Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Price Match Guarantee
In-stock parts ship the same day
365-Day Return Policy
Price Match GuaranteeChoose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpPhilco Central A/C RepairPhilco Central A/C Condensing unit does not run Repair
Philco Central Air Conditioner Condensing unit does not run
If your Philco condensing unit does not run, the air conditioner may not be turning on because of a failed compressor, which pumps refrigerant through the condenser coil and evaporator coil. Check other likely causes before condemning the compressor, including a failed wall thermostat, condenser fan motor, or fan motor. A defective thermostat can stop both the furnace and outdoor unit, while seized motor bearings can keep the condenser fan from starting or turning freely. If the unit has power but the contactor, capacitor, condenser fan, and compressor are not operating, a sealed system problem or low refrigerant may have tripped the low pressure switch. A faulty high pressure switch or low pressure switch is less common. You can safely inspect wiring and rotate the fan blade with power disconnected, but testing 240V circuits, the contactor, capacitor, or compressor requires appropriate electrical training. Refrigerant diagnosis, pressure-switch replacement, and any repair inside the sealed system require an EPA 608-certified, qualified HVAC technician. Enter your Philco model number to find the exact replacement compressor, thermostat, condenser fan motor, pressure switch, or other part for your central air conditioner.
01 - Philco 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 ...
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Highly Likely
02 - Philco 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 - Philco 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 - Philco 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 - Philco 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 Philco central AC condensing unit not turning on?
What should I check if the outdoor AC fan is not spinning?
Can a thermostat cause my Philco AC unit not to start?
Could low refrigerant or a pressure switch keep my AC condensing unit from running?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Philco central air conditioner?
Shop by Philco Central Air Conditioner Parts
Our Story
Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.
About Repair Clinic
© 2026 RepairClinic.com