Problems With AC Units
The components of an air conditioning unit undergo highly demanding use. The compressors, heat pumps and fans consumer large amounts of power while exposed to extreme temperatures. The outdoor air conditioning unit is also physically located where they can be easily infested by insects, small rodents or become fouled with dirt. During peak seasons, or when powering up the unit for the season's first time, many problems can surface. Does this Spark an idea?
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Compressor Failure
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Physically located outdoors, the air conditioning compressor circulates the air conditioning coolant throughout the close refrigeration system. The compressor is one of the first components in an air-conditioning system likely to fail because the compressor is under the highest use. The compressor generates high amounts of heat, which when combined with high summer temperatures, can lead to premature failure due to relay, motor winding or bearing burnout.
Low Refrigerant Levels
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Like the coolant levels in an automobile air-conditioner, a home's air-conditioning refrigerant may need periodic recharging. The air-conditioning system is a closed system, and in a perfect world, can last for the lifetime of the air conditioner without leaking coolant. However, external valve fittings can become fouled with dirt or insects, and lead to a small leak. In some cases, low refrigerant levels could be a sign of a problem somewhere else in the AC system.
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Condenser Fan Motor
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The condenser fan is responsible for pulling cool air through the outdoor air conditioner heat exchange radiators. As a result, the cooling fan runs virtually nonstop during summer months. Exposed to heat, cold, dirt and extreme temperature conditions, this fan can fail as the result of high usage, or motor bearing failure.
Condenser Heat Pump
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The outdoor heat pump and compressor operate on a thermostat. The simple electromechanical device is also located outside, and exposed to the elements. Any mechanical device will eventually fail when exposed to high temperatures, high usage, and operated in a dirty environment. The contacts can foul and no longer pass an electrical current from one side of the switch to the other, or dirt can cause the switch to stick in the open or closed position.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
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A worn-out compressor, or a compressor which is close to failing will not start instantly, as does a new compressor. The consequence of a sluggish compressor start-up is a voltage spike in the power pulled through the electrical circuit. If the compressor resistance is too high, the breaker in the home's load center will trip repeatedly, not allowing the air conditioner fan and compressor to start.
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