Why is Your Central Air Conditioning Compressor Not Working?

What is a central air conditioning compressor?

The compressor is a crucial part of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for carrying heat away while compressing the refrigerating liquid. The heated refrigerant is warmed up further, which helps to convert its gaseous form into a liquid. The temperature of a refrigerant must always be higher than its surrounding atmosphere. Heat can be transferred from hotter to cooler regions. To transfer heat efficiently, proper maintenance of the compressor is mandatory, and it should be in working condition. In many cases, when the AC doesn’t work properly, the inefficiency of the HVAC compressor can be the root of the problem.

Summers can be really harsh, and the worst thing that can happen to you is a poorly working compressor. A working air conditioner system will provide the users with a nice and cool environment as opposed to standing the brunt of dry, warm air. How much the HVAC runs smoothly depends upon the efficiency of its compressor. If you have ascertained that the compressor is not working, but the fan is running, don’t panic. These can be the causes of the central air conditioner problem.

1. Grimed Filters and foils

The accumulation of dirt and grime in the evaporators, filters, foils, and condenser can cause the whole unit to shut off. A blocked air filter significantly reduces the airflow, so that the functioning of the evaporator coil halts. Clogged condenser coils and air filters make the compressor overheat and put it under pressure. In ideal conditions, the compressor shuts down automatically before getting damaged. In other situations, continuous pressure and overheating may lead to a permanent replacement of the compressor. To avoid this typical central air conditioner problem, replace the filters, clean the condenser coils and remove all the obstructions and blockages in the supply vents for the smooth flow of air.

2. Dead compressor

This can happen from a minor problem such as an overheating unit or a defective capacitor. The only choice with a dead compressor is replacement. An expert must do this replacement.

3. Starter relay and capacitor issues

Capacitors and starter relays are built-in elements that supply power to the compressor. They are believed to be the most prevalent reasons for compressor inefficiency. Capacitors deliver the power required to start and operate the compressor, the outer fan, and the blower motor. Power is transmitted from the capacitors to the starter relay central air conditioning compressor through the starter relay. Have you ever heard humming sounds from the compressor when it was not working properly? That is because the compressor attempts to access a non-working capacitor. The positive thing is that they are the cheapest and most accessible parts that can be replaced.

4. Power issues

When your central air conditioner compressor is not working but the fan is running, it can be because of the fact that the outer unit in which the compressor exists is not receiving enough power. The fan keeps running because the central unit is working fine. Check the wiring connection for both units; a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse notifies that the search has expired. An old AC, mismatched outdoor and indoor units, and a defective thermostat can be the other solid reasons.

Regular maintenance of the compressor is the best precaution to avoid this problem. The compressor has multiple integral parts that are cheap and can be easily replaced. With regular inspection, you can easily spot the part that is not functioning properly and have it replaced. You can contact us to book an expert air conditioner service technician to fix any problem with your air conditioning system. Call us on 1300 730 896.