Need An AC Repair? 4 Things To Check When Your AC Won’t Turn On | Fort Worth, TX
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Picture this. It’s a hot, sunny day. You’ve woken up in a sweat and changed into shorts and a t-shirt. You go to turn on the AC, but notice that it won’t turn on at all.
This is a headache for many homeowners. After all, this means that they’re going to have to do without any AC for a period of time while they try to figure out who to call for the AC repair in Fort Worth, TX. Even if they do find an HVAC company, the HVAC company might not necessarily have any availability on that day, which means that they’ll have to wait. This is why it’s so important to get your HVAC system serviced every year.
In this article, we’ll look at 4 things that you can check when your AC won’t turn on. You might be able to figure out what’s wrong with your AC system, so you can expedite the repair process.
#1. Check Your Filter
One of the main reasons why your AC might not be turning on is because you have a dirty filter. The AC filter is actually a very integral part of the system and plays a very crucial role in maintaining your overall heating system. It not only prevents dirt and dust from getting inside the various components of the AC system, but it will also improve the air quality within your home. If the filter is clogged, it could prevent your AC from turning on. This is because various parts in your system might be dirty or clogged as well.
If your AC filter is clogged, you will usually be able to figure it out yourself as long as you know how to take the external part of the AC unit off or take apart the vents. The filter should be very noticeable and easy to spot.
If the filter is indeed clogged or dirty, the best solution is to simply replace it with a new one. Doing so will not only extends the lifespan of your AC unit but will also ensure that the AC unit does not need to work as hard in order to keep your home cool. Having a clean filter all of the time will keep your energy bills low. If you continue to neglect your air filter, your AC unit will break down prematurely or it will need costly repairs.
Different Types of Filters
If you are replacing the filter, you should consider whether you want a different type of filter in your HVAC system, the different types of filters will play different roles and be able to do different things. Some of the different options that you can choose from include:
- Fiberglass air filters. These are disposable and probably one of the most affordable types of filters on the market. They do a great job of protecting your AC unit from getting clogged or damaged. However, it’s not as effective at filtering dust and pollutants in the air. This is not a good choice for those who suffer from respiratory conditions or autoimmune diseases.
- Pleated filters. These filters are usually made from either cotton or polyester. They are one of the most affordable filters out there and do a great job at filtering away pollutants. However, they are not very long-lasting, so you will need to replace them every several months.
- Electrostatic air filters. These types of filters use electrostatic charges to attract dust and other airborne particles in the air.
- HEPA filters. If you struggle with autoimmune diseases or respiratory conditions, this is the filter for you. These filters are really good at filtering away any pollutants that can cause allergic reactions.
- UV filters. If you’re more concerned about bacteria and other microbial activity that might be present in the air, you’ll want to go with a UV filter.
If you’re not sure what type of filter might be the best bet for your needs, speak with an AC repair technician in Fort Worth, TX about your concerns. They’ll be able to walk you through the pros and cons of various types of filters. They will also be able to figure out whether the filters that you are interested in are compatible with the AC unit that you have.
#2. Check the Drain Pain
If there’s nothing wrong with your filter at all, you might want to check with your drain pan next. Your drain pan is usually located somewhere indoors, so you won’t find it at the exterior unit. This little tray will collect all of the excess water that is collected from the AC process. The exchange of cool and hot air results and condensation that will drip from your AC. Without the drain pan, this condensation will drip all over your home and cause some damage.
The reason why you want to check the drain pan is that it might be full. Some AC units will have a float switch attached to the drain pan. If the drain pan becomes too full, the water inside will trigger the float switch, which will prevent the AC from turning on. If you get rid of all of this excess water and condensation, your AC will turn on again.
Although this might seem like an easy fix, you still want to call an AC repair technician as soon as possible. You should get the Fort Worth, TX AC repair technician to come to inspect the unit in order to determine why the drain pan is filling up and whether this is a cause for concern. The technician can also help you figure out what steps you can take to prevent the drain pan from filling up in the future.
Where Can You Find the Condensate Drain Pain?
If you want to look for the condensate drain pan before the AC repair technician arrives, you need to make an effort to get to know your unit better. In general, the drain pan is part of the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is a box of tightly wound wires that will be close to the unit. The precise location of the evaporator coil and the drain pan will vary depending on the type of AC system that you have installed.
You’ll need to first turn off the AC and remove the access panel. Use a flashlight to peek inside. You should notice the evaporator coil immediately. The drain pan is the pan that’s located underneath.
Other Problems with the Drain Pan
Other than being truthful, the drain pan is also susceptible to damages. For example, it might not be able to drain water freely into the secondary drain line. It could also be cracked or bent. All of these issues can affect how the drain pan works and whether your AC unit turns on or not.
The AC repair technician will be able to provide a more thorough diagnosis in order to determine what is needed. Before the AC repair technician arrives, you can also try to fix the drain pan as well. For example, if you notice that there’s a crack on the pan, you can try to fix it with epoxy glue. However, any major damages will need to be fixed for an AC repair technician. If the drain pan is too damaged, the AC repair technician might recommend that you replace it entirely. Fortunately, replacements are fairly inexpensive.
#3. Check the Evaporator Coil
While you’re checking the drain pan, this is also a very good opportunity for you to check the condition of the evaporator coils. It’s important that you service your AC unit regularly because the AC repair technician will also need to clean the evaporator coils on a regular basis in order to ensure that your AC unit is running smoothly and efficiently. If the AC unit is not turning on, it could be because evaporator coils are not clean. These coils will become dirty every time that you use the unit. They are pretty much like a filter in that sense.
You will need the AC repair technician to not only clean the evaporator coils but also determine whether there are any issues surrounding the evaporator coils. While an AC repair technician in Fort Worth, TX will be able to do a much more thorough job, you can also try to clean the evaporator coils yourself if you have time. If your AC is not turning on, then the evaporator coils likely need a very thorough cleaning, which you probably won’t be able to do.
How to Clean the Evaporator Coils
To prevent the AC repair technician from having to do a very thorough job or to prevent your AC unit from shutting down, try to clean the evaporator coils every year or so.
To do so, you’ll need to turn the air conditioner off. Then, remove the access panel in order to get to the evaporator coils. You can get rid of the light accumulation of dirt and other materials by using compressed air.
If you are using high-pressure air, you’ll want to make sure that the air is being directed through the fence, so it doesn’t damage them. Maintain consistent airflow throughout in order to dislodge as much dirt and dust as possible. Also, make sure that you wear appropriate eye protection.
In general, you won’t have to spend a lot of time on the cleaning process if you clean the evaporator coils regularly. A quick cleaning should be able to get rid of any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the surface of the coils.
#4. Do a Capacitor Test
Last but not least, you might want to do a capacitor test in order to see whether there’s anything wrong with the motor. If your AC is not turning on, it could be a sign that the motor has failed. A capacitor test will be able to provide you with a more accurate diagnosis as to whether this is the case or not. Usually, you’ll know that you should do a capacitor test when you hear weird sounds coming from your AC unit. This usually means that there’s something weird going on and that you should call an AC repair technician to inspect the unit as soon as possible.
In order to do a capacitor test, you’re going to need the right equipment and tools. In particular, you want to use a multimeter. Most homeowners don’t have these tools and equipment, which is why they usually leave the job to a professional. After all, they may not necessarily want to put in the money, time and effort to not only get, but also learn how to use the tools. Not only will the professionals have the right tools and equipment, but they will also be able to perform a very accurate test.
Call Us for AC Repair Services in Fort Worth, TX
There are many potential reasons as to why your AC might not be turning on. If you’re faced with this problem, you can try to see whether you can diagnose the problem yourself before the AC repair technician arrives. However, you should really rely on the repair technician to provide you with a more accurate assessment and diagnosis. The AC repair technician will be able to tell you not only what caused your AC to stop turning on, but also how you can prevent this from happening in the future.
Finding the right AC repair technician for the job can be rather difficult. There are just so many different options out there, so it can be hard to find someone who meets all of your expectations. It’s important to find a reputable HVAC company, like One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth has years of experience in providing AC repair services to those in Fort Worth, TX. We are also able to offer emergency services, so if you can’t tolerate living without an AC, you can call us at 817-283-6911 and we’ll send someone out right away.
