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Lic. CAC1819196 · CFC1431159
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Troubleshooting Guide

AC Outside Unit Not Running?

Inside fan blows air but outside AC unit is silent? The cold is created by the outside unit, if it’s not running, you get hot air from your vents. 4 common causes in Tampa.

Quick Answer

Outside AC unit not running in Tampa = 4 causes: (1) tripped breaker/disconnect (Tampa storms), (2) failed capacitor (hums but won’t start), (3) failed contactor (no power reaching unit), or (4) failed compressor. Start: check breaker + disconnect switch. If those are good, call, capacitor/contactor fixes are $279. Call (813) 343-2212.

4 Reasons Outside Unit Stays Silent

Tripped Breaker

DIY possible

Symptom: Thunderstorm recently. Inside breaker panel, AC breaker in “tripped” position (middle).

Reset breaker. If trips again, call, underlying issue.

Tripped Disconnect Switch

DIY possible

Symptom: Outdoor disconnect box (near outside unit) has switch in OFF position.

Flip back to ON. Check for damage (storm, rodent, rust).

Failed Capacitor

Call a tech

Symptom: Low hum from outdoor unit, fan doesn’t spin, compressor won’t start.

Capacitor replacement $279. Most common repair.

Failed Contactor

Call a tech

Symptom: No sound from outdoor unit at all, like the power is off even though breakers look fine.

Contactor replacement $279.

What to Do Right Now

  1. Check outdoor disconnect switch (box near outside unit). Flip to ON.
  2. Check main electrical panel. Reset AC breaker if tripped.
  3. Listen to outdoor unit. Hum = capacitor. Silent = contactor or breaker.
  4. Call Home Therapist.

Capacitor: $279. Contactor: $279. Circuit breaker: $349. Compressor: $649+. See AC repair pricing.

FAQ

Why does Tampa lose outdoor AC so often?

Thunderstorm power surges trip capacitors and contactors regularly June-Sept. Surge protector ($469) prevents most of it.

Can I reset the outdoor disconnect myself?

Yes, it’s a simple switch. If it trips immediately when reset, stop and call.

Is this an emergency?

If it’s 95°F outside with kids/elderly/pets inside, yes. Call our 24/7 line. Otherwise, same-day service is usually enough.

Can I run just the indoor fan?

Fan only circulates air but doesn’t cool. OK for a few hours while waiting for repair.

How do I prevent this?

Surge protector install ($469) + annual maintenance ($249) catches capacitor wear before failure.

Need Help With a dead outside AC unit?

Same-day Tampa Bay service. FREE diagnosis on every call. (813) 343-2212.

★★★★ 4.8 (1,337 verified reviews)
Verified4.8★ · 1,337 reviews
🛡 FL Licensed: CAC1819196 · CFC1431159💼 $1M General Liability + Workers’ Comp🏠 Family-owned since 2017⚡ Same-day service
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They are very professional, punctual, and organized. Adarberto is a great plumber. His experience and knowledge left us with a lot of confidence and peace of mind. We will definitely call them…

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A very friendly and very professional company. They get the job done right and efficiently! And their rates are reasonable. Highly recommend!

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AC therapist are the best in this area. They explain everything that they find and what they recommend

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On time service every few months.. they call ahead to schedule.. they confirm appointments before appointment date and also advise day of when they are on the way!! Great customer service!! Thank…

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They have a quick response time and are easy to communicate with. The service was done well, and Alejandro was very friendly and professional.

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I had a great experience with Alejandro from Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. He repaired two toilets and installed the water line to my new refrigerator after the delivery team refused…

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Amazing service from start to finish. My AC system completely stopped working, and they were able to come out the same day, which was a huge relief. The technician was professional, knowledgeable,…

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As an engineer/fabricator/assembler, I have high standards from my contractors. This guy Sam, he fulfilled all my requests and installation needs. He took pride of his work, and left me with a…

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A big THANK YOU to Home Therapist Cooling, Heating and Plumbing for running sewer pipes to our RV and shed! Samuel was beyond amazing! He was prompt, professional, and his communication style…

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Reviewed by Richard MoralesCo-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor, Home Therapist

Richard co-owns Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing and holds the FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license (CAC1819196) since 2017. The company holds licenses CAC1819196 (FL Class B AC Contractor, Richard Morales) and CFC1431159 (FL Plumbing Contractor, Alex Morales), serving the Tampa Bay metro with a six-technician field team and 1,378+ verified five-star reviews.

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