The last thing you want during a hot Arizona summer is for your air conditioning to stop functioning properly. This is especially the case if it’s not blowing any air or the air is warm. The contactor or capacitor in your AC may be the culprit. It’s crucial to quickly determine what the problem is and the cause. Learning about what you should do in this situation can help you restore adequate cooling to your home when you need it most.
What Are Contactors and Capacitors?
The capacitor in many air conditioners typically helps start or run the compressor and the outdoor condenser fan motor. It’s the compressor that pressurizes and moves the refrigerant, which allows the heat to be removed from indoor air. The contactor, which receives a 24V low-voltage signal from the thermostat or control board, is an electrically controlled switch. It supplies the high-voltage power to components like the fan and compressor.
What Are the Signs That the Contactor or Capacitor Is Failing?
If your contactor or your capacitor isn’t working, you may notice one or more warning signs of trouble. For example, if the contactor isn’t working, you might hear a buzzing noise or notice a burning odor. An air conditioner that’s not starting or blowing cool air can also signal a problem with this component.
If the air conditioner won’t start or it produces warm air, it may be a sign that your capacitor isn’t working properly. A couple of other signs include the outdoor condenser fan not spinning or an unusual humming sound coming from the unit.
What Can Cause a Capacitor or Contactor to Fail?
There are several potential causes for why a contactor may fail, such as voltage spikes, excessive heat, overheating, and short cycling. Overheating can also cause a capacitor to fail. Additional causes could be excessive vibration, accumulated debris, or arcing. Old age and wear and tear could also result in the contactor or capacitor malfunctioning.
Can I Fix the Problem Myself?
If you suspect the capacitor, contactor, or any other component is malfunctioning, you should never try to repair the problem yourself. This could result in personal injury, including electrical shock, electrocution, and lacerations. Trying to fix issues may also result in further damage to the system, which could lead to severe, expensive repairs. Additionally, you might accidentally void the warranty. If this happens, you may end up having to pay for future air conditioner repair costs out of pocket.
The best option is to contact our team so that we can assess the situation. Our experienced HVAC technicians can quickly identify the problem and determine an appropriate repair that can help restore cooling to your home.
Will DIY Maintenance Prevent My Air Conditioner From Malfunctioning?
DIY maintenance plays an important role in helping to keep the air conditioner from malfunctioning. Air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years, and regular maintenance may help them reach or even exceed that time frame.
One of the most important tasks is replacing your air filter. You should ideally do this at least every few months. However, change it more frequently if there are pets, seniors, kids, or health-compromised people in the home. Turn the unit off to begin the task. Remove the dirty filter, put in the clean one, and position it so it’s seated properly. Turn the unit back on when you’re finished.
You should also conduct regular self-inspections of your indoor and outdoor units, including checking for physical damage. Check the supply vents indoors and make sure there aren’t any items, such as furniture or rugs, blocking them. This could restrict airflow and potentially lead to overheating, especially if multiple vents are blocked. Additionally, check your outdoor condenser. There should be at least 5 feet of vertical clearance and 2 feet of horizontal clearance on all sides. Move any items away that could disrupt proper airflow, such as grills, large toys, and furniture. Clear away any plants, ivy, or grass, as they could also be problematic.
Is Professional Maintenance Important for Preventing AC Breakdowns?
Regular DIY maintenance is essential for preventing an air conditioner breakdown, but so is professional maintenance. You should schedule the appointment every spring so we can prepare your system for the hot temperatures ahead. Since Tolleson has an average July high of about 106 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s crucial to make sure your system will function optimally.
Call as early in spring as possible to make the appointment. Many homeowners schedule the service, so contacting us sooner rather than later may provide you with more scheduling possibilities. If your system needs repairs, this will also give us plenty of time to complete them before the first hot day of the season arrives.
The AC maintenance appointment consists of both a comprehensive inspection and a tune-up. We perform various tasks during the tune-up, including cleaning components, lubricating moving parts, and checking refrigerant levels. By the time we leave, we’ll inform you if your system requires any repairs. In severe cases of damage, it might be in your best interest to replace your air conditioner.
Is It Necessary to Replace My Air Conditioner During a “No-Cool” Failure?
You don’t necessarily need to replace your air conditioner if it’s experiencing a “no-cool” failure. It depends on several factors, including why it’s malfunctioning. The age of your system may also impact your repair vs. replacement decision. Some homeowners replace their air conditioners when they start experiencing frequent problems, usually after the system is 10 years old. This proactive approach allows them to replace the system on their terms rather than being forced to because the AC broke down.
The cost of the repairs may also impact your decision. If the repair costs are more than 50% of the price of a new unit, replacing it may be the more cost-efficient option.
Can You Just Replace a Malfunctioning Capacitor or Contactor?
It’s possible that we can replace just the capacitor or contactor in an air conditioner. However, there are no guarantees that it’s going to be possible, effective, or safe. We assess the entire air conditioner as a whole, not just the individual components. In addition to the capacitor or contactor, there may be other parts that are malfunctioning. This can be the case even if the problems haven’t made themselves known yet. Performing a complete inspection and tune-up of your system can allow us to determine the extent of the issues.
Keep your air conditioning running optimally during a hot Arizona summer. El Indio AC in Tolleson, AZ provides inspections, repairs, and maintenance to keep the cool air flowing. Call our team today to schedule an appointment.
