Air conditioning systems are more complex than you may think. The equipment consists of various components, like contactors, to function correctly. However, malfunctions can jeopardize your comfort and create problems with cooling performance, so it’s good to know when an AC contactor has gone bad.
Star Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is an experienced provider of AC services in Cicero, IN, and the surrounding areas. Here, we will explain what air conditioning contactors are, how they work, and how to recognize a bad one.
What Is an Air Conditioning Contactor?
An air conditioning contactor is an electrical switch that regulates the flow of electricity between the condenser fan motor and the compressor. Without it, the air conditioner inside your Cicero home can’t deliver conditioned air to each room.
So, how does it work? When your thermostat signals your air conditioner to turn on, the contactor’s coil becomes energized. It then closes contacts so that electricity can flow to critical components.
This process is essential for triggering each cooling cycle. Once your home’s indoor temperature matches the thermostat setting, the contactor opens to stop the flow of electricity. This step ends the cooling cycle.
Common Warning Signs of a Defective AC Contactor in Cicero
Now you know the purpose of this air conditioning component. Review these common bad AC contactor symptoms to know when to contact a Cicero-based HVAC technician for help.
Unusual Noises
Does your air conditioner make a humming or chattering noise, especially around the outdoor unit? Chances are, your equipment has a contactor problem.
When an AC contactor experiences an electrical malfunction, it can cause the equipment to make distinct noises. Loose electrical connections or a weak magnetic coil inside the housing can trigger loud chattering, humming, or buzzing sounds.
Visible Damage
Bad AC contactor symptoms sometimes include visible damage. The component may have noticeable signs of wear, including corrosion, charring on contacts, or pitting. The damage can affect the contactor’s ability to regulate electrical currents, so a replacement may be necessary if physical damage is present.
Air Conditioner Is Non-Responsive
A functional AC contactor should trigger the air conditioning inside your Cicero property to turn on per the thermostat’s settings. Multiple problems can prevent an air conditioner from turning on, even when the thermostat’s settings are correct, including a malfunctioning contactor. If the component fails to close the circuit, electricity won’t reach the fan motor and compressor.
Inconsistent Cooling
Another possible symptom of a bad AC contactor is inconsistent cooling. A malfunction sometimes causes a cooling unit to cycle on and off frequently without completing a whole cooling cycle. This problem is known as short cycling, and it can lead to excessive energy consumption.
Air conditioning systems with failing contactors may also fail to maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. In either situation, your air conditioning unit will overwork itself to keep rooms cool, leading to hot spots and increased energy bills.
Tips on Testing Cooling System Contactors
If your air conditioner contactor fails to engage with the thermostat, makes a humming noise, or exhibits other bad AC contactor symptoms, it’s time to test it. A multimeter will be necessary for this process.
The first step in testing AC contactors is to shut down the system’s power from the thermostat and the breaker panel to prevent electrocution. Then, open the side cover of the outdoor condenser unit. Look for the contactor, which is a black rectangular object with colored wiring.
Unscrew the contactor and detach its wires. Connect the multimeter to the contactor’s voltage terminals while the device is in its OL mode. A good reading falls between 5 and 20. Anything higher or lower than that range means the contactor is defective.
You can also turn to HVAC experts in Cicero for help. Qualified technicians have the resources and expertise necessary to test AC contactors and other air conditioning electrical components safely. They will identify defects and correctly install replacement parts to restore functionality to your cooling system.
Keep Your Air Conditioning System in Cicero Running Smoothly With Our Expert Help
Bad AC contactor symptoms can vary. Everything from pitted or charred contacts to the inability of an air conditioner to turn on can indicate problems with the system’s contactor.
The good news is that Star Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help. As a long-standing HVAC company serving Cicero, Indiana, our licensed professionals can quickly identify defective contactors and implement reliable solutions to restore system performance. Learn more about keeping an air conditioning system running optimally with our comprehensive AC tune-up guide.
Contact Star Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to request cooling services in Cicero.