Vent, Valve & Volt
AC won't turn on, or the outdoor unit isn't running

You can fix this

Likely cause: the outdoor unit's power was off

The disconnect box or the unit's cord cuts power to the outdoor unit. Switch it back on and it should start.

Why this happens

Trane lists an unplugged condenser among the reasons an AC won't turn on, and notes some units have a small cord that can come loose. The disconnect box next to the outdoor unit is a shutoff that technicians and landscapers sometimes leave off by accident.

How to fix it

  1. Set the thermostat to Off.
  2. While the power is still off, clear loose sticks and leaves from around the outside of the unit by hand. Don't reach inside the fan grille.
  3. Switch the disconnect box back on, or plug the unit's cord back in.
  4. Set the thermostat to Cool and listen for the outdoor unit to start within several minutes.

When to stop. If the disconnect or cord looks melted, scorched or damaged, leave it off and call an HVAC technician.

If this does not fix it, tell the HVAC technician

  • That the disconnect was off or the cord was unplugged, and who last worked on the unit.
  • Whether the unit started once power was restored.

Build the full list: what to tell the HVAC technician.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. Trane: Air conditioner troubleshooting

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