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Central AC question, compressor not kicking on
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:10 pm
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:10 pm
AC was working fine this afternoon when a power blip hit. Since then the compressor appears to not be kicking on the outside unti. Checked the fuse inside and it's good. Reset the breakers and the control panel. Anything else I can check before having to call out someone? I can't hear the compressor running there is only cool air being pulled from the outside unit by the fan and the suction doesnt feel cold.
5
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:18 pm to BayouBengal51
Perhaps the Capacitor - you know how check? Probably 80% of repair calls this time of year. Voltage surges, and heat, are two of the main factors that cause capacitors to fail. Good to have a surge protector on the outdoor condensing unit.
If the capacitor, you can DYI replace for $40-50 with a good American made capacitor. If you need to call a tech to fix this evening, $250-300?
Does the fan on the outside condensing run in cool mode?
ETA:
If the capacitor, you can DYI replace for $40-50 with a good American made capacitor. If you need to call a tech to fix this evening, $250-300?
Does the fan on the outside condensing run in cool mode?
ETA:
This post was edited on 6/17/26 at 7:25 pm
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:31 pm to BayouBengal51
Turn the unit off for 30 minutes then try again.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:37 pm to BayouBengal51
Last summer we had a power blip and a small surge. Fried capacitors on 2 of our 3 units.
Fan to Ace hardware and picked up 4. Had them both replaced in maybe 30 min.
Fan to Ace hardware and picked up 4. Had them both replaced in maybe 30 min.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:50 pm to BRBro
quote:
Turn the unit off for 30 minutes then try again.
Did that and just turned it back on and it's working again. I think the thermal overload had kicked in. It's cooling now, but only after I went into my storage shed and carried my heavy arse 12,000 BTU window unit into the house and started to set it up
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:54 pm to BayouBengal51
Yep. Thermal overload switch was tripped.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 7:56 pm to BayouBengal51
There is always a delay when turning the power off and then back on again. The delay is to prevent damage to the compressor. Keeps it from going on and off rapidly.
Posted on 6/19/26 at 9:38 pm to BayouBengal51
quote:
Central AC question, compressor not kicking on
change the capacitor when you get a chance (Titan HD is a good one) I had the same thing happen a few years ago and after it was running for a day or so it did the same thing..After the unit was off for a while the second time it did not resolve, I put my spare capacitor in and all was good after that, not sure if it was co-incidental or the surge had an impact on the capacitor too..
This post was edited on 6/19/26 at 9:42 pm
Posted on 6/19/26 at 11:43 pm to Megasaurus
Yep. Stupid easy and saves you a bunch of money
Posted on 6/20/26 at 11:24 am to Megasaurus
quote:
change the capacitor when you get a chance (Titan HD is a good one) I had the same thing happen a few years ago and after it was running for a day or so it did the same thing..After the unit was off for a while the second time it did not resolve, I put my spare capacitor in and all was good after that, not sure if it was co-incidental or the surge had an impact on the capacitor too..
Good advice, or at least get a spare. Something caused the compressor to go into thermal overload, likely associated with the voltage surge (blip) - but often it a weak-failing capacitor, poor air flow, low refrigerant, etc. I recommend a USA-made capacitor like AmRad, but I think Titan and Jard also have some lines of capacitors made in the USA.
Voltage surges are a significant cause of capacitor failure - a surge protector installed on the outside condensing unit disconnect can help with that, plus help protect any circuit boards that might be in the condensing unit.
Posted on 6/22/26 at 1:34 am to BayouBengal51
Capacitor or contactor both are less than $25 parts.
Posted on 6/22/26 at 9:58 am to BayouBengal51
quote:
Did that and just turned it back on and it's working again. I think the thermal overload had kicked in. It's cooling now, but only after I went into my storage shed and carried my heavy arse 12,000 BTU window unit into the house and started to set it up
When was the last time your outside unit was cleaned? I know you mentioned an electric surge, but it can also trip out on head pressure. If your coil needs to be cleaned, it will cause high pressure.
Posted on 6/23/26 at 1:14 pm to CrawDude
quote:
Perhaps the Capacitor
Last time I had an issue with me AC, it was this as well. Seems like the most likely part to fail.
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