I can feel you; dealing with an AC compressor not turning on can be a terrible nightmare, and it gets even worse if this happens during summertime.
The AC compressor is a crucial part of the HVAC system. It’s often called the “heart” of the system because it plays a central role in the cooling process. In other words, a faulty compressor means that your AC won’t start.
So, in this blog post, we’ll discuss AC compressors in deeper detail and give you 3 common reasons why they are not turning on. Enjoy your read!
Your AC compressor is the heart of the AC unit because, without the AC compressor, the AC unit won’t even work. The compressor is on the inside part of the condenser unit, and it’s responsible for compressing refrigerant vapor.
The AC compressor is the metal box usually located outside your home. This box contains the motor and other mechanical parts inside.
The HVAC system uses refrigerant to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside. The compressor pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant, which allows it to absorb heat indoors, release it outdoors, and then repeat the cycle.
A common reason for an air conditioner not blowing cold air is a faulty compressor. It can be a nightmare for you and your family, and it can get even worse if you struggle with this during summertime.
So, repairing it is crucial but how will you fix something if you don’t even know what to fix?
Here are the 3 most common causes of an AC compressor not turning on:
Have you heard that a dirty coil and filters can prevent your AC compressor from turning on? Then let me tell you that it is totally accurate. In fact, this is one of the most common issues that people face with their AC units.
When the filters are clogged, your indoor AC unit cannot get the airflow it needs to transfer the coldness away from the evaporator coil. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, and the pressure in the refrigerant can drop to an undesired low level.
In such a scenario, the low-pressure switch is triggered to cut the power off to the compressor. So, regularly clean your AC filters and coil to avoid such issues and ensure your AC unit works efficiently.
Capacitor and starter relay issues are common culprits for an AC compressor failing to engage. The capacitor stores and releases electrical energy, providing the initial boost to start the compressor motor. A faulty capacitor can result in insufficient power delivery. Simultaneously, the starter relay initiates the motor’s operation, and malfunctions can impede the compressor’s startup.
Both components are integral to the electrical system, and their failures can lead to the compressor not turning on, hindering the entire air conditioning unit’s functionality.
Regular maintenance and prompt replacement can prevent these issues and ensure optimal system performance.
Sadly, nothing lasts forever; sometimes, your air conditioner won’t turn on because it is just dead. It could be because the unit had some manufacturing defects or was too old. In this case, there is nothing to do except replace the AC compressor with a new one.
Before getting rid of your current AC compressor, ensure a certified technician checks it out to see if it truly needs to be replaced or if some maintenance or repairs are enough.
There is no better preventative measure to prevent dealing with an ac compressor not turning on than providing it with proper and regular maintenance.
Your air conditioner compressor is supposed to last as long as your air conditioner, which is around 10-15 years working at its best. However, other factors like the quality of the unit, how often you run the air conditioner, and the maintenance frequency and quality will significantly modify such time.
If you don’t ensure proper and regular maintenance to your AC compressor, it won’t last as long as it would have if you had done it, and it will also show problems regularly, such as not turning on. To avoid those bad-case scenarios, you must do maintenance twice a year.
Ensure the maintenance is done by experienced HVAC technicians.
AC compressor problems can be complicated to repair for anyone who is not an HVAC technician. So, this kind of problem almost always lies outside the expertise of most homeowners for them to tackle a DIY project.
Although trying to fix it by oneself can be tempting, it can end up in worse consequences as a person without the necessary expertise can damage it even more.
So, if you are dealing with an AC compressor not turning on, you better contact the expert HVAC technicians from AAC Heating and Air INC to find and fix the problem quickly. In this way, you ensure your comfort with an AC system working at its best.
High-quality results and fair prices for our services are among the benefits of hiring us.
