Have you ever been in a situation where you adjust your thermostat, hear the familiar click, but then silence? There was no hum of the AC unit starting, no cool air blowing through the vents – just a puzzling quiet.
This scenario can be frustrating, especially on a hot summer day. This post will explore why and how to troubleshoot when the thermostat clicks, but AC does not turn on.
As mentioned in our article about the Parts of an HVAC System, the thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, telling it when to heat or cool your space to maintain your desired comfort level.
First, let’s understand what the “click” means. In most thermostats, the click is a mechanical sound that occurs when the thermostat sends a signal to the AC unit to begin cooling.
It indicates that the thermostat is working and is trying to communicate with the air conditioning system. So, if you hear the click, your thermostat is likely not the issue.
Ensure that your AC unit has power. Check your circuit breakers and look for any tripped switches. Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as flipping a switch.
As said in our article about Thermostat Not Working, sometimes, the source of the problem might not be the AC itself but others important, external components, which often is a thermostat wiring problem.
Faulty connections at the thermostat can disrupt the signal to turn on the compressor. Loose wires, damaged terminals, or even a misplaced wire can all lead to a chilling silence.
If you’re handy and comfortable with electrical work, you can visually inspect the thermostat wiring for any problems. But for most homeowners, calling a qualified technician is the safest way to diagnose and fix the issue.
In addition to being one of the causes of an AC smelling musty, a heavily clogged air filter can cause your AC unit to overheat and shut down. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters can prevent this.
This is one of the most common deficiencies we find in our clients’ air conditioners. Most people take air conditioning for granted. For instance they forget giving maintenance, and that’s is when the air starts to malfunction, and give homeowners a hard time.
And also, clogged, dirty air filters will drastically reduce indoor air quality, making people with allergies to worsen in a trice.
You can avoid all these inconveniences by keeping on top of your HVAC maintenance.
A refrigerant leak could be to blame. Refrigerant acts like the AC’s blood, carrying cool air. Low refrigerant, often due to a leak, weakens the system. Safety features kick in, preventing a struggling compressor from overheating.
If you suspect a leak, don’t try to fix it yourself. Refrigerant can be harmful and requires a certified technician for repair and recharge.
Poor airflow and other factors can cause your evaporator coils to freeze, preventing the AC from turning on. Turning off the unit and allowing the coils to thaw can help, but addressing the underlying issue is important.
The culprit could be a struggling compressor. This vital AC component pumps refrigerant, and the system can’t cool when it malfunctions.
The thermostat clicks, signaling the problem, but the compressor can’t respond, leaving you frustrated. If restarting the thermostat or checking the air filter doesn’t solve the clicking mystery, consider a compressor issue.
Read our article about AC Compressor Not Turning On, to learn the causes and troubleshooting tips.
Before you call a professional, there are a few things you can do:
● Reset the System: Sometimes, resetting your AC system and thermostat can resolve the issue. Turn off both power, wait a few minutes, and then turn them back on.
● Check the Thermostat Settings: Ensure that your thermostat is set to “cool” and that the set temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
● Inspect the Air Filters: If the filters are dirty, replace or clean them.
● Examine External Units: Check for any visible signs of damage or obstruction around your external AC unit.
If your thermostat clicks, but AC does not turn on , then you could probably be dealing with situations like power issues, refrigerant leaks, or even compressor issues.
This blog empowers you to make informed decisions about your HVAC system so that when you call an HVAC technician, you can explain the symptoms, like a clicking noise or a clogged filter. This clear communication allows the technician to diagnose the issue swiftly, getting your cool air back on faster.
