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Tempstar Central Air Conditioner Condensing unit does not run

If your Tempstar condensing unit won't start, the outdoor AC unit may not be running because of a failed compressor, which is the most likely cause listed for this symptom. A defective wall thermostat can also prevent the furnace and condensing unit from receiving the signal to operate. Next, check the condenser fan motor and fan motor, since seized bearings, failed windings, or no incoming power can keep the AC condenser from turning on. If the condensing unit has power but neither the compressor nor fan runs, a sealed system problem, such as low refrigerant causing the low pressure switch to trip, may be responsible. A faulty high or low pressure switch is less common. You can inspect wiring and use a multimeter only if you are comfortable working safely around electrical equipment, but the condensing unit contains 240V line voltage. Turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker before service, and do not open the sealed system or handle refrigerant without EPA 608 certification. Enter your Tempstar model number to find the exact compressor, thermostat, condenser fan motor, fan motor, or pressure switch replacement part for your central air conditioner.

01 - Tempstar 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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Highly Likely

02 - Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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 Tempstar outdoor AC unit not running?
What should I check if the Tempstar condenser fan is not running?
Can a thermostat keep my Tempstar condensing unit from turning on?
Why does my Tempstar AC have power, but the compressor and condenser fan will not start?
How do I find the correct Tempstar AC replacement part?

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