Your heat pump compressor not turning on can be a frustrating problem. However, that does not mean you should panic. A malfunctioning compressor does not necessarily mean the death of the entire unit. People with heat pump repair knowledge know that sometimes small and inexpensive parts could be causing the problem. Let’s discuss!
HVAC Compressor
The HVAC compressor is one of the most important parts of an HVAC unit. Without it, the unit will not be able to produce cool air. The main job of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant fluid as it carries the heat out of your home. As a result, the already warmed refrigerant fluid heats up, even more, converting it into a gaseous form to liquid.
Even though adding more heat to the already warmed-up refrigerant might be counterintuitive, it is important that the temperature of the refrigerant is higher than the outdoor environment. However, for all this to take place, you should make sure that your compressor is in perfect working condition at all times.
Check The Wiring
If you notice that your heat pump compressor is not turning on, the first thing you need to check is whether it is receiving power. Wear protective gloves and inspect all the wiring leading to your HVAC unit. If you find a burnt or cracked piece, it means that something has gone wrong. As a result, the circuit breaker will most likely trip to protect the unit from getting damaged.
If you do not find anything unusual, check the circuit breaker or the fuse. If the fuse needs replacement, replace it and then try turning the compressor on. If it doesn’t, it is time that you call in a professional who will dive deep into the problem.
Go For The Easy Fixes First
If you intend to diagnose the problem on your own, you should first go for the easy fixes. Keep the manual in hand and shut off the unit completely. Make sure it is not receiving any power. The reason is that some components can store electric charge, which can lead to serious injuries. Turn the main switch off or pull out the switch that connects to the power socket.
Once you are done opening up the unit, inspect it for dirt and dust accumulation. If the accumulation is severe, it can clog certain components and cause the evaporators and condensers to heat up and shut down. The reason is that these components will heat up due to heat not being able to escape.
Meanwhile, a clogged air filter will reduce the airflow and cause the evaporator to ice up. Therefore, you should regularly inspect such areas of the unit and make sure they are properly cleaned and maintained.
In addition to that, a clogged condenser coil will overheat the compressor, causing it to shut down. In the worst-case scenario, the overheating can damage the compressor to the point where it might need replacement.
Next, you might want to check the starter relay, capacitor, valves, and terminals. If you have sufficient electrical know-how, you can do it on your own. However, if you are not confident, it is better that you call in a professional. Although these are minor HVAC components, playing around with them can lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
Your Capacitor And Starter Relays
As mentioned previously, components like the capacitor and starter relays tend to be minor but have a huge impact when it comes to shutting the compressor off. Whenever there is a compressor problem, technicians first check the capacitor and start relays. If you have an older unit, the chances of these components giving up are relatively high.
If you notice that your HVAC is not turning on and there is a humming sound, it means that the compressor is attempting to access a non-functioning capacitor. And since the capacitor and starter relays are responsible for distributing and providing power, you should keep an eye out for them.
Final Word
As the article reaches its conclusion, those were the best practices you should carry out for troubleshooting a compressor that will not turn on. Follow the tips mentioned above and if that doesn’t solve the problem, do not hesitate to call a heat pump repair service McLean.
