Is Your Outdoor Unit Not Running? Check Out These Things Before Seeking Professional Help

The air conditioners used in many homes have indoor and outdoor units. The inside unit is the air handler, and the condenser is located outside. With proper maintenance, these units can run efficiently for a long time. However, there are times when the outside condenser fails to turn on. When this happens, there are different things you can check before seeking the help of an experienced AC repair technician.

Inspect for Fuse Problems or a Tripped Circuit Breaker

If you recently had a power surge in your home, you likely have a faulty fuse, or the circuit breaker has tripped. In such a case, your outdoor AC unit won't turn on. Check whether you have a tripped circuit breaker. If it's in the "off" position, turn it "on", and your unit will continue running. When it keeps tripping even after you switch it on, call an experienced technician as you're at risk of a fire outbreak.

The Evaporator Coil Has Heavy Debris Buildup

Your air conditioner evaporator coil is located in your outside unit and fills up with dirt quickly. When this happens, your air conditioning unit efficiency is reduced, which may cause the outdoor unit not to run efficiently. You can ensure that your unit is in great shape by calling an experienced appliance service technician to help you with the cleaning. Don't try to do this yourself because you may unintentionally damage the delicate parts.

You Likely Have a Failing Capacitor

The capacitor is responsible for holding the energy responsible for powering your outdoor unit. The capacitor has likely failed when you start to hear bussing noises from the outdoor unit. This usually happens when the condenser tries to spin when there's a limited power supply to the capacitor. Inspecting and repairing a faulty capacitor is a complex task that an experienced AC repair professional should perform.

Failing to Change Your Air Filter

When you have a clean air filter, it will effectively absorb vapor that will accumulate in your drain line. When it fills with dirt and debris, the water will cause ice to form on the AC drain line and condenser coil. This will cause your outdoor unit not to start. It's advisable to let an expert handle this issue.

It can be frustrating when your outdoor unit doesn't turn on, as the indoor air handler will struggle to keep your home cool. This guide should help you understand why you're experiencing issues with the outside unit.