When warm air starts blowing from an AC, many homeowners immediately assume that their AC compressor is not working in Portland. While this could be the cause, this issue can stem from other problems as well. By scheduling a professional inspection, you can determine what’s wrong with your unit and how to fix it.
So, why is my AC compressor not working? And how do I know for sure that the compressor is the problem? To learn more about this problem and how to fix it, read on.
Signs the Compressor Is the Real Problem
Differentiating between different types of AC breakdowns can be challenging. If your AC compressor isn’t working, you’ll often notice a few common symptoms.
- Warm air
- Poor cooling performance
- Failure to start
- Loud grinding sounds
- Shrieking noises
- Frequently tripped breakers
- Excessive vibrations
- Hard starting
- Burning smells
- Inexplicably high energy bills
Compressor Failure vs. Fan Failure vs. Thermostat Issue
Often, fan, compressor, and thermostat failures will look fairly similar. As part of your AC compressor troubleshooting in Portland, you can use the following symptoms to tell each problem apart.
- Compressor Failure: A complete failure will lead to no cooling at all. Some of the key signs of an impending failure are warm air, loud buzzing, and a silent outdoor unit.
- Fan Failure: When the fan fails, you’ll be able to see that it isn’t turning even though the compressor is on.
- Thermostat Failure: With thermostat problems, the AC might not turn on at all, or it could short-cycle.
It should also be noted that a compressor humming but not starting is likely due to the capacitor. If the capacitor fails, it may seem like the compressor and the fan aren’t working properly.
Most Common Reasons an AC Compressor Stops Working
So, why is my AC not working? In most cases, it’s due to one of the following reasons.
- Tripped Breaker or Disconnect Issue: If the breaker trips, your AC won’t be able to turn on.
- Failed Run Capacitor: A failed capacitor won’t be able to trigger your compressor to start up and cause added wear on your compressor.
- Burned Contactor Points: If the contactor points are burned, it breaks the circuit, and your compressor won’t turn on.
- Thermal Overload After High Head Pressure: When there is high head pressure, it makes the compressor work harder and run hotter. This triggers an internal switch that shuts the unit off as a protective mechanism.
- Locked Rotor or Winding Failure: These issues can make the compressor seize and lead to significant damage. As a result, you may need to replace your compressor.
Safe Checks To Perform Before Calling
Before you call for AC repairs, try troubleshooting with the following safe checks.
Reset the Breaker Once
If the outside unit’s breaker has flipped, your AC may run but not produce cool air. Don’t reset it multiple times because repeated trips indicate an underlying electrical problem.
Confirm the Disconnect Is Fully Seated
You can confirm this by making sure the disconnect plug is completely inserted and the “on” label is visible.
Clear Debris Around the Condenser
To prevent airflow problems, remove any plants and debris that are within 2 to 3 feet of the condenser.
Verify the Thermostat Is Actually Signaling the AC To Cool
To test the thermostat, turn it to “cool” mode and set the temperature a few degrees lower than the air temperature. If the thermostat is functioning, you should hear the AC at least attempt to turn on.
When To Stop Troubleshooting and Call a Technician
If you notice any of the following issues, you should stop troubleshooting and immediately call for emergency AC repairs to avoid additional damage to your AC and electrical hazards.
- Repeated breaker trips
- Burning smell
- Oil residue
- Loud humming with no start
What a NATE-Certified Compressor Diagnostic Includes
When our NATE-certified technicians come to your home, we’ll go through a few key steps to diagnose the underlying reason why your AC compressor is not working in Portland.
- Voltage Testing: First, our team will check out your electrical systems. We’ll make sure your unit is receiving 240V at the disconnect and the appropriate voltage.
- Capacitor Testing: After the voltage check, our HVAC technicians will measure the capacitor microfarads against the label. This test provides us with important information about whether the problem is the capacitor or the compressor. If you have a humming condenser rated at 45-microfarad capacitor but reading just 28 microfarads, you’re most likely dealing with an AC capacitor failure in Portland and not a compressor issue.
- Contactor Testing: We will also test the contactor continuity using a multimeter and check for continuity across the contactor coil.
- Winding Testing: Then, we will power off your AC and disconnect it by removing all three wires from the compressor unit. This allows us to do a short-to-ground test and winding test. With this information, we can determine if you have a shorted or open winding.
Compressor Repair vs. System Replacement
When deciding between AC repairs and replacement services, it helps to consider a few factors.
- Unit Age: If your unit is relatively new, it will likely last years longer if the compressor is replaced. For perspective, most ACs start to reach the end of their lifespan around the 10-year mark.
- Warranty Status: Often, warranties will cover repairs if they occur before a certain age. If your system is still covered by the warranty, getting an AC compressor replacement in Portland is likely your best choice.
- Repair Costs: As a general rule, it is better to replace your AC if the cost of repairs is 50% of the cost of a replacement.
- R-410A Refrigerant: While R-410A systems can still be serviced, R-410A refrigerant is currently being phased down. Because of the added inventory pressure, costs for repairs and refrigerant recharging will continue to rise for these units. If the unit’s compressor fails, it is likely time to consider a full replacement.
Schedule an AC Diagnostic in Portland
If you’re trying to figure out, “Why is my AC compressor not working?”, it helps to have a professional inspection. When an AC compressor is not working in Portland, our team provides the fast, same-day availability residents need.
Learn more about why your AC isn’t working by giving Central Air a call at 971-435-7303 today.