Looking at what the possible reasons could be for your portable air conditioner’s compressor shutting off all the time, and how to troubleshoot some of the arising issues.
So you own a portable air conditioner, and all of a sudden the compressor of your unit keeps shutting off and you have no idea as to what could be the reason.
Well, there could be a few things that you need to make yourself aware of; for instance, the extent of what is happening for your compressor to be acting up, as well as how to get the problem fixed and when to worry.
What are some issues that can cause your compressor to act up?
One of the reasons for this could be that your portable air conditioners compressor may be overheating. Some of the issues that can lead to this is a high compression ratio, which can be caused by factors such as low suction pressure.
Low suction pressure is something that can be caused by a loss of refrigerant, improperly fitted parts or a drop in pressure. Old and clogged components can also be part of the problem, as parts of the air conditioners compressor can wear down with age and this can make the unit work harder to achieve its basic functions.
When this happens, the unit will generate excess heat during the process. Dirt can contribute to the condenser coils getting hot and causing overheating.
There could be a problem with the venting process of your portable air conditioner. If it is not able to properly vent heat produced by the compressor, this could build up inside and hinder the compressor from running.
If there is insufficient refrigerant, this could be another possible reason for the compressor shutting off. If the system is running low on refrigerant for whatever reasons, there will be a disturbance in the flow of refrigerant, which could cause it to stop working.
What are some of the ways of troubleshooting these issues?
In the event that you suspect there may be a problem with the venting process of your portable air conditioner, you can look into straightening the hose. You can also check if there are any blockages that may need to be removed.
You may also need to position the portable air conditioner a distance away from your window. This is crucial as the hose may sag and as a result, this could restrict the airflow of the unit if it is too close to a window. This method may help it resume functioning as normal.
If you discover that your air conditioners condenser coils have become dirty, it is important that it becomes a routine for you to inspect the condenser coils for a build up of grime and gunk that could have developed. You need to clean the coil using a coil cleaning solution.
Amazon has some coil cleaning solutions on their website and the Nu-Calgon 4171-75 Evap Foam will work to liquefy dirt, grease, oil and other residues quickly and easily.
What happens when none of the above issues seem to be the cause of the problem?
If you have not identified any of the above related issues, then you may want to consider the fact that there may be a more advanced problem. These can include faulty wiring, a condenser coil that is malfunctioning or you may find that the compressor itself may have developed a more complicated problem.
These issues will be beyond anything you can DIY for yourself, leading you to have to call in a professional for a proper inspection and repair service.
It may also be better to contact the manufacturer if you find yourself struggling with such issues. Something else that may need to be taken into consideration is the fact that the compressor may just be dying and reached the end of its longevity.
Therefore, it is important to note that should you ever find yourself in a situation whereby your portable air conditioners compressor is acting up, you should consider checking and troubleshooting the issues you may have identified, but only in the case where you can do it yourself. To avoid issues like this, ensure to always check your units components.