Just when you are thinking about beating the heat in the cool comforts of your home, the AC stops working. There is no bigger mood spoiler than an air conditioner that does not cool the house. It becomes even more unbearable when the weather is not only hot but also clammy. So figuring out what is wrong with the cooling system and getting it repaired becomes a top priority. In a large number of cases, the problem lies with the compressor and the AC fan. Today, we shall help you figure out the probable causes of why your fan and compressor are not running.
Understanding The Compressor
To know the problem with the outdoor unit or the compressor unit, one first needs to understand how it works. Once you understand the basic concept, diagnosing the problem becomes easier.
The AC consists of two fans. The one in the inside unit is tasked with the function of blowing cold air into your house. While the second one, which is on the outer side or in the outdoor unit, is responsible for blowing air across the coils to remove heat from the air. Even if one of these fans malfunctions or stops working, the cooling capability of the AC suffers.
How To Know Whether The Fan Is Working Or Not?
Figuring out whether the fan in the compressor unit is working or not is relatively easy. All you need to do is switch on the AC and take a stroll outside to where the outdoor unit is installed. If you hear a soft humming sound and see the fan blades moving, it means that the fan is working. However, if you hear the hum but can’t see the blades of the fan move, there is probably a capacitor problem.
What Could Be Wrong If The Compressor Fan Is Not Working?
If the AC compressor fan is not working, these could be the probable problems:
1. If the compressor is working but not the fan, it is indicative of either motor or capacitor failure.
2. If there is no sound to indicate that the compressor and fan are working, it points towards a break in the power supply or a faulty compressor contactor.
When Both AC Fan And Compressor Are Not Working
It may seem that you are doomed when both AC fan and compressor refuse to work. Take a breath because things are not always as dire as they look. Here are two possibilities that could prevent the AC fan and compressor from working:
1. No Power – As mentioned above, sometimes the problem is relatively simple, and we jump to wrong conclusions. First and foremost, check whether the air conditioner has a power supply or not. It could be a tripped circuit breaker, a fuse that has blown, or probably there is no power supply at all in your area. To rule out the last scenario, all you need to do is check whether the other appliances in your home are working or not. When there is a power outage, your whole house will not get any electricity and so no electrical appliances will work. If that is the case, you can do nothing but wait for the power supply to get back on. But if the other appliances are working, first check the circuit breaker of the AC. If it has tripped, push it back to the “ON” position. Even then, if the AC does not kick in, check the fuse. The AC may have blown a fuse, and if that is so, you will have to replace the blown fuse with a new one.
2. Faulty Compressor Contactor – A contactor is tasked with supplying electricity to various parts of the AC, including the compressor. It controls the flow of electricity to the compressor to cycle it on and off as per the need. In the “up” position, the contactor restricts the flow of electricity. So essentially, it is preventing the AC from stating its cooling process. When in the “down” position, it allows the current to pass through to initiate the cooling cycle. With age and constant use, wear and tear of the contactors happen. As a result, they tend to burn out. Replacing the worn out contactor with a new one is the only feasible solution under the circumstances. Sometimes when they get dirty, they tend to get stuck in one position (which could be either up or down). Cleaning, dirty contactor will solve the problem easily.
Preventing Contactor Issues
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. The same stands true for HVAC problems. The best way to prevent any breakdowns is by ensuring regular annual tune-up of the heating and cooling system. During the tune-up, the technician tries to prevent any unnecessary faults from developing in the various components of the HVAC system, including the contactors, by trying to catch them at an early stage. This way, no issue materializes into anything serious when you need the cooling of your air conditioner the most.
Do Not Try To Rectify AC Issues On Your Own Until Advised By The Manufacturer
No homeowner should ever try to rectify any AC fault on their own until and unless approved by the manufacturer and the technician. Going against their advice can put not only your safety but also that of your cooling system at risk. Additionally, if your AC is new and still under warranty, going against their word can nullify it.
Concluding Thoughts
If you have seen the regular maintenance of your AC year after year, the chances are that when the AC fan and compressor are not running, it is not a significant problem. However, always call a professionally trained technician to validate the problem and rectify it. Do keep in mind that your AC is an expensive piece of machinery, so you should not experiment with it.
If you live in West Palm Beach and are facing some problem with your HVAC unit, call the air experts at Aztil Air Conditioning. We are available 24/7 and can be reached anytime at +1-888-729-8452.
