An air conditioning unit is a complex system that requires regular maintenance and service to ensure it functions properly. One of the most important components in this system is the AC compressor relay. This small but mighty component controls the compressor’s power supply, allowing it to turn on and off as needed. A faulty AC compressor relay can lead to various problems that can affect the performance of your AC unit. Therefore, it has to be checked and repaired by a licensed and experienced air conditioner repair technician to ensure that your Prescott, AZ home is properly cooled. Below are some signs that indicate a faulty AC compressor relay.

Inconsistent Cooling

If the AC compressor relay is faulty, the compressor may not maintain a consistent temperature. This can lead to fluctuations in the air’s coolness, making the home feel uncomfortably warm at times. This indicates that you should call a reliable air conditioner repair technician to inspect the AC. If they diagnose that the relay has a problem, they will replace or fix it to ensure that your home is cooled consistently and sufficiently. When the AC compressor relay is not functioning properly, it can cause the compressor to turn on and off at random intervals, which can lead to uneven cooling. Hence, if you’ve noticed that the air conditioner is inconsistently cooling your home and there are sections at your home that are cooler than others, have your unit checked by an air conditioner repair professional.

The Compressor Doesn’t Turn On

Have you noticed that the compressor doesn’t turn on when you power the air conditioning system? This might be because it has a damaged compressor relay. The role of a compressor is to compress the refrigerant and circulate it between the condenser and the evaporator. The relay ensures that the compressor is properly powered. If faulty, your unit’s compressor will not be properly powered, which might not even turn on. At this point, your Prescott, AZ home will not be cooled. This could make the air conditioner stop working, prompting you to call an air conditioner repair technician for a deeper inspection and fixing the problem. Although there are many other reasons why your compressor might not turn on, a faulty relay tops that list. Remember, a compressor is like the heart of your AC unit.

The Air Conditioner Doesn’t Cool Your Home

Have you noticed that your home is never at recommended temperatures, even when the air conditioner is turned on? That could mean that the compressor relay is faulty. As explained above, the relay is the component that powers the compressor, and the compressor might not run without power. Since the compressor pumps the refrigerant to help in the heat exchange process, this only means one thing. With a faulty relay, your home cannot be cooled. This is fine to ignore or repair yourself. Owing to the pivotal role a compressor plays in cooling your home, you should enlist an experienced air conditioner repair technician to have it inspected and fixed.

The Compressor Keeps on Tripping the Breaker

If the compressor relay is faulty, it might make the compressor frequently trip the breaker, preventing your system from functioning efficiently. This is because the compressor might be drawing more power than required or even short-circuited by the faulty relay. Have you noticed that your breaker trips whenever you turn on the air conditioner? You should call an experienced air conditioner repair technician and have them replace the relay. Remember, the relay controls the power supply into your air conditioner. If it isn’t properly functioning, it could overload the compressor and eventually trip the breaker.

Visible Corrosion or Physical Damage on the Relay

The compressor relay is exposed to various elements, such as moisture and dirt. Over time, these elements may damage or corrode it. Have you noticed any visible physical damage or rust on the relay? That is a sign that you should have an air conditioner repair technician replace it. Fortunately, there are many other ways that the technician can protect the relay, such as covering the pump. Physical damage or corrosion to the compressor relay will make it function erratically and prevent the air conditioner from properly and sufficiently cooling your home. When a technician finishes working on your unit, you will be left with a properly working air conditioner. However, it is recommended that you have a technician come over to your home for routine maintenance.

The Air Conditioner Doesn’t Respond to Thermostat Commands

Although the air conditioner is responsible for cooling your home, the thermostat issues the commands on when to start cooling and how many degrees. The thermostat is like the brain of your air conditioner. It sends signals to start or stop the compressor. Unfortunately, the air conditioner might not respond to these commands if the relay is faulty. Hence, the AC will not properly respond to temperature changes.

Have you noticed that your air conditioner doesn’t cool your Prescott, AZ home even after adjusting the thermostat? That could mean minimal communication between the air conditioner and thermostat. Hence, an air conditioner repair technician should inspect the thermostat and air conditioner to determine the underlying problem. If the issue is that of a damaged compressor relay, the technician might recommend a replacement of the component to resolve the issue.

Unfortunately, you should note that a faulty compressor relay can also damage other parts of your air conditioner. Therefore, any underlying problem with the relay should be addressed immediately by an experienced, reliable air conditioner repair pro. If the AC compressor isn’t properly functioning, it might damage other components like the condenser, evaporator coils, or even the suction lines.

Have you noticed either of the above signs with your AC? It could mean that you have a compressor relay issue. Ensure you contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott for further inspection and repair. 

Photo By OH