If you’re experiencing problems with your air conditioning, you might want to check out these reasons why your AC needs troubleshooting. In this article, we’ll cover things to check that can affect the efficiency of your system.
Contactor
Several things can go wrong with your air conditioner, including the contactor. Contactors are electrical components that work together to turn circuits on and off. They contain three major components: contacts, an electromagnet, and an enclosure.
When one part fails, the other will be affected as well. If you suspect a malfunction in one part, it may be time to replace the whole unit. But if you suspect a contactor problem, here are some steps you can take to fix it.
Check the time delay control switch. If it’s not working properly, the compressor might try to start against high head pressure. Time delay switches are designed to protect the compressor from damaging itself.
Also check the electrical wiring. If it’s faulty, it could be undersized or damaged. These problems can cause contactor failure. It’s important to check the electrical wiring for continuity. It’s possible to find a loose connection or torn wiring.
If you’ve found that the contactor is faulty, it’s time to replace it. You can do this yourself or call a professional AC repair Philadelphia service to replace it. Regardless of which option you choose, you must make sure that the replacement contactor has the right electrical connectors so that it can work properly.
If the AC contacts fail, it might be a dirty contact or a weak coil. A dirty contact or a weak coil can cause a chattering sound. Whether they’re dirty or not, a technician can replace them to fix the problem.
Start/run capacitor
A failed start/run capacitor may be the result of poor lead contact, an internal disconnection, or a blown fuse. If you suspect a faulty capacitor, use insulating gloves and short-circuit wire to short its two poles.
Remove the start capacitor from the system by hand. If more than one start capacitor is in a series, discharging each one individually will ensure that no capacitors are in series.
First, remove the old start/run capacitor from the battery. If it is tight, use a rocking motion to lift the wires. Don’t pull on them too hard; you might accidentally hit the other terminal. Then, connect the new capacitor in the same way.
If you’ve disconnected the wires from the old one, you’ll need to replace them. If you’re not sure which one to replace, consult your owner’s manual to determine the type of capacitor you have.
To test a start/run capacitor’s capacitance, use a multimeter. Click the link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter to learn more about this tool. Plug the meter’s probes into the two terminals and then use a screwdriver to discharge the capacitor.
If the multimeter reads a continuity reading, the capacitor is shot. It’s best to replace it immediately. You can also replace the resistive component if your capacitor is shot.
A failed run/start capacitor can cause numerous problems. A bad run capacitor deprives the motor of full voltage. While both types are made of the same material, the run/run capacitor has a much higher capacity.
It is important to note that you can’t replace a start/run capacitor with the same type, because the run/start capacitor cannot handle the continuous current of a motor.
Clogs
A musty or moldy smell coming from your central air unit could be an indication of a clog in the drain line. Moldy air can be hazardous to your family’s health. Click here for more information.
If you’ve noticed a dark mass coming out of your AC drain pipe, the most likely solution is to uncap the drain. You can use a wet vac, garden hose, or plumber’s snake to clear out the clog. If you’re unsure, you can also use a pipe cleaner or wire brush to loosen any debris stuck in the pipe.
Another common cause of AC clogs is improperly installed drain lines. A professional HVAC technician can adjust or replace the drain line to reduce the chances of future clogs. To ensure proper AC performance, check your filter and drain line often.
