If your cooling system is malfunctioning, quickly identify its cause to save money and avoid costly repairs. Some of these issues can be easily fixed if you know where to look for solutions.
Before you consult a professional, there are a few straightforward checks and measures you can take to remedy the problem – or at least understand its cause. In this post – we’ll walk you through some issues that can cause your HVAC unit to stop running, and offer advice on how to handle them.
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Check the disconnect switch
One of the primary causes for outdoor AC units not functioning is that someone accidentally turned it off. The switch that powers it looks similar to regular light switches and can easily be toggled off by mistake by homeowners. Simply switching it back on will restore power to its fan motor.
Another possibility is that your unit’s circuit breaker has been tripped, so check your home’s breaker box to see if any breakers have been overridden and change them accordingly if necessary.
Inspect the wiring
Your outdoor AC unit’s wires may have become impaired over time due to constant exposure to weather elements, leading to wear or breakage and making diagnosis and resolution challenging without professional guidance.
It may also be your outdoor AC unit’s circuit breaker that may have been tripped, requiring you to open up your home’s circuit box and switch back on its switch. If this keeps occurring, seek the advice of a licensed electrician to locate and address any potential issues with its repair.
Check the capacitor and contactor
Capacitors and contactors (two key electrical components that store energy to run fan motors and compressors) can become inoperable over time, shutting down to prevent further damage to your unit.
If capacitors or contactors show signs of failing (swelling, leakage or pitting), professional assistance should be sought immediately – although replacing these parts yourself may be possible. To protect the integrity of your home, call a certified technician to make the replacements.
Capacitors act like temporary cylindrical batteries to assist the motors that power compressors and fans to start up quickly. Furthermore, capacitors provide regular jolts that keep these motors running smoothly. Without one, their performance would suffer significantly, possibly resulting in motor burnout or, at best, slow operation.
Failure of a capacitor can often be identified by its AC unit taking longer to start up when called for by the thermostat and by hearing a clicking noise when failing.
You can check a capacitor’s value using a multimeter. Most capacitors will feature two caps – one for hermetic compressor use and another for fan operation – to meet label specifications; otherwise, they must be replaced immediately.
Check the compressor
The compressor in your HVAC system circulates the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils of your unit and changes the refrigerant pressure so that it releases heat outdoors. If the compressor is not working, your unit won’t cool your house effectively.
A failed compressor may need professional assistance for repair. To identify an issue, listen for unusual noises. If the compressor is humming or making clattering or rattling noises, this could indicate a problem. Another sign is if the compressor is hard starting, or struggling to turn on. This may be due to an electrical issue or a failing start capacitor.
