If you have been asking yourself, ‘why is my AC compressor overheating and shutting off?’, it’s pretty common. To help you learn about this, we’ll have this topic covered in this article. Also, you’ll know how to make your compressor back to function again.
As someone who has personally experienced issues with an AC compressor overheating, I understand the frustration and inconvenience it causes during the hottest days of summer. Troubleshooting and addressing the problem promptly can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a major repair.
A cool home with a functioning air conditioning system is necessary during the hot summer.
Can A Bad Capacitor Cause a Compressor to Overheat?
The simple answer is yes! If your air conditioner compressor goes bad due to a certain cause, it might cause the compressor body to overheat. Not only can it be caused by a bad compressor, but other components, such as a dirty air conditioner filter, a dirty evaporator coil, and a broken capacitor, may also cause overheating.
In my experience as an HVAC technician, a malfunctioning compressor often results from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. For example, one case involved a client whose AC unit overheated due to a clogged filter and a failing capacitor, illustrating the importance of a thorough inspection. Common causes include:
- Your air conditioner’s condenser coils have high head pressure. A broken condenser fan, too much cooler agent, and exposure to heat can cause your air conditioner to overheat.
- Spikes in power and some voltage issues (typically too low) will also cause the air conditioner to overheat.
- Alternatively, the overheating compressor may also be caused due to a low level of cooler in the air conditioner system. If obstacles are causing the refrigerant to be ‘restricted’, it may also cause the compressor to overheat.
- It is also said that a broken metering component may cause the compressor to overheat.
When your compressor overheats, you may try to find the root of the problem by troubleshooting this problem. To troubleshoot this AC compressor overheating symptoms, try to check these:
- Condenser coils or air filter, whether it is dirty or not.
- Check for any faulty components—a faulty fan, capacitor, metering device, etc.
- Check whether there are voltage/power issues in your house.
- Check for any exposure to heat sources.
- Check the refrigerant. To do this, you may hire someone instead of doing it alone.
Sometimes, the compressor may work harder to compensate for a bad capacitor, leading to overheating. This extra effort can disrupt the refrigeration through the system.
Neglecting to maintain the air conditioning system can lead to overheating and low refrigerant levels, resulting in a less efficient unit and higher energy bills. I once encountered an air conditioning unit that had been neglected for years. The dirty coils, clogged filter, and low refrigerant levels led to the compressor working overtime, which eventually caused it to overheat and shut down repeatedly.
How to Cool Down an Overheated Compressor
Once you know the cause of your overheating compressor, the next step is understanding how AC compressor overheating solutions are. The solution is simple and can be done easily mostly by yourself.
Let’s say you have found the problem after troubleshooting the components, as mentioned. Based on my hands-on experience, here’s a summary of the common issues and recommended actions when your AC compressor overheats:
| Problem | Recommended Action | Personal Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Unclean Filter | Clean or replace the filter | “Cleaning the filter yourself can be straightforward but always check if it’s reusable or needs replacement.” |
| Dirty Condenser Coils | Clean the coils | “It’s amazing how much debris can accumulate over time, significantly affecting efficiency.” |
| Low Refrigerant | Hire a technician to recharge | “Always consult a professional for refrigerant issues to avoid improper handling.” |
| Voltage Issues | Use a multimeter to check | “Checking the voltage with a multimeter can prevent future electrical damage.” |
| Room Size Mismatch | Consider upgrading AC size | “An undersized unit for a large room will constantly struggle, leading to frequent overheating.” |
If your compressor stops working due to overheating, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent it from worsening. An overheated compressor can overheat and shut off, leading to a complete halt in cooling.
So, those are the answers to why my AC compressor is overheating and shutting off. From my experience, many homeowners overlook the importance of regular filter changes, which can prevent common issues like short cycling. Scheduling biannual maintenance visits is key to keeping your AC in top condition. I hope you find this helpful article.
