You set the thermostat, and nothing happens — no fan, no outdoor unit, no click. Before you assume the worst, run through these checks. In Florida homes, a full no-start is frequently something simple.
If none of these bring it back to life, call (561) 786-1337. Same-day service, diagnosis before we quote.
Check the Thermostat First
A blank thermostat display is the most common no-start we see. Replace the batteries first — it's the cheapest fix there is. Then confirm it's set to COOL with the setpoint below room temperature.
If the display lights up but the system still won't start, the problem is downstream.
Check the Breaker — Once
Find the AC breaker in your electrical panel. If it's tripped, flip it fully OFF, then fully ON. If it holds, try the system.
If it trips again right away or within minutes, leave it OFF and call us — repeated resets can damage the compressor or the wiring.
The Float Switch — Very Common in Florida
Most Florida air handlers have a condensate float switch: when the drain line clogs and the pan fills with water, the switch shuts the whole system off to prevent flooding. It looks like the system died, but it's actually a drain problem.
Look for a full drain pan or water around the air handler. The clogged drain still needs to be cleared, which is a service call.
Check the Outdoor Disconnect
The outdoor unit has a disconnect switch in a small box mounted nearby. Storms, landscapers, and curious hands can flip it off. If it's off, flip it back on.
If it's on and everything else checks out, the problem is electrical or a failed component — and that's a job for a technician.
Common questions
The thermostat has a display but the system won't start. What now?
That rules out batteries and usually rules out the float switch. The next suspects are the breaker, the disconnect, or a failed control board, contactor, or capacitor. We test each of those in order on a service call.
My AC stopped after a thunderstorm. What happened?
Storms cause two common no-starts: a tripped breaker from a surge, and a tripped float switch if the drain backed up. Check both. If the breaker won't hold, the surge may have damaged a component — don't keep resetting it.
Is the float switch something I can reset myself?
Emptying the pan lets the switch reset on its own, but the clogged drain that filled it is still there. Think of the float switch as the warning light, not the problem. Clearing the drain line is the actual fix.
Related help
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(561) 786-1337