It isn’t delightful to operate with an Air Conditioner compressor that keeps on shutting off after a few seconds. In this 21st century, it’s hard to survive without a reliable AC Compressor system around our offices or homes; this happens mostly during summer. Even though an AC compressor is helpful, it’s associated with a lot of complications.
An AC compressor that shuts off after a few seconds is a typical challenge that almost all AC owners face. This article will therefore provide you with essential and sequential steps to help you fix the issue. You can do it yourself as long as you have the necessary skills and knowledge; take it to the mechanic if you are not sure.
Table of Contents
Ultimate Guide On Fixing Air Conditioner Compressor Shuts Off After A Few Seconds
During hot summer days, any power-down with your AC will stress and make you uncomfortable due to the excessive heat. We have seen many folks complaining about the same issue (AC compressor shutting off after several seconds). So, if you own an air conditioner compressor, then be ready to experience such a problem.
We have developed a complete guide below to help you fix the issue without consuming a lot of your time. I would therefore advise you to go through the entire steps to have the necessary knowledge and work on your AC compressor that suddenly shuts off.
However, these steps won’t work if there are defective parts with your compressor. But, testing is essential to diagnose the exact problem before seeking the help of experienced personnel. Let’s get into the business.
Step 1: Inspect Thermostat Location
It is funny how some home constructors position a thermostat. Recall the location of the thermostat, wherever its temperature senses, to determine whether it’s still lighthearted enough. Whether the temperature is near the airflow, above the windows, or on the shady side of the house, you’re likely to be the problem. Relocation is the best solution to such an issue.
Step 2: Check The Internal And Thermal Overload
An air conditioner compressor tends to have two typical safety features, i.e., the thermal overload, responsible for slowing the compressor with high voltage and suddenly starts after a few minutes. The internal overload is another safety mechanism that’s heat-driven but not serviceable. It is usually placed in the compressor motors winding and encircled by an enormous amount of thick mass.
Step 3: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting requires a trained, licensed, and insured technician; to solve the problem. Several items like a faulty expansion system, dory condensing spiral, failed condenser, power issue, failed compressor, etc. A suitable and recommendable solution for such problems is troubleshooting using a computer.
Step 4: Scrutinize For 24AC
This action is necessary on occasions where the compressor shuts the fan off. Such a mechanism ensures the fan isn’t energized by overheating and isn’t unlocked. It’s not possible to determine whether your model has internal safeties; your contractor may be problematic.
However, the most commonly preferred OHMS should range from 6-10 for verifying the coil resistance. Test your contactor coil to determine whether it operates below 24VAC throughout service when it’s discharged. Furthermore, when the voltage drops to zero and the technician checks correctly, the C and R voltage will be traced.
Additionally, you need to check and ensure that the transformer is in good working condition. Sometimes the voltage can fall with the outdoor unit. Even though Y and C drop and the voltage is consistent, the problems are within the thermostat. However, if it checks terribly, you should want to ensure that there’s no partial wire shortening.
Step 5: Cleaning Dirty Condenser Coils
Your AC Compressor’s coils can sometimes accommodate a considerable amount of debris and waves. This happens regardless of whether it’s off or on, primarily for external AC systems. Failure to do so will release dirty air to your house when it’s the cake with too much grime and dirt. It’s therefore advisable to clean the coils of your condenser to curb the clogging issue. There’s no need to spend much of your money on repairs; cleaning the unit will spare you from such hassles.
In most cases, you are supposed to wash your AC coils once per year unless you reside in an abnormally/dusty/dirty/windy area that can expose your unit to more debris. But, if you are a person who often uses the AC unit, cleanliness is usually required. Therefore, to clean these coils, you may use a brush, hand soap, or even a cleaner. Before doing all these, you have to ensure that the machine is powerless and safe to be touched. Doing so will prevent electrical shocks.
Step 6: Examine For Freezing Evaporator Coils
On occasions where you’re experiencing airflow issues with your Air Conditioner, the evaporator coils may freeze up. The unit will automatically go off until the ice liquefies before switching on again. If you haven’t tested the air filters yet, then a problem might be arising from a leaking refrigerant.
Inspect the outdoor AC unit for ice buildup. A leaking refrigerant could lead to a hissing sound stemming from your AC system. The unit itself or the vents can easily detect a smell of either sweetness or chloroform. Use leak seals to patch the detected leaks, and a replacement is necessary when there are severe or multiple leaks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How Can I Reset An Air Conditioner Unit?
Unplug it from the power source for at least 20 seconds, and plug it in again. Hold the reset button for about three seconds before releasing it.
Why Should I Disturb My Ac Compressor After Several Minutes?
If your AC unit has kept on shutting after 15 minutes, there might be an accumulation of grime or refrigerant leak.
Conclusion
You now have a comprehensive guide with straightforward steps for checking and working on your faulty AC Compressor unit through the above discussion. It’s disconcerting when an AC goes off suddenly, yet you know nothing about the fixation process. Use our guide to scrutinize the prominent defects that lead to random shut-offs with your Air Conditioner Compressor.
