system further but may also cause safety problems, such as electrical shock or fire hazards.

A Vancouver HVAC professional has the specific tools and knowledge to figure out the exact cause of your unit’s malfunction. They can run comprehensive tests on critical components like the compressor, fan motor, and capacitor to determine if they need repairs or replacements.

Technicians are trained to handle refrigerants properly. That’s crucial since leaks can affect both your unit’s performance and the environment.

HVAC Unit Not Turning On: Find the Fix

HVAC unit not turning on? Hopefully, you now have enough information to fix the issue.

Are you ready to hire some help with your heat and air conditioning repairs? MetFab Heating has been helping homeowners like you feel comfortable again for almost 50 years.

Contact us today.