A compressor that will not start, or starts and then quits, is one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner can have. That is what was happening at this Greenwood home at the start of September, and the homeowner called us to get to the bottom of it.
What Our Technician Found
The easy move would have been to add refrigerant and leave. Instead, our technician kept digging until he found the actual cause: a refrigerant leak. A system that is low on refrigerant because of a leak will keep losing it, so topping it off only buys a little time.
Finding a leak takes patience. Refrigerant is invisible, and a slow leak can be small enough that you would never notice it, other than a system that slowly stops keeping up or starts cutting out.
He also tested the capacitor, the part that gives the compressor its starting kick. It was wearing out and needed to be replaced.
What We Completed
- Repaired the refrigerant leak by brazing the affected section.
- Replaced the filter drier, which traps moisture and debris inside the system.
- Pulled the system into a vacuum to clear out the air and moisture that had gotten in.
- Recharged the system with refrigerant.
- Replaced the worn compressor capacitor.
Pulling a vacuum is a step you cannot see from the outside, but it matters. Air and moisture left inside a refrigerant system can cause trouble down the road, so we clear them out before recharging.
The Result
The leak repair, new filter drier, vacuum, recharge and capacitor replacement were all completed in one visit. Fixing the real problem the first time means no repeat visits and no money spent on refrigerant that just leaks back out. Learn more about our AC repair service.
What Homeowners Can Learn From This Job
- Refrigerant does not get used up. If your system is low, it is leaking somewhere. Ask your technician where.
- Short cycling is a warning sign. A system that keeps cutting on and off is telling you something is wrong. Call before it turns into a bigger repair.
- More than one issue can show up together. A weak capacitor and a refrigerant problem can both keep a compressor from running right.
- Ask what a leak repair includes. A lasting repair is more than a patch. The filter drier, the vacuum and the right refrigerant charge all play a part.
Need AC Repair in Greenwood?
Our team serves homeowners across Greenwood and the River Valley. If your system is cutting on and off, call us or book online and we will take a look.
