Understanding Why The Fan Is Running But The AC Compressor Is Not Working
What does an HVAC compressor do? It is an essential component of an air conditioning system. Its purpose is to transport heat from the house and compress the refrigerant fluid. Then the warmed refrigerant gets heated up more so that it is converted into a liquid from its gaseous condition. The temperature of the refrigerant always needs to be higher than the environment surrounding it. Heat transfers still from a warm to a cool area. In order to efficiently transfer the heat, the compressor must be in good working condition and be adequately maintained. In certain cases, when an AC is not working, quite often, the root of the problem can be traced to the HVAC compressor.
In the intense summer heat, the worst thing that could happen is to have a malfunctioning HVAC compressor. A properly working AC unit will supply you with nice, cool air instead of having to bear the full brunt of hot, dry air. Given how much an HVAC runs during the summer, it is inevitable that something will go wrong with the compressor eventually. However, if the fan runs with an’t working compressor, that isn’t a serious problem, so don’t worry. Here are some insights into why this might be occurring.
What Is Causing The AC Compressor To Not Work But The Fan Is Running?
When you turn the AC on, you might notice that the compressor is not running, but the fan is. It is usually a simple problem that can be solved with a quick DIY fix in most situations. However, there are times when you might need to call an HVAC technician.
1. Dirty Filters And Coil
The build-up of dirt and debris inside the condenser coil, evaporators, or filters can cause the whole unit to shut down. When the air filter is clogged, the airflow is significantly reduced, which causes the evaporator coil to stop working. Clogged condenser coils and air filters place the compressor under pressure, which makes it overheat. In the best case, the compressor will shut down automatically before it is damaged. If not, the continuous overheating might result in the compressor needing to be replaced. Replace the air filters, clean the condenser coils, clear out all of the obstructions and blockages within the supply vents so that the air can flow freely.
2. Starter Relay And Capacitor Problems
The capacitors and starter relays are essential in supplying the compressor with power. They are the most common cause of compressor problems. The capacitor provides the power needed for starting the outer fan, blower motor, and compressor. Power from the capacitors is transmitted from the starter relay to the compressor. Whenever your AC isn’t working, but humming sounds are coming out of the unit, there is a good chance that your compressor is attempting to access a capacitor that is not working. Fortunately, it is cheap and easy to replace these parts.
3. Dead Compressor
This may be caused by a simple problem like an overheating unit or faulty capacitor. When a compressor is dead, the only option is to replace it. An expert should always do a compressor replacement.
4. Power
Whenever the fan is running, but the AC compressor isn’t working, there is a good chance that the compressor’s outer unit housing is not getting power. The fan continues to run because there is no problem with the central unit. If the compressor does not start, check the wiring that connects the two units. The problem could be a tripped circuit breaker or a blown a fuse.
Other potential causes can include an old AC, mismatched outdoor and indoor units, or a faulty thermostat.
Is The Fan Running But The AC Compressor Not Working?
If you have a non-functioning AC compressor, you could be faced with some of the following situations:
Shaking and strange sounds are coming out of the outdoor unit.
The compressor completely stops.
The circuit breaker continues to trip.
Dry, warm air is coming out of the running fan.
It Is Time To Get Your AC Compressor Fixed
The compressor is an essential component of the AC unit. A professional AC technician can recommend whether to repair or replace your compressor. An industry professional can repair it before your utility bills spiral out of control.
How Can I Prevent My AC Compressor From Not Working?
The best preventative measure is to maintain the unit regularly since that will solve most issues before they have a chance to get worse. The compressor is comprised of several easily replaceable pieces. When inspections are done regularly, a failing part will be detected early and can be replaced to effectively prevent having AC compression problems.
A non-working AC compressor can cause discomfort and concern. If your unit has a problem, the best thing to do is call All Time Air Conditioning today.
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