2007-06-09 08:43:51 · 4 answers · asked by joe b 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Primary cause is no power to condensing (outdoor) unit. Check breaker or fuse panel, check service disconnect at unit.
Other causes are beyond the skills of the typical homeowner:
Open capacitor
Compressor motor winding bad
Electrical relay malfunction
low refrigerant charge
Condenser fan not operating, leading to excess pressure and killing the unit.
2007-06-09 08:53:14 · answer #1 · answered by OrakTheBold 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there is a variety of answers. lets go over some common approaches. then determine what is the best value for your issue.
you say the compressor is not coming on, is that due the the system not cooling the house?
check the following items.
While the unit is running go out side and physically look at the compressor if you are able to touch it without any danger please do so to confirm its running. some can run exceptionally quiet. YOU CAN DO
Thermostat- ensure its set to cool only and if its a digital shut off the heat side of it. if you dont know. you may need to get a tech out there. ive had call outs to homes where the fan is only on and the unit is shut off..i hate those calls i must charge my call-out fee and feel guilty charging for such a simple call out. YOU CAN DO
filters- ensure they are clean. YOU CAN DO
some units have a disconnect (shut off box) either at the unit or somewhere close. it may have blown a fuse. THIS IS DANGEROUS AREA IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO WORK WITH ELECTRICTY CALL A TECHNICIAN,,,,CAN BE FATAL!. ensure fuses are good. you have 2-3 fuses there. if one is out it can be to the compressor. replace it with the same quality fuse. if it blows again. you may have a more serious problem. CARE AND BIG DECISION ON THIS FOR YOU TO DO OR CALL A TECH. I SAY CALL A TECH.
the start/run capcitor may be out or simply disconnected. do not try to touch this item. HIGH VOLTAGE ,,,CAN BE FATAL! it looks like (in most cases) a small aluminum oblong can with terminals at the top or one end. HAVE TECH DO
in some older homes the compressor is on lone breaker in the main electrical panel. check that too. YOU CAN DO
if you see its actually running but not cooling....shut down the unit and clean out the outside coils with water or compressed air. careful and do not wet any electrical equipment on the unit. shut down the unit at the breaker panel. dirt and debris usually clog this set of coils and restricted air flow happens not allowing the heat exchange to happen. this also happens on the evaporator coils and you may not have easy access to these. but if its gonna save you some big bucks...at least give a try. you can do this
there are several other issues that may be the problem at this point i would seriously recommend your call a technician at this time. it can the low switch or high pressure switch, or a weak contactor not engaging the compressor, and well thats for a tech to figure out for you. ensuring your unit is good and safe and working at peak. dont delay
Your safety is first.
GL
k
2007-06-09 10:10:15 · answer #2 · answered by X. X 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
low on coolant/freon or pressure switch could also be breaker at AC unit
2007-06-09 08:51:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
might be gone or you could try giving it a boost. also check outside filter might need to have it cleaned i think its a alluminum type spray they use in a hand pump
2007-06-09 08:55:12 · answer #4 · answered by waynelurvey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋