When you say an air conditioner is "connected to a power source but not plugged in," it's a bit unclear what you mean. However, I assume you are referring to a situation where an air conditioner is connected to an electrical outlet, but the outlet is not supplying electricity (not turned on or has no power).
In this scenario, the air conditioner will not work for the following reasons:
No Power Supply: Air conditioners require electrical power to function. If the electrical outlet is not supplying power, the air conditioner will not receive the necessary electricity to operate any of its components, including the compressor, fan, and control circuits.
Compressor Won't Start: The compressor is the key component responsible for cooling the air in an air conditioner. It requires a sufficient amount of electrical power to start and operate. Without power, the compressor won't be able to run, and as a result, the air conditioner will not cool the air.
Fan Won't Run: Even if the air conditioner is designed to have a "fan-only" mode, which circulates air without cooling it, the fan also requires electrical power to operate. Without power, the fan won't function, and the air will not circulate effectively.
Controls and Electronics: Air conditioners have electronic controls and display panels that rely on electricity. Without power, you won't be able to control the air conditioner's settings, and the unit will effectively be "off."
In summary, without a power supply from the electrical outlet, the air conditioner cannot function. It requires electrical power to run its compressor, fan, controls, and other components essential for cooling and circulating air. To operate the air conditioner, ensure that it is properly plugged into a working electrical outlet and receiving power.