It’s a familiar and frustrating scenario for many homeowners in Austin: you crank up the AC, you hear the comforting hum of your indoor unit, but then… nothing. No cool air, no whirring fan from outside. Your outside AC unit isn’t turning on but your inside unit is, leaving you in a warm, sticky predicament.
At TemperaturePro Austin, we understand how quickly that Texas heat can become unbearable. Don’t sweat it! This common issue often has a straightforward explanation.
Why Your Outside AC Unit Not Turning On But Inside Is
When your indoor fan is blowing but the outdoor compressor unit remains silent, it means your cooling system isn’t working together. The indoor unit handles air circulation and heat absorption. The outdoor unit releases that absorbed heat outside. Both must work in tandem for efficient cooling.
Here are the common reasons your outside AC unit isn’t turning on but the inside unit is:
- Tripped Circuit Breaker: Your outdoor unit uses a lot of power. An electrical surge or overload can trip its dedicated breaker, cutting off power.
- Faulty Thermostat: While your indoor unit might have power, a bad thermostat might not be sending the “turn on” signal to the outdoor unit. This is a common issue we see at TemperaturePro Austin.
- Bad Capacitor: The capacitor gives the compressor and fan the necessary jolt to start. If it’s failing, the outdoor unit won’t kick on.
- Faulty Contactor: This acts as a relay, sending power to the outdoor unit when the thermostat calls for cooling. A bad contactor means no power.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: While not directly preventing startup, low refrigerant can trigger safety mechanisms that shut down the compressor to prevent damage.
DIY Checks Before Calling TemperaturePro Austin
Before you pick up the phone, try these simple checks:
- Check Your Thermostat Settings:
- Is it set to “Cool”?
- Is the temperature lower than the current indoor temperature?
- Is the fan setting on “Auto” (not “On”)?
- Inspect the Circuit Breaker:
- Go to your electrical panel.
- Look for a tripped breaker (usually in the “off” or middle position).
- Flip it completely off, then firmly back to “on.”
- Wait a few minutes to see if your outdoor unit starts.
- Safety Note: If it trips immediately again, stop! Call a professional.
- Check the Disconnect Box:
- Find the metal box near your outdoor AC unit.
- Ensure the switch inside is in the “on” position.
If these steps don’t fix your outside AC unit that isn’t turning on but inside is, it’s time for professional help.
When to Call the Pros at TemperaturePro Austin
While some issues have quick fixes, many problems cause your outside AC unit to not turn, you need the specialized knowledge and tools of an HVAC technician. Trying complex repairs yourself can be dangerous and might void your warranty.
At TemperaturePro Austin, our certified technicians are experts at diagnosing and repairing AC unit issues. We’ll quickly find the root cause, whether it’s a capacitor, contactor, refrigerant leak, or electrical problem. We focus on efficient, reliable service to get your home cool again.
Don’t Sweat It – Contact TemperaturePro Today!
A broken AC unit in the Austin heat is more than just inconvenient; it can be a health concern, don’t wait. The team at TemperaturePro Austin is ready to provide prompt, expert service to get your air conditioning system running perfectly.
We pride ourselves on transparent pricing, courteous service, and lasting repairs. Contact us today to schedule your service call and experience the TemperaturePro difference!