When its too hot in the room and you are trying to turn of the aircon but it is not turning on, the situation can be frustrating. Good news is, many of the common reasons for this problem can be identified and fixed easily. In most cases, you can fix it yourself. Let’s find out the possible reasons for the ‘aircon no power’ issue and simple solutions to the problem.
Aircon No Power: Causes & Solutions
Below are the most common causes of aircon not powering on along with their solutions:
Power Supply Issue
A common reason for an air conditioner not turning on is regarding power supply. The power plug may be loose, or a breaker could have tripped.
Signs:
- Aircon doesn’t turn on at all
- No lights or sounds from the unit
- Breaker is in the off position
Solution:
- Check if the plug is properly connected
- Reset the circuit breaker if it’s tripped
- Check the fuses if it’s blown
Thermostat Not Working
If the thermostat isn’t working properly, your air conditioner won’t start. A dead battery, incorrect settings, or a faulty thermostat can all prevent it from turning on.
Signs:
- Display not working
- Temperature settings malfunction
- Thermostat set to “heat” instead of “cool”
Solution:
- Set it to “cool” and lower the temperature
- Replace thermostat batteries
- Read user’s manual regarding thermostat
Remote Control Problems
Sometimes the issue can be caused by the remote control. If the batteries are dead or the signal isn’t reaching the aircon, it won’t turn on.
Signs:
- Aircon doesn’t respond to remote
- Weak or no display on remote
- Other buttons also wont work
Solution:
- Replace the remote batteries
- Make sure nothing blocks the signal
- Replace the remote if it’s dead
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter can block airflow and cause the unit to overheat or shut off for safety.
Signs:
- Poor airflow
- Unusual noise from the unit
- Bad smell from vents
Solution:
- Keep the aircon turned off
- Remove and clean the filter
- Replace the filter if it’s too dirty
Clogged Drain Line
If the drain line of the aircon is blocked, water builds up inside the unit. Some aircons shut down automatically to prevent water damage.
Signs:
- Water leaking from the aircon
- Musty smell
- Unit shuts down suddenly
Solution:
- Use a wet-dry vacuum to clean the aircon drain line
- Pour a small amount of vinegar down the pipe
- Call a technician if the blockage remains
Faulty Capacitor
The capacitor helps the compressor and fan motor start. If it fails, the unit may not turn on or may make a humming noise. If the issue is related to a capacitor, don’t try to fix it yourself.
Signs:
- Clicking or humming sound
- Fan or compressor doesn’t start
- Sudden shutdown after trying to start
Solution:
- Keep the power turned off
- Do not try to fix the capacitor yourself
- Call a licensed technician to replace it
Compressor Problem
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner. If it’s damaged, the system won’t cool or turn on at all.
Signs:
- Outdoor unit doesn’t run
- Warm air blows inside
- Loud or buzzing sound
Solution:
- Turn off the unit
- Check if the outdoor fan is running
- Call a technician for inspection and repair
Circuit Board Issue
The circuit board controls the parts of your aircon. If it’s damaged due to a power surge or age, the unit might not respond at all. This is a more complex problem and usually needs professional diagnosis.
Signs:
- No response from the unit
- Flickering lights or random shutdowns
- Burnt smell
Solution:
- Unplug the unit
- Do not attempt DIY repairs
- Contact a service center to replace the board
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil can stop your aircon from working properly. This usually happens when airflow is blocked or refrigerant levels are low. When the coil freezes, it can’t cool the air, and the unit may shut down or blow warm air.
Signs:
- Ice on the indoor unit
- No cool air
- Water dripping
Solution:
- Turn off the aircon and let the ice melt
- Check and clean the filter
- If it keeps happening, call a technician
Tripped Safety Switch
Many modern aircons have built-in safety switches that stop the unit from running when there’s a risk of damage, like a blocked drain or overheating.
Signs:
- No response when trying to turn on
- No power light
- Unit shuts off suddenly
Solution:
- Check for clogged drains or dirty filters
- Let the unit rest for a few minutes
- If the problem continues, get professional help
Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker
An overloaded circuit can cause a fuse to blow or a breaker to trip. This cuts power to your air conditioner and stops it from turning on.
Signs:
- No power to the unit
- Other devices on the same circuit also don’t work
- Fuse or breaker is off
Solution:
- Check the fuse box or circuit breaker
- Reset the breaker if it’s off
- If it trips again, contact an electrician
Conclusion
A non-working air conditioner doesn’t always mean a major repair is needed. Most issues can be fixed by checking a few things like power socket, filters, or remote settings. But if the unit still doesn’t work after these checks, it’s time to call a professional. For major problems such as capacitor or circuit board issues, do not try to fix these yourself.
FAQ
Why does my aircon have power but won’t turn on?
Faulty thermostat, frozen coil, or safety switch activation can be a few reasons for this problem.
How do I know if my aircon capacitor is bad?
If the unit makes a humming noise but doesn’t start, or turns off suddenly, the capacitor could be faulty.
Can a dirty filter stop the aircon from working?
Yes, a blocked filter can cause overheating or reduced airflow, which may lead the unit to shut down.
What should I do if nothing helps?
If all simple checks fail, it’s best to call a professional technician.
