When Your AC Suddenly Stops Working in Auburndale, FL
It’s 90 degrees outside, humidity is off the charts, and your air conditioner decides to take the day off. If your AC won’t turn on and you live in Auburndale, Winter Haven, Lakeland, or nearby Polk County cities, here’s what to do before you start sweating bullets—or worse, spending money unnecessarily.
Step 1: Check the Thermostat
It might sound obvious, but this is where you should always start.
- Make sure it’s set to “Cool”, not “Fan” or “Heat.”
- Set the temperature lower than the current room temp to trigger the system.
- Replace the batteries if it’s a battery-powered thermostat.
Sometimes a dead battery or mis-set thermostat is all it takes to shut things down.
Step 2: Check Your Breaker Panel
Florida storms and power surges can trip your breaker without you even noticing.
- Go to your breaker panel and look for a tripped switch (usually looks like it’s in the middle position).
- Flip it off and back on again to reset it.
- There might be a dedicated switch for the indoor and outdoor unit, so check both.
If it trips again shortly after turning it on, that’s a sign of a deeper issue—don’t keep forcing it.
Step 3: Inspect the Outdoor AC Unit
Step outside and take a quick look at your condenser unit (that’s the part that sits outside).
- Is the fan running?
- Do you hear any humming or buzzing?
- Is there any visible ice buildup on the copper lines?
If the fan isn’t spinning but you hear a hum, it might be a bad capacitor. If everything is silent, the unit may not be receiving power.
Step 4: Replace or Clean the Air Filter
Yes—something as simple as a dirty air filter can shut things down.
- If the filter is clogged, it can overheat the system and trigger a safety shutoff.
- Change it or clean it (if reusable) and give it 30–60 minutes to cool down before turning the system back on.
Step 5: Check the Condensate Drain Line
Florida humidity = lots of water vapor. That means your AC is constantly removing moisture.
- Most systems have a float switch that shuts the AC off if the drain line is clogged.
- Look for a small PVC pipe near the indoor unit—if it’s full of water or gunk, you can try clearing it with a shop vac.
This is one of the most common reasons ACs stop working in Lakeland, Haines City, and Winter Haven.
Step 6: Is It the Disconnect Box?
Your outside AC unit is connected via a disconnect box, which includes a breaker or fuse.
- If a technician recently worked on your system, they might have left the disconnect off.
- Some homeowners also accidentally bump it when doing yard work.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, don’t touch it—call in a pro.
Step 7: Listen for Unusual Noises
If the AC tried to start but made a click, buzz, or hum and then quit, this could point to:
- A blown capacitor
- A burned-out compressor
- A damaged contactor
These parts wear out over time, especially in high-use areas like Polk County.
Step 8: Still No Luck? It’s Time to Call in the Pros
If you’ve gone through the above steps and your system still won’t start, don’t keep guessing.
Trying to “reset” things repeatedly could do more harm—especially if there’s an electrical or refrigerant issue involved.
Why Choose Freedom Air Conditioning in Auburndale, FL?
We’re a family-owned HVAC company serving Auburndale, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Davenport. Our team handles everything from simple AC repairs to full system replacements—with fast response times and honest pricing.
We work with Daikin systems, offer free diagnostics, and provide no-pressure financing options.
📍 Our Info:
Freedom Air Conditioning
207 Gandy Rd, Suite B
Auburndale, FL 33823
📞 (863) 229-7058
🌐 www.myfreedomair.net
Still sweating it out? Let us help.
Whether it’s a small fix or a major AC issue, we’ll get you back to cool quickly.
👉 Call (863) 229-7058 or visit myfreedomair.net to schedule your FREE diagnostic service today.
