Signs Your AC Unit Could Need New Contactors

Your Atlanta, GA, home’s air conditioning system has many different components, and they all have to work properly. The AC contactors are like an electrical switch, and they have a load side and a volt side. If there’s a problem with the contactors, your air conditioning system won’t operate as expected. Here are three signs that your AC unit could need new contactors.

Loud Chattering or Humming Sounds

When the air conditioning system turns on, it clicks and makes a humming sound. If the humming gets louder and louder, you may need new contactors or coils. You may also hear a chattering sound. This may be caused by dirty contactors or a weak coil. Weak coils need to be replaced with quality HVAC components. If the contactors are dirty, the experienced technicians clean them.

Burning Smell

A burning smell from your air conditioning system almost always indicates a problem that needs to be repaired. When contactors overheat, they melt. Because the contactors are made from plastic, you’ll notice a chemical burning smell if they melt. If this happens, you’ll need to have the contactors replaced with quality HVAC components as soon as possible. This repair must be done by a skilled HVAC technician.

Erratic Cooling Cycles

Erratic cycling behavior is a common problem when electrical sensors and contactors fail, explains the Department of Energy. You may hear the air conditioning system click on, but bad contactors impede the unit’s ability to get full electrical power. Without enough power to the compressor, it may not initiate a cooling cycle. If the contactors melt, the system might not turn off. Melted contactors can’t move, so the unit has no way to stop the flow of electricity to the motor.

To learn more about the signs that your cooling system could use new AC contactors, take a look at Ful-Bro Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.’s air conditioning repair services, or call us today for more details.