Has Your Outdoor AC Unit Stopped Working? 4 Causes
The outdoor AC unit ejects heat and condensate to the exterior of your home. Therefore, when your outdoor unit fails, it can cause heat and water retention in the AC. If left unchecked, this issue might cause other components to overheat and water to spill from the unit. Remember that a failed compressor won't circulate the refrigerant effectively, resulting in warm air from the vents. To avoid such situations, you should contact an AC specialist as soon as you detect an anomaly in your outdoor unit. Take a look at the reasons why your outdoor unit might refuse to turn on.
Failed Capacitors
A capacitor stores electrostatic energy and supplies it to the circuit to ensure that the AC's motor runs successfully. So if the capacitors fail, the compressor will lack the power to start or keep up with the specified speed. Since the capacitors are stored outside, exposure to dirt and moisture makes them susceptible to damage. Moreover, extreme heat and power surges can cause the capacitors to fail. Therefore, if you notice an issue in the AC capacitors, you should call your AC technician to replace them.
Tripped Float Switch
As the indoor unit expels condensate, its outdoor counterpart releases it to the drain pan through the condensate line. Grime and debris may clog the drain line if it is not cleaned regularly, causing water to be retained in the system. Once the drain line is clogged, it will trigger the float switch to trip, shutting your AC. Since the water backup might damage other AC components, it is imperative to call your AC specialist to clear the blockage as soon as it forms.
Low Coolant Levels
The refrigerant cools the incoming hot air by absorbing the heat and releasing it outdoors. It circulates through a closed system between the indoor and outdoor units. Therefore, if the AC is low on the coolant, a leak has developed in the lines that circulate it. If the refrigerant levels are low, the AC's cooling power will reduce, causing an ice buildup on the outdoor unit. So when you hear a hissing noise from your AC, contact an AC specialist to fix the leak and regas the coolant for optimized cooling power.
Blown Fuse
If there is a power surge, the AC's fuse will blow up and trip the circuit breaker shutting the system off. Moreover, loose and worn-out wires may trip the breaker. You'll need the assistance of your HVAC contractor to reset the circuit breaker and replace the blown fuse.
It is imperative to service your AC to ensure that the outdoor and indoor units work effectively. Therefore, you should schedule routine AC tune-ups to keep your AC running effectively and efficiently.
Contact an AC repair company, such as Local Mechanical Heating & Air, for more information.
