The summer sun is blazing, and your home feels like an oven. You can hear the indoor unit of your air conditioner running, but instead of cool relief, the temperature inside keeps rising. You check the thermostat, and everything seems to be set correctly. So, why is your outside AC unit not turning on, but inside is? It’s a frustrating situation many homeowners face during the hot Texas months, but there’s no need to panic.
When it comes to your Dallas AC repair needs, our team at Aire Texas is ready to step in with fast, reliable service for residents in Plano and the greater Dallas area. Our professionally certified technicians are equipped to diagnose and repair your HVAC system, bringing cool air back to your home and restoring your comfort when it matters most. We train our AC repair technicians in-house, guaranteeing they have the skills and expertise needed to handle any repair with precision and care.
Call Aire Texas Heating and Air Conditioning today at (972) 424-2473 for all of your HVAC needs.
What is the Outside AC Unit Called?
The outside part of your air conditioning system is referred to as the “outdoor AC unit” or, more formally, the “condenser unit.” This unit works in tandem with the indoor air handler to complete the cooling cycle, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. If the outside AC unit isn’t functioning properly, your system won’t be able to provide cool air, even if the inside unit is running.
Why is My Outside AC Unit Not Running?
When the outside AC unit doesn’t turn on, but the inside unit is running, several potential issues could be at play. Let’s explore the most common culprits so you can identify the signs and decide whether it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician.
Power Issues
One of the simplest reasons your outdoor unit might not be working is a deficient power supply. A tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse, or even a shut-off box outside could prevent the outside unit from receiving power. Things like lightning strikes, overloaded appliances, and faulty wiring may have caused power surges that interfered with your outdoor AC unit’s ability to function properly. It’s important to check the circuit box or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. If you’re not comfortable handling electrical components, it’s best to call a licensed professional.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat controls when the air conditioner turns on and off. As such, incorrect thermostat settings or a malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the outside AC from powering up. Check that your air conditioner thermostat settings and temperature setting are correct. Incorrect settings or wrong settings on the thermostat, including an improper temperature setting, can stop the outside air conditioner fan from engaging, even if the inside unit appears to be working properly. Also be sure to verify that the thermostat has fresh batteries, if needed.
Capacitor Failure
A bad air conditioner capacitor is another common reason why the outdoor unit might not turn on. The capacitor is responsible for storing energy and helping the AC unit start by giving the fan motor the jolt it needs to begin spinning. Capacitors are designed with energy storage capabilities, allowing them to release the necessary power to get the system running smoothly.
If the capacitor is worn out or faulty, your outside unit may hum without starting, or it won’t run at all. Signs of a failed capacitor include a buzzing sound or the outdoor air conditioner fan not spinning when it should. Since capacitor failure involves handling high voltage and sensitive electrical components, it’s important to call a trained technician to replace it safely.
Refrigerant Issues
Your AC system relies on refrigerant to cool the air. If refrigerant levels are low due to a leak in the system, your outside air conditioning unit may struggle to work. Low refrigerant levels can cause your system to overheat or cycle on and off frequently, resulting in warm air blowing from your vents instead of cool air. Refrigerant leaks can also lead to more extensive damage, including air conditioner compressor failure if left unchecked. Only a licensed HVAC technician can inspect, repair leaks, and recharge your refrigerant properly.
Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
Over time, dirt buildup and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils of your outdoor AC unit, blocking airflow and reducing the system’s energy efficiency. If the coils are too dirty due to poor maintenance, the outdoor unit might not function correctly, leading to fan failures or even compressor problems.
Regular cleaning of the fan grate and condenser coils is essential for maintaining optimal performance. An article regarding common air conditioner problems from the Department of Energy states, “If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.” If dirt and debris have already caused damage, a trained technician will need to assess and clean the coils to restore proper function.
Other Related AC Problems
Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air But Running
This often indicates a refrigerant issue or a clogged air filter. More specifically, if the air isn’t cool, the problem could stem from low refrigerant levels or airflow obstructions.
Thermostat Set To Cool But AC Not Turning On
Double-check your thermostat settings to make sure the temperature is set correctly. A malfunctioning thermostat could be the culprit.
Thermostat Turned Off But Still Blowing Air
This could point to an issue with the fan motor or wiring in your system, causing the indoor unit to keep running even when the cooling cycle is off.
AC Isn’t Cooling to Set Temp
Your AC may struggle to reach the set temperature due to issues like dirty filters, low refrigerant, or blocked condenser coils.
AC Running Constantly But Does Not Shut Off When Set Temp is Reached
Air conditioners failing to shut off when the desired temperature is reached is a common problem caused by a faulty thermostat, refrigerant leaks, or inefficient HVAC system components.
AC Condenser Fan Not Spinning
This could be a sign of a failed capacitor, motor burnout, or issues with the air conditioner axle.
Fan Running But No Air Coming Out of Vents
This may indicate a blockage in your ductwork, a malfunctioning air handler, or problems with the blower motor.
Troubleshooting Steps You Can Take
- Check the Thermostat: Before calling a professional, check your thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “cool,” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If your thermostat has batteries, replace them if necessary. Double-check that the on-off switch is in the correct position.
- Inspect the Circuit Breaker: If your outside unit isn’t turning on, head to your home’s circuit breaker. Look for any tripped breakers and reset them if needed. If the breaker continues to trip, it’s best to contact a licensed electrician, as this could signal a more serious electrical issue.
- Examine the Outdoor Unit: Visually inspect the outdoor AC unit for obvious signs of damage or debris blocking airflow. If you notice dirt on the condenser coils or the fan axle will not spin properly, you may have a maintenance issue that needs professional attention.
The Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance for Both Indoor and Outdoor Units
Keeping up with regular, proper maintenance is key to preventing problems like your outside AC unit not turning on. Homeowners can help by regularly changing air filters, cleaning debris from around the outdoor unit, and scheduling annual AC tune-ups with an experienced HVAC technician. This keeps your system running efficiently and can help catch issues like bad capacitors or dirty coils before they cause a breakdown.
Luckily, our team at Aire Texas offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round. Some of the many benefits of an AC maintenance plan include regular inspections of both your outdoor unit and inside AC unit, necessary cleaning, and addressing potential issues before they lead to costly repairs down the line. When you sign up for our HVAC maintenance plan, we’ll make sure your system stays in top condition, providing reliable comfort throughout the year.
When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician
One of the things you should never do to your AC is attempt repairs on high-voltage components or ignore warning signs like unusual noises or hot air from your vents. If you’ve checked your thermostat and circuit panel and still can’t get your outside AC unit to turn on, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician.
Attempting a DIY repair can be risky, especially if it involves high-voltage components like bad air conditioner capacitors or safety switches. Warning signs such as strange smells, persistent noises, hot air blowing from vents instead of cold air, or a cooling system that won’t turn on at all indicate serious problems that require expert attention. What’s more, delaying these necessary repairs can lead to further damage, higher energy bills, and uncomfortable living conditions.
Ignoring these issues can strain your HVAC system and cause more expensive repairs in the future. To keep your HVAC system running correctly and restore comfort to your home, it’s crucial to bring in a trained technician. They’ll safely handle all electrical components, diagnose any bad air conditioner capacitors, and ensure your cooling system is back to delivering the cold air you need to stay comfortable in the Texas heat.
How Our Plano AC Repair Technicians at Aire Texas Can Help
At Aire Texas, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing HVAC systems in Plano and the greater Dallas area. Whether you’re dealing with outside AC unit issues, compressor failure, fan failures, or anything else that is compromising your comfortability, our professionally certified AC repair technicians are ready to assist.
If DIY troubleshooting hasn’t resolved the issue, don’t wait—give Aire Texas a call at (972) 424-2473 or contact us online today! We’ll get your system up and running so you can enjoy cool air in your home once again.
