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HomeRepair HelpRheem Central A/C RepairRheem Central A/C Condensing unit does not run Repair
Rheem Central Air Conditioner Condensing unit does not run
When a Rheem central air conditioner condensing unit does not run, the outdoor AC unit may be losing power or failing to start because of a compressor, wall thermostat, condenser fan motor, fan motor, sealed system, or pressure switch problem. The compressor is listed first, although compressor failure is not common. A faulty wall thermostat can prevent both the furnace and condensing unit from operating. Next, check the condenser fan motor and fan motor for electrical continuity, power, or seized bearings that keep the fan blade from turning freely. If the condensing unit has power but neither the compressor nor fan runs, low refrigerant may have tripped the low pressure switch, indicating a sealed system problem. A defective high or low pressure switch is less common. The condenser, compressor, contactor, capacitor, thermostat, fuse, circuit breaker, and disconnect box involve electrical testing, and 240V line-voltage work should be handled by a qualified technician. Refrigerant diagnosis, pressure-switch replacement, and any sealed-system repair require an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician. Enter your Rheem model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific central air conditioner.
01 - Rheem Central Air Conditioner Compressor
Central air conditioners use a compressor to pump refrigerant through the condenser coils located in the outside condensing unit and through the evaporator coils mounted on top of the furnace or air handler. While it's not a common problem, if the compressor fails, the condensing unit will not run. You can use a multimeter to test the compressor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the component, to help determine if the compressor is faulty. If all other potentially defective components, such as the capacitor and condenser fan motor, are operating properly, then a qualified technician should ...
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Highly Likely
02 - Rheem Central Air Conditioner Wifi Thermostat
The WiFi thermostat has contacts in it that control the furnace. If the contact fails it can result in the furnace and the condensing unit to not run at all.
Common
03 - Rheem Central Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Motor
A faulty condenser fan motor can be responsible for the central air conditioner condensing unit not running. You can use a multimeter to test the fan motor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the motor, to help determine if the motor is defective. You can also use the multimeter to determine if power is reaching the motor. You can also try rotating the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the fan motor will need to be replaced.
Common
04 - Rheem Central Air Conditioner Fan Motor
A faulty fan motor can be responsible for the central air conditioner condensing unit not running. You can use a multimeter to test the fan motor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the motor, to help determine if the motor is defective. You can also use the multimeter to determine if power is reaching the motor. You can also try rotating the fan blades by hand. If the blades do not turn freely, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the fan motor will need to be replaced.
Common
05 - Sealed system problem
If the condensing unit has power to it, the contactor checks out okay, but the fan and compressor are not running, it is likely that the unit is low on refrigerant which will cause the low limit pressure switch to trip and keep the unit from running. Since diagnosing and repairing a sealed system takes specialized tools and knowledge, a qualified service technician should diagnosis and repair the unit.
Common
06 - Rheem Central Air Conditioner Pressure Switch
A pressure switch is a safety device used to help prevent component and system failures. There are basically three types of pressure switches used in central air conditioning and heat pump applications: High Limit, Low Limit, and Ambient Temperature. Depending on the model, you may have one or more of these or none. The pressure switch(es) can be checked with a multimeter, referencing the wiring diagram for the circuit locations. Note: If a pressure switch needs to be replaced the refrigerant will need to be removed, requiring a qualified technician.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Rheem condensing unit not turning on?
What should I check if the condenser fan is not running?
Can a thermostat keep the Rheem outdoor AC unit from turning on?
Could low refrigerant or a pressure switch stop the AC condensing unit?
How do I find the correct Rheem replacement part for my central air conditioner?
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