Outside AC Unit Not Turning On? This Might Be the Cause! 

Outside AC Unit Not Turning On? This Might Be the Cause! 

During these hot summer days, everyone looks forward to spending their time indoors in the comfort of their AC’s cool air. But imagine you turn on your AC and notice that it isn’t cooling. In this situation, we understand you might panic. But there are a few easy solutions that you can check for before you call an AC technician in Orlando.

ac outside unit not working

Here are Some Common Causes:

Your AC's Outdoor Unit Is Dirty

If the coils or fins on your AC’s outdoor unit are dirty, it can cause the unit to overheat and shut down. To clean the outdoor unit, turn off the power, remove any debris, and use a hose to remove any dirt or dust. If you notice any damage to the coils or fins, it’s best to call a professional.

The Breaker Tripped

If the breaker keeps tripping, it could mean an issue with your unit. In this situation, check the circuit box by your HVAC unit, and ensure there aren’t any loose wires or connections. If everything looks fine, try resetting the breaker and see if that fixes the issue. If not, it’s time to call a professional.

The Compressor Is Not Working

If you’ve noticed that your compressor has been running non-stop or making loud noises when you turn it off, there may be an issue with the compressor itself. To test this theory, turn off the power to the unit for about 30 minutes and then try to turn it back on again. If it still doesn’t work, this could be the problem. Contact a professional technician for further assistance in diagnosing this issue.

Duct & Vent Is Dirty

When there’s dust or dirt in your ducts or vents, this could cause issues with airflow within the system. It can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy usage over time.

In some cases, the result can be the premature failure of components such as motors and compressors, which depend on good airflow for proper cooling performance. Contact an expert for professional AC vent cleaning. We can wipe these components clean and replace them, if needed.

Your Outdoor Condenser Coil Is Clogged with Dirt

The condenser coils are located at the back of your central air conditioner and are responsible for cooling the outside unit. And when they get clogged up with dirt, debris, or dust, they can overheat while trying to cool your home. This causes them to shut down to protect themselves from overheating and potential damage. The easiest way to clean it out is by using compressed air spray cans, or even intense water pressure from a garden hose!

Have troubles with your air conditioner and need an affordable, quality AC tune-up in Orlando? Call AmeriTech Air Conditioning & Heating at 407-743-7106.

The outside AC unit won't kick on due to several common issues: a tripped circuit breaker cutting power supply, a faulty capacitor preventing the compressor from starting, blockages restricting airflow around the fan, a failed contactor preventing electrical signals, low refrigerant levels, or a burnt-out compressor. Check your breaker box first, then inspect for visible damage or obstructions. If these quick fixes don't work, contact a licensed HVAC technician for complex component diagnosis and repair.​

An AC unit outside fails to start primarily due to electrical issues like tripped breakers, bad capacitors, or faulty contactors. Other causes include a blocked condenser fan from dirt and debris, insufficient power reaching the unit, or mechanical failures in the compressor or fan motor. Always check the disconnect switch near the outdoor unit to ensure it's in the "on" position and verify the breaker hasn't tripped. Professional diagnosis is needed if basic troubleshooting fails.

To reset your outside AC unit, first turn off the thermostat, then locate the reset button on the outdoor condenser and press it for 3-5 seconds. If there's no reset button, turn off power at the breaker box by flipping the AC breaker to "off" and wait one minute, then flip it back "on." Wait 30 minutes for the internal circuit to fully reset, then return your thermostat to cool mode. If problems persist after reset, call an HVAC professional.

When your inside AC blows but the outside unit doesn't run, the issue is typically isolated to outdoor components: a bad capacitor, burnt-out fan motor, failed compressor, low refrigerant, or blown fuse. Check if the fan intake is blocked by debris or vegetation, as blockages prevent proper operation. Inspect the circuit breaker for tripping and examine the condenser coils for dirt buildup. A deficient power supply or motor failure requires professional repair to prevent additional damage.