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Portable A/C: Compressor runs intermittently and doesn't cool room
When turned on, the compressor runs for about 30-60 seconds before shuttering to a stop the fans still run continuously. After another 30 seconds, the compressor kicks back on. While the compressor is running, cold air is coming out of the unit and generally runs long enough to bring the room temperature down by one degree; however, soon thereafter the compressor shuts down and room-temperature air comes out. This cycle continues no matter how long I run the unit. The net effect is a near zero-degree difference in room temp.
Just to rule-out any obvious problems:
1) The unit is plugged-in properly and turned to the correct setting
2) The temperature is set to the coldest setting (68-degrees F)
3) The unit is accurately sensing the ambient temperature in the room (usually about 80-degrees F).
4) The unit is properly vented out of a nearby window and the rest of the windows in the room are sealed. 5) The water reservoir is completely empty and I have a continuous drainage hose hooked into the back.
I took the cover panels off of the unit and didn't see any obvious problems. Both the condenser and the evaporator are clean (and I dusted them off for good measure). I didn't find any leaks or traces of oil. No apparent damage at all.
Could this be a control board issue? I also noticed that this unit has a temperature sensor on the evaporator. Could this (or another sensor I'm not seeing) be malfunctioning? I'm happy to change these things out (or remove them if the unit can operate without them) but I want to rule out any mechanical problems with the unit before I start swapping out circuit boards and sensors.
Your issue sounds like either a bad "pressure switch" or that the unit is low on "Freon." Either of these problems will cause the compressor to start and run shortly then compressor cuts off, then and repeats itself.
From your description It really does Not seem to be a "bad board in that unit" because the compressor is starting up, even though the compressor is not staying on long enough to cool said area.
Testimonial: "Thanks! Do you know where this pressure switch would be on the unit? Is this something I can swap out or is it integrated into the copper piping?"
"Thanks! Do you know where this pressure switch would be on the unit? Is this something I can swap out or is it integrated into the copper piping?"Thanks! Do you know where this pressure switch would be on the unit? Is this something I can swap out or is it integrated into the copper piping?
Sorry but it is Integrated into the copper. But you can usually find a local shop that can fix this issue. They have access to a vacuum pump and torch etc to do this job correctly. Hope this will help you in your decision to repair or replace.Sorry but it is Integrated into the copper. But you can usually find a local shop that can fix this issue. They have access to a vacuum pump and torch etc to do this job correctly. Hope this will help you in your decision to repair or replace.
LOL, pressure switch? this isn't a washing machine or a HVAC unit. by his description it is likely an electronic T'stat as he said. he didn't say cooling was bad when the compressor ran. the electronic T'stat is N L A. check e-bay or other used parts depots. "havn fun here" is just that havin' fun and trying to collect $ for false diagnoses.LOL, pressure switch? this isn't a washing machine or a HVAC unit. by his description it is likely an electronic T'stat as he said. he didn't say cooling was bad when the compressor ran. the electronic T'stat is N L A. check e-bay or other used parts depots. "havn fun here" is just that havin' fun and trying to collect $ for false diagnoses.
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If the compressor indicator light on your portable air conditioner won't turn off and the cooling performance has decreased, there may be a few potential causes for this issue:
1. Dirty air filters: Check the air filters of your portable air conditioner and ensure they are clean. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and reduce the cooling efficiency of the unit. If the filters are dirty, clean or replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Blocked air vents: Verify that the air vents on the portable air conditioner are not obstructed by any objects or debris. Clear away any obstructions to allow proper airflow.
3. Insufficient cooling capacity: Consider the size and cooling capacity of your portable air conditioner compared to the room it is being used in. If the air conditioner is undersized for the room, it may struggle to cool it adequately, especially if the ambient temperature is high or the room has poor insulation.
4. Dual hose configuration: Although dual hoses are generally more efficient than single hose configurations, there could be issues with the hoses themselves. Ensure that both hoses are properly connected and not kinked or damaged. Check for any air leaks around the hose connections and use sealing tape if necessary.
5. Condenser coil cleanliness: The condenser coil of the air conditioner can accumulate dirt and debris over time, reducing its cooling capacity. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to access and clean the condenser coil. Ensure that the unit is disconnected from the power source before attempting any maintenance.
6. Low refrigerant levels: If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it can affect its cooling performance. Low refrigerant levels typically indicate a leak, and it's recommended to contact a professional technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
7. Faulty compressor or sensors: If none of the above steps resolve the problem, there may be an issue with the compressor or the temperature sensors within the air conditioner. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer's customer support or a qualified technician for further assistance and potential repairs.
Remember to consult the user manual specific to your portable air conditioner model for detailed troubleshooting steps and maintenance instructions.
1. Cooling system - compressor (black "pot" with tubing and wires coming out of it located underneath in the rear - Item 29 below in the top drawing), compressor starting relay 9item 30),temperature control and all connecting refrigerant tubing.
2. Defrost system (if frost free, which yours is) to intermittently shut off the cooling for approx. 30 minutes, turn on a heater to melt off accumulated frost plus a safety stat to prevent overheats.
3. Fan system to circulate the cold air inside the freezer.
So, with the door closed (or holding in the door switch) does the fan run? If not, bad fan or bad door switch or broken wire or ice buildup preventing fan from turning.
Pulling the freezer away from the wall, (carefully) feel of the compressor, is it hot or warm? Very hot means it's trying to start/run but can't, so it gets hotter and hotter. Warm means it is running and should cool. Cold/room temp means it is not running, nor even trying to start.
Once you know those items you can focus in on the problem area: Cooling problem, air circulation problem or defrost problem. Most likely is defrost problem, second (on a Frigidaire) is a running and trying to cool, but low on refrigerant (leak) and then perhaps a bad compressor relay or fan. Some of these units also had issues with the control module (item 166 in the bottom graphic) and would not supply power to the compressor.
Basically, find out what works, isolate the problem to one of the three basic areas of function, then drill down to the specific item. It's the classic decision tree from school. A basic volt/ohm meter ($20-$40) is a great tool for tracking down these problems. Good luck.
There is a start capacitor near the compressor that may be bad. If the capacitor tests OK then the compressor is locked up. A service man can try to get it going with a kicker capacitor but there is no guarantee that that will work.
It sounds like the compressor is not running. This could be due to a faulty thermostat, a bad start capacitor for the compressor, a bad compressor overload or simply a bad compressor. You would need a voltage meter to check all of these components.
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