Compressors are built to be durable, so they can last fifteen to twenty years if used well. This article is on a Carrier air conditioner compressor, possible problems, and how to solve them.
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Carrier Air Conditioner Compressor Not Working – How to Fix
The following are possible causes for a Carrier air conditioner compressor not working and common solutions:
1. Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat controls the functions of the compressor and fans. If it becomes defective – and the internal electrical contacts can burn out with usage – the compressor may stop working. You may find the fan motor still running but the compressor will not run. If that is the case, replace the thermostat.
2. Temperature Control Board
It is the board’s responsibility to provide enough voltage for the compressor and fan to run. If they do not run, it may be due to a faulty temperature board. It may stop powering the compressor but not the fan; the fan may keep running.
Check the control board and replace it if it is faulty. But before doing that, be sure the control board is no longer working. It is pretty easy to wrongly diagnose control boards, so you have to be absolutely sure before replacing the one in your Carrier air conditioner.
3. Thermostat
This thermostat keeps an eye on the air temperature within your home. When the temperature goes above a preset point, the component turns on a switch so that power flows to the compressor and fan. But if it becomes defective, it may restrict the compressor from operating because it cannot provide adequate power for the cooling system. Therefore, replace the thermostat if it is faulty.
4. Capacitor
The capacitor provides a power boost to the compressor when it needs to run. Without it, the compressor does not have the required electric power to stay up and running. Check the electrical leads that connect the capacitor to the compressor. Also, check to see if the compressor is rusted, bulging, corroded, or leaking fluid. Replace it if any of these applies.
5. Thermistor
It is a sensor on the control whose job it is to detect the outside air temperature. If it fails, the control board cannot detect the surrounding air temperature and consequently, will not know when to turn on the compressor. Check the thermistor’s resistance using a multimeter and if there is none or is the wrong value, replace the thermistor.
6. Overload Protector
The overload protector is a small device attached to the compressor to protect it from burning out due to too much voltage. If the device burns out due to wear or regular high voltage, the compressor may malfunction. Using a multimeter, test the device to check for continuity and replace it if there is none.
7. Selector Switch
The selector switch is what the thermostat turns on to provide voltage to the compressor and fan. If it stops working, there will not be voltage to operate the cooling system. But before checking the switch, ensure to check the overload protector and capacitor first. If they are in good working condition, you may have to replace the switch.
8. Compressor
It may be that the compressor is malfunctioning due to wear. So, test the compressor; you will need the help of a qualified HVAC technician to run the test. Be aware that the compressor hardly fails; it only happens in extreme cases. However, it will eventually fail, but that may be when the air conditioner also fails and needs a replacement.
9. Main Control Board
This board supplies voltage to all the air conditioner’s components and it may become faulty. Although it hardly happens, if it does, it cannot supply voltage to the compressor. But that may also mean other components will not work. However, inspect the control board, and check for signs of arcing or defective relay switches. Replace the control board if it is damaged.
Check out these other articles…
Carrier Air Conditioner Error Codes [Proven Solutions]
Carrier Air Conditioner Filter [“How to” Guide]
Carrier Air Conditioner Blinking/Flashing [Proven Solution]
Carrier Air Conditioner Noise [Problems & Solutions]
Carrier Air Conditioner Control Panel [Problems & Solutions]
Recap
A Carrier air conditioner compressor plays a vital role in how well the unit functions. That is why it cannot fail; if it does, the air conditioner will stop working. Therefore, check the compressor if the unit stops cooling as it should, and check other components while doing so. Additionally, it is crucial to run regular maintenance checks on your air conditioner to prevent failures and preventable issues.
