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AC Will Not Turn On

Central air will not start in Utah: thermostat checks, when to stop, and what an HVAC technician will test.

Safe things to check

• Check that the thermostat has power (a blank screen can mean dead batteries on some models) and is set to Cool.
• Check that the filter is not clogged. ENERGY STAR says to check the air filter every month, change it if it looks dirty, and change it at least every 3 months. A dirty filter slows airflow, makes the system work harder and can lead to early failure. (Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA))

Stop here

Do not open electrical panels on the unit or bypass switches. Capacitors store electric energy and can shock you even with the power off; Angi says capacitor work is not a figure-it-out-as-you-go DIY job. (Source: Angi)

What a technician checks

A technician will usually test power to the unit, the thermostat signal, the contactor, and the capacitor. ENERGY STAR says faulty electrical connections can make a system unsafe and shorten the life of major parts. (Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA))

Typical cost

Angi: thermostat replacement about $150 to $350; capacitor replacement about $200 to $400; contactor about $190 to $250. (Source: Angi; Angi) National figures; not a quote.

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