An air conditioner not turning on with the thermostat set to Cool usually indicates a control, power, or safety lockout issue. Most often, power is lost to either the air handler or the outdoor unit, or the system is protecting itself from a fault. A technician insight: a condensate float switch often shuts the system down when the drain backs up, and many homeowners don’t realize it tripped. We service homes across the West Palm Beach area daily, so we see these patterns often.
Before you call, look for these simple signals:
- Thermostat: dead batteries, wrong mode, or setpoint above room temp.
- Electrical: tripped breaker, blown fuse, or outdoor disconnect removed.
- Air handler: loose door switch or blower not running.
- System protection: iced coil or high-pressure trip after a dirty filter or blocked coil. If the breaker trips again, you see water at the air handler, or you smell burning, stop and call a pro.
Updated: 2026-07-05
Need help in West Palm Beach, FL? Call (772) 567-3100 or book online. "Prompt response to my loss of air in this heat, most appreciated. Good & friendly repair." — Eric H.