Is your outdoor unit not running and leaving you in the heat? Don’t sweat it, experts at DEEPCHILL, your trusted air conditioning Gold Coast service, are here to help.
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3 common air conditioner issues you can fix at home when outdoor unit not running
Burnt or shorted power cables
Cause: Over time, the electrical wires supplying power to your air conditioner can degrade, especially if they’re not rated for the unit’s load. When that happens, the insulation weakens and may cause short circuits or even burning for outdoor unit not running.
How to fix: If you see burnt or melted sections of the wire, you can cut and reconnect them at the damaged point using proper connectors. However, if the wire looks old, brittle or overheated, it’s best to replace it with a new one that meets the correct power rating. This helps prevent damage to other components like the compressor or circuit board.
Tip: Always make sure your air conditioner is connected to a stable, well-insulated power source.
Broken or chewed power wires
Cause: A broken wire can happen for many reasons: long-term wear and tear, being pinched during installation or even rats chewing on it (a surprisingly common issue).
How to fix: You can check around the outdoor unit to see if any wires look frayed or cut. If so, turn off the power completely before repairing. Use electrical tape and connectors to rejoin the wires, or replace them entirely if they’re too damaged.
Safety note: Always wear insulated gloves and make sure the power is fully off before doing any electrical work.
Outdoor unit placed in the wrong location
Cause: The outdoor unit plays a huge role in your air conditioner’s performance. If it’s installed in a bad spot, it can easily overheat or work inefficiently. Common installation mistakes include:
- Placing it where sunlight hits directly throughout the day
- Mounting it on a metal roof or near heat-absorbing surfaces
- Installing it in a hard-to-reach spot that rarely gets cleaned
How to fix: Move the outdoor unit to a cooler, shaded area with good airflow. If relocating isn’t possible, you can add a cover or shade to protect it from direct sunlight. Just make sure not to block the airflow around the unit.
Tip: Regularly clean the outdoor unit’s fins and clear away dust, leaves or cobwebs, they can all reduce cooling efficiency over time.
When to call a technician or take your unit for warranty service if outdoor unit not running?
Even though some air conditioner issues can be fixed at home, there are times when outdoor unit not running problems need proper tools and skills to handle safely.
The electrical circuit isn’t supplying power
Cause: If you’ve already checked that the power cable isn’t damaged, the problem may lie in the main circuit board. Common signs include blown fuses, burnt components, or visible wire breaks.
How to fix: These issues require replacing or repairing the damaged circuit board. Contact your air conditioner’s warranty service or a qualified technician for support.
A damaged compressor (block)
Signs to look for:
- The indoor unit blows air but no cool air comes out.
- The outdoor unit makes loud noises when running.
- The room temperature keeps changing between hot and cold.
- You notice frost or water spraying from the copper pipes.
Possible causes:
- Poor installation or wrong positioning of the outdoor unit.
- Room size is too large for the AC’s capacity.
- Unit running for too long or under high load.
- The outdoor unit was exposed to direct sunlight, causing overheating.
How to fix: Don’t try to open or fix the outdoor unit yourself, it contains sealed parts that require special tools. Instead, call your warranty center or a professional technician to inspect the compressor.
Outdoor unit circuit board failure
Cause: This happens quite often with inverter or new-generation energy-saving models. When the outdoor unit’s control board malfunctions, the compressor may keep turning on and off, reducing cooling performance.
How to fix: Contact your brand’s authorized service center. They’ll run a diagnostic check and replace the faulty circuit board if needed.
Damaged capacitor in the outdoor unit
Cause: Fluctuating power supply causes the capacitor to switch on and off repeatedly, which wears it out over time. You might notice:
- The compressor receives power but can’t start.
- The AC isn’t cooling, and both the compressor and fan stop running.
- You hear a low humming sound before the unit shuts off.
How to fix: The capacitor or control board needs replacement when outdoor unit not running. Contact your maintenance or warranty center to handle it. It’s also good to clean the control board occasionally to prevent insects or dust from causing short circuits.
Cooling system not working efficiently
Cause: The heat exchange components (like the condenser or evaporator) may not be releasing or absorbing heat properly. This often happens when the unit isn’t cleaned or maintained regularly, or when the outdoor coil is covered in dirt and debris.
How to fix: Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning, about once every six months for home units and every three months for commercial systems. Keeping the condenser fins clean helps your unit run cooler and last longer.
If you get stuck dealing with an outdoor unit not running, it might be time to contact DEEPCHILL, your trusted air conditioning repair service on the Gold Coast. With nearly 40 years of experience, DEEPCHILL offers expert maintenance and installation to help you solve these issues and keep your air conditioning Gold Coast system running comfortably and efficiently!
