Outside AC unit not running? Perhaps the fan inside the furnace unit is running, but doesn't blow cool air?
Here are a few of things you can try before calling for help!
Ensure that your thermostat is set to COOL and then set the temperature setting at least 5 degrees below the indoor temperature.
Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If there was a power surge, your air conditioner might have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
Look for this problem in two places:
Your main electrical panel -- On old homes this is a 'fuse box' while newer homes have a circuit panel. If it's a fuse box, look for a blown fuse (replace that thing!) On a circuit breaker, look for a tripped circuit and flip it to "off" and then back to "on".
At the shutoff box near the AC -- Some models of air conditioners have a fuse at the shutoff box. Try replacing this fuse.
NOTE: If one of these methods fixes the problem, but only temporarily--call an AC repair company. Your air conditioner may be pulling too much electricity, short-circuiting or overheating.
Check the emergency or shut-off switch. Most air conditioners have a shut-off switch near the outside unit. It's usually a metal box that's hanging on your house. If someone has recently worked on the AC, they may have left it in the "off" position on accident.
Check the inside unit's power switch. There's usually a switch in your attic, closet, or crawl space near your furnace that can shut off power to your furnace and indoor blower.
Because the switch looks like a light switch, people often accidentally flip it to "off". Setting it to "off" turns off the blower, causing the inside unit to freeze, which makes your entire AC system shut down. Make sure this power switch is in the "on" position.
Look for problems with your condensate drain line. When your air conditioner works, it creates condensation, which is drained out of your home via a drain line. If this drain line becomes clogged, it will trip a safety switch that shuts down your air conditioner. You can possibly unclog the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the blockage.
Some homeowners have a condensate drain pump, which pumps the water out of the home. So if the pump breaks, the same safety switch can get tripped.
Try resetting the air conditioner. Some air conditioners have 'reset' switches near the outside unit. You can try pushing this button to see if it helps.
If your air conditioner doesn't have a reset button, try this:
1. Turn off your AC at the thermostat
2. Wait 5 minutes
3. Turn it back on again
NOTE: If this only solves the problem temporarily, there's a bigger issue. Contact an air conditioning professional.
Still having problems? After all of these steps, if the outside unit is still not turning on, give us a call at 405.243-1613 and we’ll be happy to come out and inspect it!