Why does American Standard air conditioner fail to turn on after a storm?

 
Potential Electrical Damage from a Storm
 
When a storm strikes, power surges are common and can damage sensitive components inside your American Standard air conditioner – a situation frequently seen in St. Louis. This may include printed circuit boards, integrated electronic modules, or control relays that are not designed to handle excessive voltage. Such damage can prevent the air conditioner from turning on even if it appears to be receiving power.

• The control board may have sustained a surge, resulting in malfunction.
• Internal fuses or circuit protection devices may have blown to prevent further damage.
• Voltage-sensitive electronic components might have been compromised due to the power spike.

 
Tripped Breakers and Safety Switches
 
Storms can lead to tripped circuit breakers or activated safety switches that cut off power to the air conditioner. Before assuming there is internal equipment failure, it is important to confirm that the unit is receiving the proper electrical supply.

• Local circuit breakers at your home’s electrical panel may have tripped.
• The unit’s disconnect switch or safety cutoffs might have been activated.
• An external surge protector or whole-house surge protection device could have intercepted the surge, requiring a reset or repair.

 
Loose or Damaged Wiring
 
High winds and storm conditions can sometimes cause physical damage to wiring and connections. Wires may become loose or insulated coverings might suffer damage, leading to poor electrical contact or short circuits.

• Internal wiring connections may have been dislodged due to vibration or impact from falling debris.
• External wiring that connects the unit to its power source could have been compromised.
• Exposed or damaged wiring increases the risk of additional electrical faults, preventing the system from starting.

 
Moisture Intrusion and Corrosion
 
Storms can also cause moisture to infiltrate electrical components and enclosures. Early stages of corrosion from water exposure can impair connections and lead to component failure.

• Water entering the control panel may cause short circuits or corrosion on delicate electronic parts.
• Condensation can develop on components, further inhibiting the electrical performance of the air conditioner.
• Moisture-related issues may not be obvious immediately but can develop into more significant failures over time.

 
Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve the Issue
 
To determine the root cause and find a solution, you should follow a systematic troubleshooting approach. Begin with simpler checks and then move to more in-depth examinations of the electrical system.

• Inspect your home’s electrical panel to ensure that the circuit breaker for the air conditioner has not tripped and that any safety switches have been reset.
• Examine the disconnect switch near the air conditioner to verify that it is in the correct position and has not been affected by the surge.
• Engage a qualified HVAC technician in St. Louis to inspect internal components like the control board, fuses, wiring, and capacitors for any signs of damage or moisture intrusion.
• Check for visible signs of corrosion, burnt components, or loose wiring connections that could indicate severe electrical stress.
• Consider installing surge protection devices to safeguard the unit against future power surges resulting from storms.