AC Not Turning On?
Don't panic. Check these things first—about half of "AC won't turn on" issues are simple fixes you can do yourself.
💡 Quick Stat: 50% of "AC won't turn on" issues are thermostat settings, dead batteries, or tripped breakers.
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18+ Years
Family-Owned
Since 2008
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Starting at $45/mo
Same-Day Service
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Skilled Technicians
Check These First (DIY)
Before calling for service, try these quick troubleshooting steps.
Check thermostat settings
Set to COOL mode, temperature below current room temp, fan on AUTO.
Replace thermostat batteries
Dead batteries = no signal to AC. Most thermostats use AA or AAA.
Check BOTH circuit breakers
AC systems have TWO breakers: one for indoor unit, one for outdoor. Check both in your electrical panel.
Check outdoor disconnect switch
Gray box near outdoor unit—make sure the switch or pull-out is in the ON position.
Wait 5 minutes after thermostat change
Thermostats have built-in compressor delay protection. Wait 5 minutes before calling it broken.
Check/replace air filter
Severely clogged filter can cause safety shutdown. Check filter and replace if dirty.
Tried everything above and still having issues?
Our technicians can diagnose the problem in about 30 minutes.
Schedule Service: (704) 821-3632Common Causes & Repair Costs
What might be wrong and what it typically costs to fix.
| Cause | Likelihood | Cost | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
Tripped Circuit Breaker Check both breakers—indoor and outdoor units have separate breakers. | Very Common | Free | ✓ Yes |
Thermostat Issue Wrong settings, dead batteries, or faulty thermostat. | Very Common | $0-$300 | ✓ Yes |
Capacitor Failure Start/run capacitor helps motor start. Common failure point, especially in summer. | Common | $200-$300 | Pro |
Contactor Failure Electrical relay that turns compressor on/off. Burns out over time. | Moderate | $250-$400 | Pro |
Compressor Overload Trip Safety device trips when compressor overheats. May reset on its own or need repair. | Moderate | $200-$500 | Pro |
Low Refrigerant/Leak Low refrigerant triggers safety shutdown. Requires leak detection and repair. | Less Common | $200-$800 | Pro |
Compressor Failure Major component failure. Often more cost-effective to replace entire system. | Rare | $1,500-$3,500 | Pro |
Wiring/Electrical Issue Damaged wires, loose connections, or burned terminals. | Less Common | $150-$400 | Pro |
Tripped Circuit Breaker
DIYCheck both breakers—indoor and outdoor units have separate breakers.
Thermostat Issue
DIYWrong settings, dead batteries, or faulty thermostat.
Capacitor Failure
ProStart/run capacitor helps motor start. Common failure point, especially in summer.
Contactor Failure
ProElectrical relay that turns compressor on/off. Burns out over time.
Compressor Overload Trip
ProSafety device trips when compressor overheats. May reset on its own or need repair.
Low Refrigerant/Leak
ProLow refrigerant triggers safety shutdown. Requires leak detection and repair.
Compressor Failure
ProMajor component failure. Often more cost-effective to replace entire system.
Wiring/Electrical Issue
ProDamaged wires, loose connections, or burned terminals.
Diagnose by Symptom
Describe what you're experiencing to narrow down the cause.
"Nothing happens at all—no sounds, no fan, nothing"
Likely cause: Power issue—check breakers, thermostat batteries, and outdoor disconnect first.
"Indoor fan runs but outdoor unit is completely silent"
Likely cause: Outdoor unit power issue, failed capacitor, or failed contactor.
"I hear a humming/buzzing but compressor won't start"
Likely cause: Failed capacitor (most common) or compressor issue.
"It worked yesterday but not today after a storm"
Likely cause: Tripped breaker from power surge. Check both breakers.
"AC turns on briefly then shuts off"
Likely cause: Short cycling—could be thermostat, refrigerant, or compressor overload.
Our Repair Pricing
Upfront, honest pricing. No surprises.
$89
Diagnostic Fee
Waived with repair
$200-$800
Most Repairs
20-45 minutes
Response Time
30-50%
Less Than Big Co's
* Prices shown are typical ranges. Final price depends on specific diagnosis.
Serving the Charlotte Metro Area
Same-day emergency service available • Response in 20-45 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my AC turn on at all?
Start with the basics: Is your thermostat set to COOL and below room temperature? Are the batteries fresh? Are both breakers (indoor and outdoor) in the ON position? These simple fixes solve about 50% of "AC won't turn on" calls. If those check out, the most common cause is a failed capacitor ($200-$300 to fix).
My outdoor AC unit won't turn on but the indoor fan works. What's wrong?
When the indoor unit works but outdoor doesn't, it's usually an outdoor unit issue. Most common: failed capacitor ($200-$300). Could also be failed contactor ($250-$400) or less commonly, a compressor issue. Check the outdoor disconnect switch first—sometimes it gets bumped to OFF.
How much does it cost to fix an AC that won't turn on?
It depends entirely on the cause. Free fixes: thermostat settings, breakers, batteries. Common repairs: thermostat replacement ($300-$800), capacitor ($200-$300), contactor ($250-$400). Most repairs fall in the $200-$800 range. Our $89 diagnostic fee is waived if you proceed with repair.
Should I try to fix my AC myself?
DIY is fine for: thermostat settings, battery replacement, checking breakers, replacing filters, and checking the outdoor disconnect. Do NOT DIY: anything inside the outdoor unit, electrical repairs, or refrigerant issues. Capacitors can store lethal charge even when power is off. When in doubt, call a professional.
How quickly can you come fix my AC?
We offer same-day service for most AC repairs. Based in Indian Trail, our average response time is 20-45 minutes. Emergency service is available—call (704) 821-3632.
What's your diagnostic fee?
Our diagnostic fee is $89, which covers the visit and complete system evaluation. This fee is waived if you proceed with our recommended repair—you only pay for the repair itself.
Still Can't Get Your AC Running?
We'll diagnose and fix it fast. $89 diagnostic (waived with repair). Same-day service available.
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