When an air conditioner starts a cooling cycle, it requires a lot of electricity to power the fan and compressor motors. The contactors regulate the flow of electricity, and the sensors detect the temperature. Look out for these signs of faulty sensors and malfunctioning contactors in your Lubbock, TX home’s air conditioning system.
Faulty sensors in your AC system result in poor temperature control. The sensor may not accurately detect your home’s air temperature, which may result in wide temperature swings between cooling cycles. The air conditioner could run non-stop, which may lead to excessively high electricity bills. Despite all these cooling cycles, your home may never reach the temperature setting on your thermostat when the sensor can’t measure the air temperature over the evaporator coil or in your living space.
Malfunctioning contactors typically cause the outdoor unit to make a loud humming sound at the start of a cooling cycle. You may also hear a chirping type of sound as the contactors attempt to activate the air conditioner’s electrical system. A damaged capacitor may cause a similar sound, which is why it’s best to leave the troubleshooting of unusual AC sounds to licensed HVAC technicians.
According to the Department of Energy, frequent cycling and short-cycling can be signs of malfunctioning contactors or faulty sensors. Over time, the contactors may rust or corrode, which impedes the flow of electricity. Sensors may also be encased in dirt, damaged, or displaced. When the contactor malfunctions, the air conditioner tries to turn on, but inadequate power causes the safety limit switch to turn it off again. A faulty sensor may cause the unit to turn off too quickly, especially if the system is oversized.
For more information about the signs of faulty sensors or malfunctioning contactors in your air conditioning system, take a look at Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. & Plumbing’s professional AC repairs, or get in touch with us today.
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