Runner into the room, dripping sweat and craving cooling relief, only to face an air conditioner that simply refuses to turn on - not an ideal summer day! You may be no repairman, but guess what, my friend? I am! And I'm about to walk you through the magical art of making that unresponsive AC unit spring back to life.

Let's DIY Without Breaking a Sweat: The Preliminary Checks

Before we unleash our inner handyman, let’s consider the simplest solution: Is your AC unit receiving power? If your remote control ran out of battery, or the unit is unplugged, you might have banged your head against the wall for nothing. Do these preliminary checks:

1. Check the plug: Ensure it’s securely plugged into the power socket.
2. Check the circuit breaker: A power surge might have tripped it. If it’s in the off position, flick it back on. Anyway, who doesn’t love a little game of breakers, right?

If you’ve passed the preliminary checks, but your AC is still unresponsive, there might be an issue with your thermostat. It could be throwing a tantrum because it feels neglected.

• Adjust your thermostat: Lower the temperature setting by 5 degrees. If the AC kicks on, then Houston, your problem was just an attention-seeking thermostat!
• Give it some juice: If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them. Always remember to feed your gadgets regularly!

Meet Your New Best Friend: The Air Filter

You know how we humans can’t function well when we’re clogged up? Well, your AC feels the same way! A dirty air filter restricts airflow and may cause your AC to shut down to protect its components from overheating. Here's how to heal your AC's respiratory issues:

1. Locate the air filter: Check your owner’s manual. Once the filter is located, pop it out with a gentle tug.
2. Check the filter: If it's as caked as a bakery display, it’s time to give it a good wash or replace it if it's really old.

When Things Get Serious: Checking The Capacitor & Contractor

If the problem prevails, it’s time to get down and dirty with some technical components. WARNING: This is a territory only to be explored if you are comfortable with handling electrical components.

1. Capacitor: This jolt provider gets the motor running. If defective, the AC might ignore your every command. Hire a pro or use a multimeter to check the capacitor. If it's defective, replace it.
2. Contractor: It forms a bridge between the thermostat and the system. If it’s fried, the AC is not getting your turn-on signals. Again, use a multimeter to check and replace if necessary.

Calling in the Cavalry: Consider Professional Help

If you've bravely battled through these stages but your AC still shows resistance, it’s time to call in the experts. Remember, while DIY is fun and satisfying, ensuring your safety and the integrity of your AC is paramount.

Ready for the cool finale? You’ve just breezed through your first DIY air conditioner troubleshooting session! Regardless of the result, you stepped up, took charge, and got familiar with your AC. For that, I say - 'Well done!'. Keep exploring, keep learning, and soon you'll be your own favourite handyman!