It’s a nightmare when your AC compressor won’t turn on during the hottest part of the summer. The temperature in your house starts to rise, the kids start to sulk, you’re hurriedly passing out glasses of ice-cold lemonade, etc., you know how it goes. But nothing can stop the sweating. That air conditioner needs to be fixed immediately!
An Ac Compressor: What Is It?
The compressor in your AC system works in a similar way to your heart, acting somewhat like the “pump” that drives a liquid known as refrigerant through your AC. “Pump” might be misleading, though, since the compressor moves the refrigerant by compressing it into a vapor (big surprise!).
When the refrigerant transitions from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, it takes in the heat from the hot air being drawn into the house by the air vents. The refrigerant returns to the outdoor condensing unit as the cooled air is circulated back into the rooms, and the outdoor unit then expels the excess heat outside (similar to how your body perspires when it’s hot).
It takes a lot of work to change the pressure, and the compressor is primarily what you will hear when your air conditioner is running. Since the compressor is susceptible to greater wear and tear than other AC components as a result, mechanical compressor issues are a frequent source of AC issues.
What Caused My Ac Compressor To Stop Functioning?
Check the power supply first if you discover that your compressor or heat pump isn’t working. It’s possible that the device was simply unplugged, or there could be a more serious issue at hand.
If you’re a handy homeowner, now is a good time to check your air conditioner’s compressor or arrange for AC repair services for a more thorough evaluation. To check for indications of a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, broken thermostat, or clogged air filters, you should have the appliance inspected. Filters that are dirty or clogged frequently cause AC compressors to fail.
Be reasonable with the temperature setting on your thermostat to ensure proper cooling system operation. Don’t set your thermostat to 65 when it is 110 degrees outside. Simply put, it’s not intended for that. Additionally, keep in mind that on extremely cold days, heat pumps do not function as well. They function by transporting warm air from one location to another. These systems don’t have much heat to work with when the temperature falls below about 30.
Top Reasons Your AC Compressor Stopped Working
Not all AC repair issues are expensive to resolve. You can calculate the cost of repairs and learn how to avoid future occurrences of the same problem by understanding what the issue with your AC compressor is.
Some of the most common reasons AC compressors stop working include:
- Dirty condenser coils
- Blocked suction lines
- Low refrigerant charge
- Incorrect suction line size
- Too much refrigerant
- Electrical problems
- Contaminants in the system
- Insufficient oil lubricant
- Before AC compressors stop working altogether, they often display warning signs, like:
- Blowing warm air
- Frequently tripping the circuit breaker
- Shaking when the system is started
- Making strange noises
- The secret to identifying and fixing the issues that cause these warning signs as well as avoiding additional AC compressor failures is routine air conditioner maintenance.
For an appointment for air conditioning maintenance or an examination of your AC compressor, call our HVAC contractors in West Volusia at 386-490-8580 right away or send us an online message.
How Can I Tell If My Ac Compressor Issue Is Serious?
Determining when to seek professional HVAC assistance versus attempting a do-it-yourself fix for an AC repair can be challenging at times. If you experience any of these problems, however, it’s best to contact experts for a professional diagnosis:
- Frequent on and off cycling – This is often referred to as a “hard start” and can be caused by an electrical problem within the compressor.
- Reduced cooling – If your home or office doesn’t seem to be as cool as it usually is, your AC compressor may have stopped functioning properly as a result of suction problems. A specialist should deal with this.
- Overheating: Because of faulty wiring or motor problems, overheating can definitely cause your AC compressor to stop working. Call a professional if you see ice or extreme heat and your AC compressor stops working.
- Compressors for air conditioning systems can fail for a number of both simple and complex reasons. In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have a technician from Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning check out the unit to ensure a proper diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting AC Compressor Problems
Has the fan or compressor on your air conditioner stopped working? While most of the time, a qualified HVAC contractor will be needed for in-depth troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs, there are a few simple things you can check for before calling in a technician:
- Look for tripped breakers. In your service panel, locate the breaker for the air conditioner. Turn it completely off, then back on if it appears tripped. If the issue is minor, this will frequently reset the control board and restore operation to your system.
- Check the thermostat to see if it is functioning properly and if the batteries are new. Accidental adjustments could cause the air conditioner to stop working.
- Go outside to the condenser unit and listen for buzzing when the system is attempting to start. The start capacitor may need to be changed if the AC compressor begins to buzz but the system does not turn on. Since it stores high, potentially dangerous voltages, a professional will need to complete that.
- You should hear a distinct click as the AC compressor starts to work. The start relay might be broken if you hear no clicks or loud clickings but the compressor won’t start. Have an HVAC specialist replace it.
What Is The Lifespan Of An AC Compressor?
An AC compressor should last for 10 to 15 years…when the air conditioner is regularly maintained. As previously mentioned, the compressor works hard and experiences normal wear and tear, but when the air conditioning isn’t well maintained, it has to work much, much harder. By doing that, you increase the likelihood that your compressor will eventually become worn out or malfunction.
How Will I Know If My Ac Compressor Is Working Properly?
Whether your compressor is broken and not turning on may not be something you can say with absolute certainty. But there are a number of indicators to watch out for. To identify the specific component of the air conditioner that is malfunctioning, you frequently need specialized tools and gauges.
- The compressor may be the problem when:
- It’s a bit obvious, but your compressor is silent.). It should make a sound when it is running.
- The circuit breaker keeps tripping.
- Warm air (i.e., the condenser and blower fan are both working, but the central unit is not).