How I Troubleshoot an Air Conditioner Compressor

[@abdelouahhabmellouk4351]

It is really a great help for new hvac technician. Excellent job !

[@Alienspecies635]

“HvacR survival “is a great channel and for beginner/newer techs than “Word of advice tv” is the best channel

[@cornellrw]

U

[@jollyscaria1922]

Thankyou somuch

[@barryellis]

@@Alienspecies635 I'll . .. N . M

[@barryellis]

@@cornellrw. We . Ft Lee h My . Mm

[@victorebolum1583]

I think the instructor rightfully assumed that any technician would cut power off the unit first. This was a thorough instruction on the nuances of trouble shooting and understanding how units work. Excellent presentation.

[@hajjajchami705]

Why some people did dislike that's ridiculous a lot of respect for this man

[@Alienspecies635]

I’m a service technician by trade and I still watch these videos after a long days work. Pick up my kid from daycare and hang out with her while watching videos and feeding her or bathing her whatever the case may be there’s an hvac video playing in the background Great video, very informative

[@christiandesantos2397]

Wow I just became HVAC certified from Delta college Stockton can and though I learned it all regarding this topic. I feel even more confident than ever now after see ur video. Ty so much

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Awesome thanks!

[@Honestandtruth007]

Thank you so much for a bunch of info....... not sure can absorb it all😮👍

[@rafaelretiz31]

I’m so impressed with so much crucial information for those just started or even Senior techs. Love this video, you nailed it. Very clear, easy to understand video. Kudos and keep those videos coming.

[@bryanbennecke9452]

Most comprehensive, easily and briefly explained for a technician or DIYer. Your channel has saved me $100s and $1000s from your experiences and knowledge.

[@ryantidwell9608]

Best compressor diagnostic video i’ve seen on KZbin! Great job explaining all the possible scenarios!!

[@zachsstrat7839]

Great video...I've been in the trade for years, almost all new construction, rarely troubleshooting. The information you're going over is clear and easy to understand. So awesome.

[@Alienspecies635]

First 12 years was all new construction installs last four was all swap outs and service in the summer. As of last month I switched companies to be a full time technician and honestly I love it and it’s so much less stressful and less taxing on the body

[@zachsstrat7839]

@@Alienspecies635 good to know, I really do enjoy trouble shooting. And I plan for my career to head that way, but I don't want to be on call while the kiddos are still young lol

[@Alienspecies635]

@@zachsstrat7839 my company has six techs so I’m only on call once every six weeks. I have a 3 year old by myself full time so I get it but it’s time and a half plus you start getting paid the second you’ll leave your house until you get home so I take it when it comes lol

[@murkyturkey5238]

@@zachsstrat7839 I love service but I also don’t have a choice lol

[@zachsstrat7839]

@@murkyturkey5238 lol gotta love what you do

[@robertjakk7559]

Good class, for a beginner like myself as a Rental Company. It’s expensive to call a technical every time something go wrong. Again thank you for beginning.

[@omarr.r1448]

Just started doing service calls after doing only installs for 2 years.....your videos help a lot

[@Agui86]

Which do you like more?

[@MrN75nokia]

Good luck brother

[@partshnc]

Noticed lately ! but ok....Greg Fox you have done a great job! By sharing this its incredibly helpful guide on troubleshooting an air conditioner compressor.

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Thank you!

[@metalliequus3343]

When you’re looking for the best explanation but then someone does give you the best explanation with VARIOUS possibilities and you just like alright take it easy haah ! Excellent video ! Time to get to work !

[@mallkomoha6823]

This is absolutely fantastic the most convincing explanation in troubleshooting ,this gentleman showed the international from where to tackle the problem .yes the contractor is the epicentre then you start eliminating. Excellent hint Well done sir!!!

[@leason22]

That was one of the best videos I've ever seen. I'm not an HVAC tech, but I feel confident how to t-shoot mine now to save an expensive trip for something preventable. Keep up the great videos!

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Thanks man!

[@sandrarichardson2713]

This is a pretty big learning curve for me....but you have a lot of meat in this video. I think after watching it many times, I will actually start catching on and be able to understand what you were saying...lol. Thanks for the help in advance. Jesus bless.

[@eduardomeza22]

This is impressive and hell of a way to save time and be professional on another level

[@harrystrohm7614]

THIS IS HOW HVAC SHOULD BE TAUGHT.

[@sergiofreitas41]

Man, very informative and thoughtful explanation, I can apply for my HVAC license now, lol. Thanks a lot for this video.

[@murky2502]

I thought your lead in about being the best video sounded a bit arrogant, but having watched it, it is outstanding. Thank you for posting. I was a little surprised to see you explain going to a hard start kit before testing the run/start capacitor that is already there. Maybe that's just more efficient.

[@walterdockins8475]

Great video, great content. After the first turn on for the season, my fan is running but no cold air or compressor noise. Will see what I can find.

[@m.a4995]

Any update. I’m having the same issue

[@freddydee270]

Best Troubleshooting video on KZbin.... Thanks

[@Barryd57]

Excellent video. Learned a lot. Especially thankful for the tip on NOT removing the leads at the compressor because it may blow up in my face. I adorned a clear mask and removed them carefully. Sprayed some contact cleaner, attached, and it worked so I assume after 27 years of service the connections oxidized.

[@HVACChillin]

Great video for all the DIY customers Out there.

[@tfinavia01]

Thank you for the wonderful videos. I have an issue I am troubleshooting, if you can chime in. IFB sends 24v to the condenser every three minutes regardless of the indoor temperature reaching to the set temperature on the thermostat. Air handler and blower fan keeps running blowing warm air through vents after outdoor unit is off and until compressor engages again in three minutes. So the condenser fan and compressor are on for three minutes and off for three minutes. Subcooling on the unit checks out fine using liquid line pressure and temperature so not suspecting high or low pressure in the system. Contactor leads receive 24v every three minutes. I have checked the main and fan control board for damage or loose wires. This short cycling is not as bad but I think I have an issue I can figure out. Thank you in advance!

[@michaelcostello6991]

Thank you. I would like a video specifically on line runs for newbies. You touched on it here about the lines running under a wall etc and too much liquid etc etc

[@traewilkins3105]

lol 😂

[@ESJ95116]

Great video. I may want to get into HVAC due some horrible service I’m experiencing. I’m an hour south of Sacramento and it gets hot out here! I scheduled a tune-up through my warranty, AHS. The day the technician from IHS went to my house, the AC was blowing cold, there was not nor had there been any indication of there being a problem with the AC. When he showed up, he asked my wife to turn on the AC, it turned on, blew cold. The technician then said that the compressor was not working properly. He let my wife know that he would be able to fix the issue then and there if I put in another work order. I didn't think anything of it, took his word as the professional he is. I put the service order in that moment with my warranty, AHS. Come to find out, he couldn't fix it that day because they didn't have a compressor. The technician left, AC is no longer blowing cold. Why? I don't know, I'm not the professional. It was just blowing cold without an issue while the technician was home. After a few days without a word from neither my warranty or the contractor, I called the contractor to see what was going on. If I'm not mistaken, it was Sal who told me I would have to pay $1,490.00 out of pocket for the repair. I was surprised about that and he suggested I call AHS, my warranty. After going back and forth with AHS, they said they would cash me out for $947.00. I would still have to pay over $500 out of pocket if I stick with IHS or choose a different contractor. I told my warranty that I shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket because whatever happened to my AC, it happened while the technician was there. AHS referred me back to IHS. I spoke with Sal Cuenca to no avail. He does not see how his technician is responsible for what happened and he said he couldn't help me. I told him I shouldn't have to pay out of pocket and he told me I should have checked my contract with my warranty. I became very irate. I have 4 children from ages 12 to 4. We have had to buy tents from Costco and sleep in the backyard because it has gotten way too hot at night, we've gone to my sister-in-laws house as well to spend the day or sleep over, also had to go out to eat many times (which I hate to do) because it's so hot to cook inside. In the mean time, I've also had to purchase a portable AC unit which is a pain to move around the house and room, it barely does the job because of the square footage, but it's better than nothing for now. Dealing with this crazy Central Valley heat as an adult is one thing, but as a child, that's on another level. My children constantly complain about it being hot in the house, especially when they get home from practice. It's been a month and a half and my AC has yet to be repaired. Never would I have thought that this would happen and that IHS could be so cold (no pun intended).

[@b-2466]

We're going over this at school right now. This helps alot. Thank you.

[@alberthall7613]

I've been in for a while and this makes perfect sense

[@ehop6314]

Bro. do you do HVAC in my area? 😆 You are the hero we are looking for

[@brianb5779]

Def one of the better videos ive seen

[@sergeihanush2262]

great video and consecutive explanation. One week ago when i tried to start my AC breaker went off. I tried again when i was close to condenser and i saw flash in contactor and breaker went off again. HVAC tech came down: fan is running separately, capacitor is fine so the only thing is bad compressor. It was a first start in season. What can be wrong with it???? Resistance is good, not shorted to the ground but something in it make fuses to go off ((( I just want more answers on why tech want to replace compressor ..

[@Billiam4475]

First off I'd like to say your videos are great, very helpful. So I've had 2 hvac companies come out because my compressor isnt turning on. Fan is working fine. They think its a bad compressor but both didn't seem sure about it. I'm nervous about replacing the compressor since the system is only 5 years old and its expensive. The one tech mentioned there was no voltage on herm of the capacitor. Tried replacing the capacitor with a new one, that didnt work. Still no voltage on herm. Have you seen this before? Is there a way I can figure out why theres no voltage on herm of the capacitor or test the voltage of the plug going into the compressor?

[@aaronclark1599]

If there is no power at herm then your running off 1 leg.. Check the fuse at the breaker.

[@chrismartin8840]

Very well done (from a BEME).

[@syn-techcooling7282]

Excellent refresher

[@techhdan]

Hey when checking if something is shorted to ground I'm guessing everything should be turned off first? Breakers should be shut off?

[@altamashsiddiqui3281]

Thanks a million sir for such a valuable information🙏

[@susanvillarini7763]

0:35 is the power on when you check these things

[@Fullhouse0056y6]

No, disconnect power.

[@smithnwesson990]

Butnif the breaker is tripped wouldnt the fan not be blowing out the warm or room temp air? Or would it just not run the compressor?

[@datboyfabi]

excellent video, really demonstrates your full understanding of the system. great learning experience.

[@natemay6892]

I have an AC compressor that won’t turn off when the thermostat (power company issued with power rate being assessed displayed on it) kicks off. Should I begin troubleshooting at the thermostat or at the start run switch? Today both the condenser fan and compressor were running when I caught it. Two weeks ago iirc the fan was off too. Perhaps a switch inside the compressor is faulty?

[@bill944]

contactor, there's not a switch in the compressor to tell it to run

[@muleblues71]

A have a carrier weathermaker that the outside fan does not move but the fan inside the house does. Fuses and capacitor are good. Is there a reset switch on these? Cannot see anything.

[@ahyungrocks5509]

Great info. How much can I expect a dye leak test to cost?

[@mhilderbrand7693]

How common is it to check the acidic level? My HVAC guy noticed mine was positive on one side and said I need to place a special filter to catch contamination in the refrigerant. Then replace this filter after a few weeks. Also replaced compressor. I have always had the dryer filter on one side, this particular filter is a special one in addition to the other one. 17lbs of 410 was very pricey on my 5 ton unit. I thought they would catch the 410?

[@burrowsandco]

Great Video as always

[@foxfamilyhvac]

😁

[@Alexz_Archivz]

i went back to check in the beginning of your video, you forgot to mention to remove power from AC before checking for continuity, right?

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Yep

[@salaptas]

Incredible video.

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Sweet! Thanks

[@junke8673]

Fantastic video!

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Sweet!

[@Rhenexful]

Very knowledgeable... thank you so much for sharing

[@antoninguyen9618]

I'm from Vietnam, your channel is useful for me. I have subscribed your channel. Pl keeping your channel

[@henryperez5404]

Good stuff I had trouble shoot compressor that open at internal windings and you can use mega meter

[@mprenn1547]

not a tech but this video helps me to hire a good one!

[@ahmadsyahmi351]

hi sir. may i ask. what us the root cause of normal running amp but indoor not cooling problem, ?

[@ahmadsyahmi351]

@@rabdhall05 the refrigerant is r22

[@lesio333]

Great video. I love your logical, step by step thinking. I am from east coast and looking for an honest, professional HVAC tech. By any chance do you know anybody from New York area? I know I can Google it but it doesn't tell me much about their approach

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Where in New York?

[@lesio333]

@@foxfamilyhvac NY 11379

[@philiple3054]

Would you let me know why my compressor pulled high current 73am and shut down.

[@Dawgs1983]

What temperature should the compressor be when running

[@EARTHKEENING]

Today my outside unit air conditioner circuit brake shutting off every time I turn on the A/C , I hear the compressor kick in for a second then the circuit breaker shuts off would a bad capacitor can cause the problem ?

[@scpatl4now]

Would a 10 year old Lennox system have valves or bearings?

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Bearings

[@edwinblanco1366]

This guy is the man

[@Gammatron450]

What are the reasons for gas line to the compressor to ice?

[@harrypersaud9422]

Great video sir you are a tru technician

[@danielsmart7368]

So what is it mean hen you close the valve on the high side. Turn the compressor on to suck the Freon into the condenser but the compressor sounds like it blows off and won't pump down.

[@professorkiwi]

Love it! Great reminders. Thank you.

[@jaimeinay6030]

I have a problem in my AC on the second floor!! Its not blowing air and its too hot! What the issue in this? Pls reply?

[@AyyuBX7]

The hvac I have turns on but once the compressor turns on it trips the breaker. What is the issue?

[@frederickrigby10000]

Great Video 👍🏽

[@abdulrahmanbukardawayo4606]

I found it educative thank you

[@The1realro]

Same for heat pump ?

[@joelane4670]

Hi, I have a friend that has 2 compressors replaced within a month..Know can figure out what’s going on here! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!..He is saying that the company that keeps replacing them are saying they are shorted/Shorting out! ps..very good info there!

[@Grant5011]

Thanks for the info!

[@dominicgimenez9186]

Great video

[@foxfamilyhvac]

Awesome, Thanks!

[@D2DNYAC]

Nice animation 👌

[@juanyepez3168]

Thank you for this much appreciated

[@manintoynenam]

This guy is honest, i called big companies and they try to ripped me off. They jump into conclusion that my ac is leaking without diagnosed my unit.

[@fixingproblems3183]

Here is the issue. Compressor stops to run after several hours. Every time I call an HVAC guy compressor is running like it should. And since the problem is intermittent it’s hard to re-create while the HVAC is there. Do you think HVAC pressure switch is bad ? Why does it Randomly shut off for few minutes and cut back on?

[@davidpanyj]

Good show, i like it ,thank you so much!

[@dallyaugustin3199]

hey there, question for anyone who can share an answer. I troubleshooted a compressor recently with no continuity between any of three leads. Another tec went there and said the comp. was working. Is this possible?

[@JustPlumDucky]

Is there a text version of this video?

[@AzizAziz-tp6wd]

When it is come in this way you are right sequence of operation pro this happened a lot and it is end up with changing the whole unit or change the compressor but R 22 unit still does not give it up

[@mikedavis6023]

Do you know about fox ac in Austin Texas

[@AnaIG4]

Got a compressor that turns on and then off almost right away, then will kick back on and stay on for a minute or more and then make a hissing noise, any idea? It still cools inside, but not as good as usual, I’m thinking it is something with the refrigerant

[@caseyh19]

Could be overcharged

[@brendaggiegigem6742]

I have TRANE XR17 3 ton that is doing this similar issue. Connected to Ring Nest thermostat that is giving Error code E107. Not able to detect Y2 wire. It is connected everywhere. Tried upstairs nest on the troubled downstairs unit and it gets same error. Tech is trying to sell new compressor.. He disconnected y1 wire and put y2 wire in y1 slot and it's cooling no issues. My question...is this compressor problem or is it board problem/solenoid/contactor? Hoping it's not compressor since it runs in stage 1 mode. Help lots of $$$$ for 7 yo unit that wasn't cheap 7 years ago. Losing faith in Trane. Other problems in the 7 years that should not be happening. Ready to go to window units if HOA would allow😢.

[@quivsterderilo1244]

Explanation plus video....so In formative..

[@gail6904]

@gail6904 0 seconds ago HELLO I have an Older window ac compressor ..I cant get the black tops off the top of ac compressor to test it~~~ has like a hard clay material glued on in globs...must hold the compressor black covers on ..any advice how to remove ? I need to test my compressor to see if it is bad..unit blowing hot air in and cold air out..hopefully only the cap is bad..no reading on HERM side in MF..

[@donnierobertson3088]

Nice job and video like always

[@ying0129]

Thank you

[@jelee01]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@d2euceslyck757]

Can be a lot of possibilities for one issue to happen. Learning the service part definitely can be challenging

[@dnell6854]

I had a compressor running with common and run wires disconnected

[@davidmandel9774]

Really well done. One think I don't see is how to know the compressor's LRA and how many amps it should be drawing. I got a reading of 13.1 now on the common wire just after it came on. I'll check again later, especially if it does what it did yesterday -- stopped cooling efficiently when it got really hot later in the afternoon. It was still operating but couldn't get the indoor temperature quite down to where I had the thermostat set (78), so it kept running and running instead of cycling off and on. From what I've seen, I suspect low coolant -- probably from a leak that just developed (it worked fine the day before). I presume I need a professional to check and if necessary, fix that. I'm just a regular guy who likes to fix things in my house when I can. Thanks.

[@davidmandel9774]

Update: Same phenomenon -- on nonstop for several hours and seeming to be running OK, but it only maintained a temperature of 78 when I had it set for 76. Amps readings now were Common 10, Start 13, Run 4.

[@davidmandel9774]

Correction: Run 13, Start 4, assuming I'm labeling them correctly.

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@blackishpariah]

Don't forget, a plugged filter dryer can make the compressor sound like it's full of rocks too

[@flightmedic7169]

My brother in law has a unit that keeps blowing compressor fuses. He just changed the unit and they left the same wiring. It still happens with the new unit. It will work for a week or so and then they will blow

[@mikepasko7493]

VERY GOOD

[@carll1tosm]

good explanetion

[@tedbyron1499]

Seems like checking overcurrent devices would be the 1st thing. Plus, if everything BUT the Compressor (ie. the fan and blower) is running the overcurrent devices wouldn't be engaged/blown- when they fault into the open state NOTHING runs. In this instance, their purpose is to disconnect line voltage when overcurrent in that circuit occurs.

[@cadavercasillas3901]

Nice videos GRACIAS 🙏

[@WilL-eo5cz]

@1:38 it's crazy that my 2 different instructors didn't mention this. Noted

[@warrensmith1005]

A tech diagnosed our compressor and said it needed to be replaced. So I purchased a compressor and when I came to pay him, he told me that there is metal in in in-lines. HOW DOES BROKEN METAL GETS IN THE LINES???? The tech said they need to blow the linesets and pull the compressor that broke up. How could this happen??

[@jonathanraul4086]

Ty great video

[@VirtualRobotsRevolt]

Just found out my compressor needs to be replaced and the wires melted along with caps blown. I think my home warranty will cover these things, but was told they won’t cover my refrigerant which will cost me around 1k.

[@t.c.3027]

Ur're kidding me, 1k?? Ok, time to change out complete unit & make small pmts. til paid & pray like hell that it last forever😅...