Split AC Not Turning On | Why AC Is Not Switching On

Nowadays, the use of air conditioners and split units has become very common. Therefore, understanding their possible issues is of great importance. One of the most common problems that users face is the sudden shutdown of the device. To learn more about the reasons why a split air conditioner may not turn on and how to fix them, please stay with us until the end of this article.
This article explains the most common reasons why a split air conditioner may suddenly shut down or fail to turn on. The causes include refrigerant leakage, blocked refrigerant flow, capacitor or circuit board failures, compressor and thermostat malfunctions, improper installation, and poor airflow caused by clogged filters or dirty coils. Additional electrical issues, such as a blown fuse, faulty wiring, dead remote batteries, or voltage fluctuations, can also prevent the unit from operating. Each section outlines the symptoms and appropriate solutions, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and professional repair. By understanding these issues, users can prevent major breakdowns and extend the lifespan of their split air conditioners.

split ac not turning on

Low Refrigerant Gas or Blockage in the Refrigerant Path

A reduction in refrigerant gas may occur due to leakage, which leads to overheating and failure of the compressor, eventually causing the air conditioner or split unit to shut down. To solve this problem, the refrigerant must be recharged by a licensed and professional installer, and any leakage must be properly repaired.
If the refrigerant flow path is blocked, insufficient refrigerant will reach the compressor, and its operation will be disrupted. As a result, the unit shuts down automatically to prevent damage. To resolve this issue, you should contact the authorized after-sales services of your air conditioner brand.

Electrical Board Malfunction in Air Conditioner and Split Units

The electronic control board manages the operations of various components, such as turning the compressor on and off, controlling the condenser and evaporator fans, adjusting cooling or heating levels, and more. If the board fails, the device will automatically shut down. To fix this, the board must be repaired or replaced by the authorized after-sales service of the brand.

Faulty Capacitor in Air Conditioner and Split Units

If the capacitor is defective, it cannot supply the required electricity to the device, and as a result, the system will repeatedly turn on and off. In this case, the capacitor must be replaced by the authorized after-sales service of the manufacturer.

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Condenser Fan Malfunction

If the condenser fan fails to work properly, the refrigerant will not be cooled effectively. Similarly, if the evaporator fan malfunctions, cooling of the indoor space will be slowed down. As a result, the unit overheats and shuts down. Therefore, any fault in the condenser fan should be addressed by the authorized service center.

Inadequate Airflow in Air Conditioners and Split Units

Poor airflow in the unit causes system components to malfunction and may lead to a sudden shutdown. Blocked drain pipes, frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser or evaporator fins, or clogged air filters are the most common reasons. In such cases, it is necessary to contact the authorized after-sales service of your unit’s brand.

Compressor Failure

A damaged compressor will cause the entire system to stop working. One common cause is refrigerant leakage, which leads to compressor failure. In this case, the problem must be checked and repaired by the authorized technicians of the brand.

Thermostat Malfunction and Improper Unit Placement

The thermostat measures the room temperature and controls when the system starts or stops. If it malfunctions, the air conditioner may not operate properly or may shut down suddenly. A faulty thermostat sensor or an inappropriate location for the indoor unit can cause concerns.
The installation position of the split unit is also very important. For example, it should not be installed near heat sources such as fireplaces, under direct sunlight, in rooms with many lamps, or next to cold sources such as refrigeration systems or near external doors.

Dirty Air Filters

The indoor air filters trap dust and pollutants. If they are dirty, airflow is restricted, and the system struggles to function properly. Over time, this may damage the air conditioner, and the refrigerant may even freeze on the evaporator coil, causing the unit to shut down automatically. In this case, the filters must be removed and washed with warm water.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The outdoor unit (condenser) consists of coils, a fan, and the compressor, all responsible for releasing heat outdoors. If the coils are covered in dust and dirt, they act like insulation and prevent proper heat transfer. This makes the refrigerant excessively hot and forces the unit to overwork until it overheats and shuts down.
To prevent this, the unit should be serviced regularly, and the condenser coils should be cleaned with a special spray by certified technicians.

Additional Common Causes of Split AC Not Turning On

Besides the above, other simple but important issues can prevent your air conditioner from turning on:

Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
Loose or faulty power connections
Damaged plug or power socket
Remote control problems, such as dead batteries or sensor malfunction
Power stabilizer or surge protector lockout due to voltage fluctuations
Wrong remote settings, such as timer mode

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Summary of the Reasons that Prevent the Split AC from Turning

In this article, we reviewed some main reasons why a split air conditioner might shut down or fail to turn on, such as refrigerant leakage, compressor failure, thermostat malfunction, improper installation, airflow problems, capacitor or circuit board issues, dirty filters and condenser coils, and even simple causes such as a tripped fuse or faulty remote control. You can quickly identify these concerns early to prevent serious damage to your system.
To explore and compare different models and capacities of split air conditioners and check updated prices, visit the official website of DamaTajhiz (the first and most trusted specialized reference in building equipment and HVAC systems since 2004, with three valid business licenses). If you would like more information and expert consultation, you can contact the HVAC department specialists at DamaTajhiz during working hours.

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