Summer in West Austin is no time for a malfunctioning air conditioner. Few things are more uncomfortable than walking into a warm home only to find your AC unit not turning on. When your home’s cool comfort suddenly disappears, it’s natural to feel frustrated and wonder what to do next.

Before you panic, there are several common issues and quick checks you can perform when your AC isn’t cooperating. Understanding these steps can sometimes resolve the problem, or at least help you explain the symptoms clearly to a professional.

Why Your Outside AC Unit Might Not Be Turning On

One of the most common complaints we hear is the outside AC unit not turning on, even when you hear the indoor fan running. This scenario, where the outside AC unit is not turning on but inside is, often points to an issue with the outdoor unit itself – specifically, the AC condenser unit not turning on. If you notice the fan not turning on the AC unit, while your indoor system seems to be active, it’s a strong indicator of a problem with the outdoor condenser or its components.

Your First Steps: Simple Checks and How to Reset Your AC Unit

When your AC stops working, the very first thing to check when the AC stops working is often the simplest:

Thermostat Settings 

Ensure your thermostat is set to “Cool” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. Check that batteries aren’t dead if it’s a battery-powered model. Check out our recent blog on recommended thermostat settings for Summer and Winter to learn more about what temperature to set your thermostat to to ensure a healthy AC during the summer heat.

Circuit Breaker

Sometimes, a surge or minor electrical issue can trip the breaker. Go to your home’s electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker labeled “AC,” “Furnace,” or “HVAC.” It will be in the “off” or middle position. Firmly flip it completely to the “off” position, wait 30 seconds, and then flip it back to “on.” This is essentially how to reset your air conditioning unit from an electrical standpoint.

Diving Deeper: Fuses and Capacitors

If a breaker reset doesn’t work, the problem might be with specific components in your outdoor unit:

Fuses

Your outdoor AC unit often has a disconnect box near it with fuses. How to tell if an AC fuse is blown usually involves visual inspection (broken filament, discoloration) or using a multimeter (which requires electrical knowledge). Will AC turn on if the fuse is blown? No, if a critical fuse is blown, the unit will not receive power and therefore will not turn on. How do I reset my AC fuse? You don’t reset them; you replace them. This should only be done by a qualified technician due to electrical hazards.

Capacitor

The capacitor acts like a battery, providing a jolt of electricity to start the compressor and fan motor. How to tell if an AC capacitor is bad often involves a visual inspection for swelling or leakage (though this isn’t always visible), or testing with a multimeter. A common symptom of a failing capacitor is the outdoor unit making a humming noise but the fan not spinning, or the unit repeatedly trying to start and failing. Replacing a capacitor is a task for a professional due to the high voltage it can hold, even when the power is off.

When to Call Temperature-Pro West Austin

While some checks are DIY-friendly, troubleshooting electrical components like fuses and capacitors can be dangerous and should be left to certified professionals. If your AC unit is still not turning on after checking the thermostat and circuit breaker, it’s time to call in the experts.

At Temperature-Pro West Austin, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of AC issues, big or small. Our experienced technicians understand the unique demands of West Austin’s climate and are equipped to quickly identify the root cause of your AC problem, from blown fuses to bad capacitors and beyond. Don’t sweat it out – contact us for reliable, efficient AC repair and get your cool comfort back!