Condenser Fan Motor Failure
Condenser fan motors are a part of the condenser in an air conditioning system. The condenser fan motor commonly fails during the summer season. We most commonly see condenser fan motors failing due to normal wear, tear and high heat. These motors have bearings and electrical windings that endure lots of usage. Some have bearings that can be oiled while others have permanently oil bushings, with either case both are subject to seizer, and with electrical windings, shorts and grounds are a common cause of failure too.
Capacitors Failure
A capacitor is an electrical device used to improve the operating characteristics of single-phase induction motors (compressors and fan motors). Run capacitors are rated by microfarads. Most commonly the mircofarads in a capacitor fall below the rating which can affect the operation of the motors they assist. Capacitors 5% below or 10% above the MFD rating are recommended they be replaced.
Refrigerant Leaks
Air conditioning systems contain refrigerant under high pressures. Often, vibration, inferior welds and manufacture defects are the common cause for leaky systems. Loss of refrigerant has many negative effects on an air conditioning system and can lead to compressor failure. Re-charging a system with a refrigerant leak is NOT recommended. Anytime a system is identified with a leak it should be immediately repaired to prevent additional damage.
Compressor Failure
The compressor is a major component in an air conditioning system. It's a device that squeezes refrigerant gases from low to high pressures. The compressor has many operating components within it that make it subject to failure. Moisture in the system from leaks causes acid in the system which leads to compressor failure. Dirty condenser and/or evaporator coil leads to high head pressures, higher amps, higher heat and oil breakdown in the compressor. Overcharged systems lead to compressor failure. Many problems can affect the operation of a compressor and result in failure.
Contactor Failure
A contactor is a device that connects the power supply from the main breaker panel to the condensing unit. The contactor has an electrical low voltage coil that is controlled by your thermostat designed to engage the contactor and connect voltage to the components of the condenser. The contactor has contacts that snap together once the request is received. After prolonged use contacts can become pitted, burnt and even welded together.
Circuit Board Failure
Circuit boards are common components within a heating and air conditioning system. The main circuit board controls the electrical functions of the system. Most commonly the relays within a circuit board fail due to normal wear, tear and high heat. Often other failing electrical components within the system can lead to the failure too.
Spark/Glow Igniter Failure
Igniters are responsible for lighting the fuel which heats your home. Fractures in the heating elements that create ignition can create lower temperatures and result in a failed ignition. This is most commonly caused by normal wear and tear. Often the flame sensor can become dusty and affect its ability to operate properly causing the system not to ignite.
The number 1 way to help reduce the likelihood of system failure is to have your equipment maintained by a professional service technician. We offer a Precision Tune-Up service that serves to inspect, measure and adjust the components within your system for optimum performance and maximum life expectancy. |
