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Air conditioners are complicated electrical devices. The combination of an intricate electrical system and the use of chemical refrigerant makes it tricky for a non-professional to be able to diagnose what\u2019s wrong with an air conditioner, let alone understand how to fix it.<\/p>\n
Electrical issues are the most common type of malfunction that can bring an air conditioning system to a halt and cut off cooling to a house. Below we\u2019ve listed the electrical malfunctions our technicians often see when they come to repair a customer\u2019s faulty air conditioner.<\/p>\n
Capacitors are essential, but temporary, electrical components found in most devices that rely on electrically powered motors. The capacitors store electrical voltage like a battery and then send the voltage currents to the motors. In an air conditioner, there are capacitors for the compressor motor and the fan motors. A start capacitor<\/em> sends the voltage to get the motor started, while a run capacitor<\/em> sends out periodic voltage to keep the motor running.<\/p>\n Capacitors will eventually wear out, and they\u2019re susceptible to extreme heat. When a capacitor begins to lose its ability to hold a charge, it will make a clicking sound. When the capacitor fails, its motor will no longer run but instead make a humming sound. Trying to get the motor to run at this point may cause it to burn out. Technicians must replace the failed capacitor.<\/p>\n The contactor is responsible for shutting on and off the electrical power to the motors. It\u2019s essentially the internal \u201con\/off\u201d switch for the system. A contactor will also wear down with use and need a replacement. However, the more common problem a contactor may face is when it becomes dirty or blocked. Any accumulation of debris (such as dust or dead insects) can stop the contactor from closing. If the AC won\u2019t turn on, or won\u2019t turn off, it may be the fault of a contactor issue.<\/p>\n Mechanical stress on any of the motors can cause the wiring in the motor house to fuse together, i.e. a burnt-out motor. A burnt-out motor must be replaced, although if you notice a burning odor or grinding noise from the AC cabinets, you may be able to call in technicians to fix the motor before it overheats too far.<\/p>\n Wires can overheat, lose insulation, come loose, or corrode. Even a small wiring issue in an air conditioner can cause the system to trip the AC\u2019s circuit breaker and cut off power to the unit.<\/p>\nBlocked or Dirty Contactor<\/h2>\n
Overheated Motors<\/h2>\n
Bad Wiring<\/h2>\n