Why Your San Bernardino AC Unit Is Not Turning On and How To Fix It

If your AC unit is not turning on, reach out to Inland Empire Comfort. We provide reliable AC repair in San Bernardino, CA, that focuses on keeping your home safe and comfortable. Whether you live near Amber Hills or Terrace, we arrive promptly, work diligently, and produce long-term results.
Keep reading to discover the likely causes of your cooling problem and how our California HVAC professionals may fix it.
Understanding How Air Conditioners Work in San Bernardino
The cooling system receives a signal when the thermostat senses an ambient temperature greater than your desired setting. The capacitor transmits a jolt of electricity to activate the various components. From there, the air conditioner relies on refrigerant to circulate through the device and transport cool air back into the home.
In its liquid state, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside and turns into a gas, which passes through the compressor. This further increases the temperature using a pressure change. The substance turns back into a liquid when fans and the condenser coil release the heat outdoors, and this cycle repeats until the indoor temperature reaches the thermostat setting.
Many homeowners wonder how they can run the device more efficiently. The United States Department of Energy suggests setting the thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce wear and tear.
The Most Common Causes of Cooling System Power Issues and How Professionals Fix Them
What are the most common causes of power issues in an air conditioner? Experts suggest some troubleshooting methods based on the following situations:
The Thermostat Needs Repairs or Recalibration
There’s a strong possibility of thermostat issues when your AC unit is not turning on. For example, the thermostat won't trigger the air conditioner when it runs out of batteries or doesn't accurately sense the ambient temperature.
Try replacing the batteries. Then, adjust the temperature.
Power Issues Frequently Trip the Circuit Breaker
Faulty wiring, loose connections, or an overworked device can cause power surges and a blown fuse. Has your circuit breaker tripped a lot recently? You may have a more widespread issue if the problem becomes evident across various appliances in your San Bernardino home.
Check the breaker as part of your problem-solving. However, other than flipping the circuit breaker back on, never attempt electrical repairs yourself.
A Damaged Capacitor Breaks the Flow of Electricity
Can the system not receive that jolt of energy it needs to kickstart its components? Capacitor failure is likely.
Maybe contactor problems are preventing the piece from closing the electrical circuit. Whatever the problem, troubleshooting problems without the right tools or training often causes more damage. Professionals like Inland Empire Comfort understand the component's fragility and work carefully.
Clogged Drain Pans Overwhelm the System
Many homeowners don't realize the air conditioner produces condensation because it all drains into a pan through a line. Over time, this part of the system can develop clogs. If so, a safety switch turns off the device to prevent water damage.
Do you see water pooling around the outdoor unit? A certified professional can clear the obstruction to safeguard the components.
A Dirty Air Filter Causes Overheating
Wondering why the AC unit is not turning on? When did you last check the air filter? A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of air conditioner trouble.
The device has to work harder to reach the desired temperature when the cooling system has obstructed airflow. It uses more fuel, runs longer, and increases wear and tear on the components. Eventually, this strain leads to the air conditioner overheating.
You'll notice your unit turning on and off every few minutes when the air conditioner builds up too much heat. Without repairs, your system will soon reach the point where it won't turn on. Cleaning or replacing the air filter could solve the issue.
Refrigerant Issues Cause Widespread Problems
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of the air conditioner. When the substance leaks, there’s not enough of it in the coils to adequately carry heat away from your living space. The device also becomes too hot and shuts down for safety reasons.
Noticing ice forming on the outdoor unit? Call us for a refrigerant check! Only a certified professional should handle this toxic substance.

Schedule Reliable San Bernardino Air Conditioning Services Today
Call Inland Empire Comfort when your AC unit is not turning on. Whether you're wondering about the
best time for AC replacement or need emergency repairs to stay safe in the San Bernardino summers, we’re your team from Verdemont to North Loma Linda.
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