Air Conditioning Repair Questions: My Fan Runs, But The Compressor Does Not
It’s human nature to be curious. Even if you don’t have a handy bone in your body, you probably want to know why your HVAC system doesn’t operate in the way it should. You may not plan on fixing itself, but you could wonder what’s wrong with the system. One of the most common air conditioning issues is a compressor that won’t run. If your fan is on but your compressor is off, you have a problem. Before you call for HVAC repair in Weatherford, TX, find out why your AC is malfunctioning.
What Is The Compressor?
Unless you spend your free time reading about air conditioners, you may not know much about all the components of your HVAC system. They are complex pieces of machinery and aren’t easy to understand. Before you learn the answer to your AC repair question, you need to know more about how the components work together to cool your home.
The compressor is, arguably, the most important part of your air conditioner. Every HVAC system relies on refrigerant to take heat from the home and convert it to colder air. Typically, the compressor sits outside and moves the refrigerant through coils. The compressor also transfers energy to the refrigerant, which allows it to change phases and cool down the air. Without a compressor, the refrigerant in your HVAC system won’t be able to pull heat from the air and cool your home.
For the compressor to work, there needs to be electricity. The compressor is similar to a motor and has both a piston and a motor. As the name implies, the compressor squeezes the refrigerant when it’s in gas form. The pressure causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise, and this creates pressure. When the pressure is high enough, the refrigerant travels through the coils. Once in the coils, the refrigerant is able to release its heat and transforms into a liquid.
Then, the liquid refrigerant goes to the indoor unit and goes through another phase change. It converts back to gas and absorbs heat from the indoor air. If your compressor is working, the cycle happens again, and the refrigerant continues its journey.
What Is The Fan?
While the compressor may be a complicated piece of machinery, the fan is a little more self-explanatory. You’re probably no stranger to what a fan is or how it works. In your HVAC system, a fan has the same function that it does on your ceiling.
The fan connects directly to your inside air handler. When the fan is on, it sends warm air to your condenser. It doesn’t produce cold air but circulates air through your HVAC system. Unlike the compressor, the fan is programmable. You can set your fan to auto mode, which means the fan turns on when the system is cooling. As the room approaches the set temperature, the fan turns off. This is the best setting for energy savings.
If you want your fan to always run, you can set it to the on mode. Even though your fan is on, you may not feel the cool air in your home. The disadvantages to this setting are high energy use, high humidity levels, and increased wear on the fan.
Why Is Your Fan On But Your Compressor Off?
Now, onto the problem at hand. Your fan is whirring, but your compressor isn’t on. In this case, there are a few possibilities. Whatever the cause may be, you can be sure that your home isn’t cool. Only warm air will come out of your vents and your home could be an uncomfortable temperature.
When you notice this problem, you should call an HVAC service in Weatherford, TX. The following issues could be to blame:
- Electrical Complication: One of the most common causes of compressor failure is an electrical issue. If your compressor doesn’t have enough power, it won’t run properly. You might have a problem with your capacitor. This part is responsible for jump-starting the compressor and is likely to fail.
When a capacitor works properly, it stores up energy and releases the energy to kickstart the motors in the compressor. There are two motors and two compressors to power the motors. In some cases, a broken capacitor causes the compressor not to work but allows the fan to run.
There are other electrical issues that could cause your compressor to work. However, they are all complicated problems that require professional attention. On your own, there’s no way to be sure the reason for your AC malfunction. It can be dangerous to work on the electrical components of your HVAC system, so don’t try any DIY diagnosis or fix. - Improper Setting: There’s a chance you have a simple solution to this problem. If someone touched your thermostat, they may have switched the fan mode. You should check your thermostat and make sure it is set to auto, and not to on mode.
If this is the issue, you don’t need to worry about calling an HVAC technician. There is no issue with your AC, and you can continue to enjoy your cooling!
What Should You Do About Your Compressor?
If your compressor doesn’t seem to work the way it should, you need professional help. It’s great to understand the possible causes of a compressor that won’t run, but you can’t fix it yourself. Until you have a professional assess and repair the situation, your AC could experience damage. Furthermore, your home won’t be the desired temperature.
With regular maintenance, you may be able to prevent compressor issues. But, as your system approaches the end of its lifespan, it might still fail you. You never know when you will need to call for help.
HVAC Repair In Weatherford, TX
The next time you have trouble with your AC, call us right away. Here at Daffan Cooling and Heating, we’re always ready to provide HVAC repair in Weatherford, TX. Let us give you the service you need and fix your compressor. Call now to find out more.
