Inspect an Air Conditioning Compressor

You may need to know how to inspect an air-conditioning compressor if your air-conditioning system is not working or if it is running but no cool air is coming out. If you have checked the thermostat and the electricity, your problem may be with the air-conditioning compressor. It is recommended that you call a technician, but there are a few things you can do on your own to determine what is wrong with your air-conditioning system.

Steps

  1. Check the air-conditioning compressor-condenser unit. This is typically found outside of your home or building and is normally close to the house. Check to make sure that it is running by listening to it and checking for the power light.
  2. Check the cord to ensure it is properly connected and not damaged. If the plug is not properly secured, you can try unplugging and plugging it back in and checking your air-conditioning unit again. If the power cord is damaged, you should turn off all power and get a replacement cord before you try additional troubleshooting.
  3. Check the indoor power switch, fuse, and circuit breaker as well as the outdoor service switch to make sure that they are all in the "on" position. If one or more are on the "off" position, this may be a quick fix; however, they may have shorted because of a more severe, underlying condition. Try turning them back on, and pay close attention to determine where the problem is.
  4. Look at the compressor-condensing coil to make sure it isn't blocked or damaged. If it is blocked, it can cause the compressor to stop running, become loud, or even overheat. It might also work very poorly.
  5. Check the compressor cooling fan. If the cooling fan is not working, the entire compressor might shut down to avoid overheating. If this problem goes without being fixed for long, it may destroy the entire unit.
  6. Call a professional. If you've checked all of these parts of the compressor and everything looks like it should be in working order, it may be time to call a professional to have it looked at. This can sometimes end up being the less-costly solution since an air-conditioning service technician is skilled at troubleshooting issues such as this on a daily basis.



Warnings

  • Use caution when working with any type of electricity, especially when you are inspecting your air-conditioning unit. Electrical shock can occur if you do not properly prepare and protect yourself. This is one of the main reasons you should hire a professional to do all of your electrical troubleshooting for your air-conditioning system and other electrical devices in your home. Ensure the power is off before you touch any wires or other mechanical devices.

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Sources and Citations

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