An air conditioning compressor is a part of the outdoor unit that is responsible for processing the refrigerant, preparing the refrigerant to cool the air that comes out of the air conditioner. It is an essential part of the air conditioner, which is why any problem with the AC compressor should be dealt with immediately.

5 Causes of an AC Compressor that Won't Turn On

Reason #1 Issues with Power Supply or Faulty Relay

Firstly, check if you have any issues with the power supply. One of the most common reasons for compressor failure is an air conditioning system that is not getting enough power to work. There may be a fault in the wiring, or a busted fuse that needs repair. You may also have a faulty relay switch that is cutting off power to your unit.

Either way, check if your AC is plugged in, and if other appliances in the house are working. If you have any electrical issues, contact a professional and licensed electrician instead of tackling the electrical problem yourself.

Reason #2 Blown Fuse

Check if other appliances plugged into the same circuit breaker line are also malfunctioning. If this is the case, you may have issues with a fuse that has overloaded and blown. This happens when the AC unit is overworked, such as on a hot summer day, or when the room is too big for the size of the unit.

A blown fuse can also be an indication of an underlying problem, such as an overheating air conditioner, or an overloaded circuit breaker. Check the fuse box for a tripped circuit breaker, and restore the switch back into place. This should temporarily fix your problem, but you will need professional assistance if the issue persists.

Reason #3 Refrigerant Fluid Leaks

When refrigerant leaks out of the AC unit, there is nothing for the compressor to process. As a result, the compressor won't turn on as it detects a problem with your unit. Refrigerant levels do not diminish over time, so if your AC unit needs to top up on coolant, you know you have a leak somewhere within your unit.

Refrigerant leaks are one of the common causes for an AC compressor problem. There is no DIY approach to refrigerant leaks as the coolant can be harmful to your health when handled improperly. Instead, contact a technician to diagnose the problem, fix the leak, and top up your coolant.

Reason #4 Valve Issues

When air conditioner valves are defective, they can overwork the compressor until it overheats, causing the compressor to break down over time. Your condenser coil may also have a leak, or is simply faulty. AC compressor valve issues can be identified by an air conditioner that is not blowing cold air, strange noises from your unit, and an overheating compressor.

Reason #5 Faulty Compressor

Sometimes, the issue is with a malfunctioning HVAC compressor itself, instead of an external problem. The AC compressor may have worn down over time, causing damages to the part. You can detect a faulty compressor if that is the only part of your air conditioner that won't work.

A faulty compressor may also come with other symptoms, such as a broken blower motor, malfunctioning evaporator coil, or leaking condenser coils that contribute to overworking the compressor.

Check out our article on bad ac compressor symptoms.

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5 Tips to Prevent a Faulty AC Compressor

Tip #1 Check Your Wires

Always check your wires and plugs before using an appliance. Do not use your air conditioner if you notice frayed or burnt wires. If your electrical sockets spark as your unit is plugged in, turn the air conditioner off immediately, and unplug the unit whenever safely possible.

Tip #2 Avoid Overloading Circuit Breaker

Avoid plugging too many extension cords, appliances, and plugs into the same socket as it may blow the circuit breakers. As much as possible, plug large appliances in completely separate power sockets to avoid overloading the circuit.

Tip #3 Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the best way to diagnose and fix an issue with your air conditioning unit before it becomes a problem for you. Have your entire unit checked out during a routine cleaning to find any weak points or fix any leaks. You can have your unit regularly checked and serviced by our professional aircon technicians. Visit our AC services to get started.

Tip #4 Valve Replacement

A technician will be able to check for broken or weak valves, and replace them as needed. Fortunately, valves can be easily fixed or replaced, and is a relatively simple fix compared to replacing other parts of an air conditioner.

Tip #5 Compressor Replacement

If your compressor is broken, chances are you'll need a replacement. AC technicians will be able to replace the compressor with a new one, so you can keep using your aircon unit without any further problems or issues!

Cool Your Home

Aircon issues can be a pain to experience, but fixing is made convenient and hassle-free with our aircon servicing in Singapore! We can clean, diagnose, fix, and maintain your air conditioners, so they can work just like new. Contact us to get your unit serviced today!