A typical aircon consists of 4 basic parts. Compressor, condenser, evaporator and dryer. Compressor is one of the most important parts. If your aircon compressor is not working, it means that your aircon can’t function properly. There are several things you can check for if your aircon compressor is not working.
How Does an Aircon Compressor Work?
The aircon compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant gas in the air conditioner. It compresses the refrigerant gas and circulates it through the system. When the refrigerant reaches the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the air inside the room. The refrigerant then goes back to the compressor where it starts the cycle all over again.
Reasons Why Aircon Compressor Not Working
There are several reasons why your aircon compressor might not be working.
Tripped Breaker
One of the most common reasons for a faulty aircon compressor is a tripped breaker. If your air conditioner is on a circuit that frequently trips, it could be due to the fact that the air conditioner is drawing too much power. In this case, you should have an electrician check the air conditioner to see if it needs to be on its own circuit.
Blown Fuse Causing a Disconnect
Another reason why your aircon compressor might not be working is a blown fuse that may be disconnected. The air conditioner’s fuse is located outside, near the air conditioner. If this fuse blows, it will prevent the air conditioner from turning on.
Bad Capacitor
The capacitor is responsible for providing power to the air conditioner’s compressor. If the capacitor is bad, the compressor will not be able to start. An air conditioner repair technician can test the capacitor to see if it needs to be replaced.
Low Refrigerant Level
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it will not be able to cool the air properly. A certified technician can restore the levels with an aircon gas top-up.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can restrict air flow to the air conditioner, causing it to work harder than it should. A simple fix is to replace the air filter with a new one.
Clogged Condensate Drain
If the air conditioner’s condensate drain is clogged, water will back up into the air conditioner and cause it to shut down. An aircon technician can clear the clog and get the air conditioner working again.
Aircon Compressor Troubleshooting Steps
If your aircon compressor is not working, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem.
First, check to see if the air conditioner’s circuit breaker has tripped. If it is tripped, reset the breaker and see if the air conditioner starts working. Next, check the air conditioner’s disconnect fuse. If it is blown, replace it with a new one.
If the air conditioner still cannot work, check the capacitor. If it is bad, replace it with a new one. After all these troubleshooting steps, If the air conditioner is still not working, it may be low on refrigerant. A certified aircon technician can recharge your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Calling Professional Aircon Service
Services
If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your aircon compressor still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional air conditioner repair technician. They will be able to diagnose and fix the problem so you can enjoy cool, comfortable air again.
The professional technician can not only help you with your aircon compressor, they can also help you with other aircon problems such as aircon installation, aircon repair and aircon cleaning. If you ever need help with your aircon, feel free to contact Helpling’s Aircon Servicing for more information.
Rates
Our aircon servicing starts from $35.90/hour. It’ll depend on the type of aircon you have and the service that is required. Additional services such as aircon installation, aircon repair and aircon cleaning will be quoted separately.
Aircon Compressor Maintenance Tips
Here are some aircon compressor maintenance tips to help keep your air conditioner in tip-top condition:
- Check the air filter regularly and replace it when it is dirty.
- Keep the area around the air conditioner clean and free of debris.
- Have a certified technician service the air conditioner every year.
By following these aircon maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your air conditioner will continue to provide you with more years of cooling comfort.
How Helpling Repairs a Failed Aircon Compressor
Checking the breaker and fuse is safe enough. Testing a capacitor or diagnosing a compressor that’s drawing current but not starting is not, it involves live electrics and pressurised refrigerant. Helpling’s aircon technicians handle that part.
Faulty capacitors, contactors and relays are replaced on site. Low refrigerant, a common cause of compressor burnout, is corrected with a gas top-up for R22, R410A and R32 systems. And because most compressor failures start with restricted airflow, we clear choked coils with an aircon chemical wash or chemical overhaul and restore the outdoor unit with condenser cleaning.
Every technician completes 200+ hours of training, and each job carries a 30-day workmanship guarantee backed by 4.8/5 from 7,800+ Google reviews.
Book an aircon repair with Helpling today.
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