Do you ever want to know how to repair air conditioner compressor because the air conditioning unit blows out warm air instead of a cool one? When your AC compressor does not work, it is time for you to repair it.
And the only way for you to fix it is by replacing it with a new AC compressor, which is expensive as it is a complex component of the AC unit. The air conditioner compressor works by circulating the refrigerant used through the coils during the heat exchange.
It is an essential component for an air conditioning unit because it runs the AC unit to absorb heat indoors to circulate the cool air that you feel inside your home.
It functions every time you turn on your cooling system. However, it cannot avoid issues with the AC compressor. Some of the common factors that cause your compressor to fail to work are electrical issues, refrigerant leaks, dirt and dust piled up, and damaged suction lines.
These factors constantly affect the performance of your air conditioner and the compressor, so you should fix the problem as soon as possible. So, read on as we help you repair the issues with your air conditioner compressor!
Troubleshooting Air Conditioner Compressor Issues
Each component of your air conditioning unit needs to be appropriately maintained for it to work and function longer. When problems about your AC unit arise, address them immediately to prevent further damage.
Since the air conditioner compressor is one of the essential parts of an AC unit, it may be challenging to fix it, especially when it is your first time. But, do not worry, for we are here to provide you the four methods on how to repair air conditioner compressor.
Method #1. Inspecting the air conditioning unit
Before you know that there is something wrong with your air conditioner’s compressor, you should check the unit first if it is still working correctly. Then, inspect if it can be activated and turned on without any difficulty.
Method #2. Fixing the circuit breaker
After checking if the air conditioner can be powered on, turn it off. You may skip this step when there is no problem with your AC wire connection. If your AC unit is not getting any power, find your circuit breaker box and locate the one that connects to the air conditioning system. The circuit breaker box may be located in the utility area, garage, storage room, or outside your home.
Once you have located the AC circuit breaker, switch it off. Check if any wires are damaged and fix them immediately. You may need a professional to repair the damaged wire connections in the circuit breaker box.
Flip back the circuit breaker for your AC unit after checking the wires. Now, turn on your cooling system. If the air conditioner still fails to work, try to reset the circuit once more or checking your wirings further.
Method #3. Checking the capacitor
A broken capacitor may also cause damage to the compressor. It is a galvanized metal cylinder with its wire terminals located outside the lid.
To fix this, open the fuse box and the compressor’s cover using a screwdriver. Once you have accessed the damaged capacitor, replace it with a new one with the same model, capacitance, and voltage.
As soon as you have replaced it, use a multimeter to check if the reading is within 10% of the capacitor’s voltage. If it does not, then substitute another one with the exact requirements mentioned previously.
Once you are done, return the covers of the compressor and fuse box using a screwdriver. Lastly, if they are also damaged for the compressor wires, replace the wire connectors and the terminal cover.
Method #4. Replacing the compressor
If the whole compressor of your air conditioning unit has been damaged, then it is time for you to replace it with a new one. Refrigerant leaks and dirt usually cause the compressor’s damage, so you might need to purchase a new compressor for your cooling system.
To start, remove the entire refrigerant from the compressor. Next, you may remove the compressor and other components such as the receiver drier, orifice tube, and expansion valve.
Once you have removed the essential components of the air conditioner, clean the remaining dust that has build-up on your AC unit and the leaks and other materials that might have caused damage to your AC compressor. After cleaning your AC unit, you may now install your newly purchased compressor and other components.
Final Tips
And those are the four methods on how to repair air conditioner compressor. It takes a lot of time and complexity to perform the task, so make sure that you maintain the condition of your AC unit, especially its components.
Some of the causes that damage your compressor include refrigerant leaks, dirt build-up, and damaged wirings. If you doubt repairing the air conditioner compressor on your own, you may always seek help from knowledgeable professionals in fixing the AC components.