Air conditioners comprise several parts that work together to keep your home cool. The AC compressor plays its part by compressing and circulating refrigerant while the AC fan circulates cool air.
Will an AC fan run if the compressor is bad? The short answer? Yes. As New Braunfels’ expert AC service, the Apollo Air heating & Cooling crew explores several reasons the AC fan will still run despite a faulty compressor.
How Does the AC Compressor Work?
As the name suggests, an AC compressor “compresses” the refrigerant in your cooling system and turns it into a high-pressure gas.
The high pressure then pushes the refrigerant through the refrigerant lines to the condenser coils, releasing heat from the refrigerant, and, therefore, eliminating hot air from your home.
The AC system repeats this cycle throughout the day, keeping your New Braunfels home at your ideal temperature.
Troubleshooting Your AC Compressor in New Braunfels
Your cooling system requires a working compressor to do its job. Otherwise, the air conditioner won’t function as efficiently as it should, leading to poor cooling, wear and tear on your system, and increased cooling bills.
Once you notice your compressor isn’t working, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting to try and pinpoint the issue. If you can’t spot the problem, call your local HVAC technician for help. Consider the following potential issues with your AC compressor.
Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, changing the thermostat settings or setting it improperly can cause the compressor to fail to run. Ensure you set the thermostat to your preferred temperature and switch it on Auto and Cool if it wasn’t already.
This way, the fan and compressor will activate and blow cool air when the temperature rises above the desired level. If this doesn’t work, you may have a faulty thermostat. However, you want to exhaust other options before concluding that the thermostat is faulty.
Dirty Condenser Coils and Air Filters
Besides checking the thermostat, inspect the cleanliness of your air filters and coils. Clogged filters will restrict airflow. With dirty coils and restricted airflow, the entire system may shut down.
Will the AC fan run if the compressor is bad? Yes, dirty coils and filters typically only affect the compressor, while the fan can still operate. A dirty unit or filter may also cause overheating, which rarely happens but is still possible.
Many AC systems will shut down if they overheat to protect the compressor, but overheating may still occur, causing a complete failure that will require the installation of a new compressor.
A Power Connection Issue
If the fan turns but the compressor remains still, it suggests that the outdoor compressor may lack electricity while the fan is still receiving power from the interior supply.
First, check to see if a circuit tripped at the breaker box. If so, simply reset it. Otherwise, inspect any wiring running from inside the outdoor unit for major issues.
However, let a professional diagnose any electrical issue.
Faulty AC Capacitor
If none of the previous fixes solve your AC problem, the AC capacitor and starter relay may not be working together. The capacitor provides power to the compressor, blower motor, and outer fan. The starter relay then transfers that power from the capacitors to the compressor.
If the fan works but the compressor doesn’t, you could have a faulty capacitor. Hire a qualified HVAC technician to handle the AC repair.
An Aging AC system
Finally, you may experience compressor issues because you have an aging cooling system. As your system ages, components within it begin to deteriorate. If you’ve used the same air conditioner for over a decade, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
Sometimes, replacing the system will prove more cost-effective than repairs.
A Dead Compressor
If you’ve tried everything to no avail, you may have a dead compressor. If your compressor has served you for over 12 years, it most likely has simply reached the end of its lifespan. Rather than compressor repair, replace a dead compressor with a new, more energy-efficient option.
Apollo Air Heating & Cooling—Your Go-To Choice for HVAC Solutions in New Braunfels
Will an AC fan run if the compressor is bad? Yes, the AC fan can still run with a faulty compressor. The fan and the compressor operate independently within the air conditioning system. Therefore, a malfunctioning compressor won’t affect the fan’s operation.
At Apollo Air Heating & Cooling, we believe in a customer-centric approach. Choose us for cooling and heating services that prioritize your comfort and satisfaction.
Call Apollo Heating & Cooling at (210) 847-9293 for top-tier HVAC services in New Braunfels, Texas.