Check these first (free, 5 minutes)
- Thermostat. Set to COOL, temperature below the room, and screen on. Dead screen? Replace the batteries.
- Breaker. Check your electrical panel — AC units often have two breakers (indoor air handler + outdoor unit). Flip any tripped one fully off, then on.
- The float switch / drain pan. This is a huge one in humid Florida: a clogged condensate drain fills the pan and a safety switch shuts the whole system off on purpose. Clear the drain line and empty the pan.
- The condensate overflow / secondary switch near the air handler — if it's tripped, the unit won't start until the water problem is fixed.
- Disconnect box by the outdoor unit — make sure the pull-out isn't loose or pulled.
The Florida #1: a clogged drain line tripping the float switch is one of the most common "my AC is totally dead" causes here — and it's often a 10-minute fix. Try that before assuming the worst.
If it's still dead — likely repairs
| Cause | Typical range |
|---|
| Clogged drain line (pro clearing) | $75–$250 |
| Thermostat replacement | $100–$350 |
| Capacitor | $150–$400 |
| Contactor | $150–$400 |
| Control board | $400–$700 |
Not sure which it is? Run the free troubleshooter →
Handy parts to keep around
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Drain-line tablets
Prevent the clogged drain that shuts the system off.
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