ICP Central Air Conditioner Condensing unit does not run
When your ICP central air conditioner condensing unit does not run, a bad run capacitor or a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse is the most likely cause. A failed compressor is a possible but less common cause. A compressor failure is uncommon, so first check whether the thermostat is sending a cooling signal and whether the condenser fan blades turn freely with power disconnected. A seized fan motor, failed bearings, or an electrical fault can stop the condensing unit, while a sealed system problem or low refrigerant can trip the low pressure switch and prevent both the compressor and fan from running. A defective pressure switch is less common but may also interrupt operation. Testing continuity and voltage at the compressor, motors, thermostat, and pressure switch requires caution because the condensing unit contains dangerous 240V line voltage. Refrigerant diagnosis, sealed system repairs, pressure switch replacement, and compressor replacement require EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician. Turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker before inspecting components. Enter your ICP model number to find the exact replacement part for your central air conditioner.
01 - ICP 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 ...replace the compressor.
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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.
03 - ICP 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.
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.
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 - ICP 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.