We’ve all seen an air conditioner that isn’t supporting temperature control as we hoped it might, but do you know how to tell if your AC relay switch is bad? What is an AC relay switch? And if you’re noticing some issues, which symptoms of air conditioner failure are most concerning?
Allow Leith Heating & Cooling to answer all your questions below as their team for AC repair in St. Charles, IL, draws on many years of industry experience.
What Is a Relay Switch in an Air Conditioner?
A relay switch is one of the most essential parts of your air conditioning system. It is responsible for creating the electrical current between your terminals, which relays power to the compressor. When your relay switch turns on, your compressor turns on as well, so without it, the compressor wouldn’t function, and your air conditioner would be little more than a glorified fan.
Your relay switch acts as the initiator of your air conditioner’s most important duty: giving your space cooled air. Being a sensor and small, your unit’s relay switch might be subject to more wear and tear than other components within your air conditioning unit, especially if it becomes incapacitated with too much dust or dirt. Keeping your air conditioner’s relay switch in good health needs frequent cleaning, which is part of those professional maintenance visits you should be scheduling every year.
Signs Your AC Relay Is Bad in St. Charles
If you’re running into air conditioner issues, there’s a good chance your air conditioning relay switch could be the problem. If you’re local, the notorious temperature fluctuations in the St. Charles area will impact your air conditioner, including more delicate parts like the relay switch.
If you want to learn how to tell if your AC relay switch is bad, the first step is to look out for the following symptoms:
Compressor-Related Issues
One surefire way to tell whether your relay switch is bad is issues with your system’s compressor. Look at your air conditioner unit and note any of the common signs of compressor failure, such as:
- Draining water.
- A leaking unit.
- A complete lack of cold air.
If professionals like Leith Heating & Cooling find a compressor issue, they’ll usually recommend a new compressor rather than a replacement relay switch.
Ineffective Cooling Ability
Is your relay switch busted? You’re likely having trouble keeping the house cool enough.
Your relay switch provides power to your compressor, so you’ll quickly notice a problem if it stops working. When you turn on your air conditioner, wait about fifteen minutes before checking the airflow against your hand. If the air isn’t cool, it could be either your unit’s compressor or, hopefully, just its relay switch.
A Lack of Airflow
If you notice your air conditioner is clogged or weak, your relay switch may be going bad. Cold air is impossible to maintain without a functional relay switch system.
The lack of cold air or airflow could mean a number of different things. However, this symptom is convincing to note when paired with many others that are consistent with a broken relay switch.
Odd Odors From the Cooling Unit
Could your unit have a worn-down switch that is still trying to function daily? If so, you may encounter a strange smell from your unit.
Are there smoke or burning smells coming from your air conditioner unit as you turn it on? When a faulty relay system activates, the resulting electricity may burn certain parts, emitting a strong smell of melting plastic or smoke.
New or Loud Noises
A faulty relay switch is associated with no compressor-related activity driving your unit’s cooling function. Have you tried to turn on your air conditioner and noticed a low hum? This may be due to the relay switch attempting to turn over but failing.
You might also hear a rattling noise. At that point, your air conditioner may start working normally, but perhaps not for long. The rattling could be a sign of a relay switch starting to malfunction.
Rising Energy Bills Without Extra Cooling
With a little knowledge about the inner workings of the cooling unit, you’ll know how to tell if your AC relay switch is bad. However, a slightly easier and more common way to pinpoint a problem with your air conditioner is by keeping an eye on your monthly energy bills. If they’re rising inexplicably, your system may be in desperate need of repair.
An air conditioner unit not running at full capacity uses more power, causing short cycling, a hot home, and other issues like overheating. All of this will reflect on your energy bill.
Inconsistent Cooling Power
Sometimes, a relay switch malfunctions, causing a complete lack of cool air indoors. Other times, your air conditioner may be more subtle about the issue and cool intermittently. If you notice inconsistencies, consider getting an HVAC expert like Leith Heating & Cooling to inspect your system’s components and recommend repairs or replacements.
Even simple things like dust accumulation on the interior parts of your cooling system can cause a problem. If the contact points required by your relay switch are too dirty, your unit won’t switch on the compressor, which means no cooling. Professional maintenance should prevent most of these cooling issues over the long haul.
Work With Leith Heating & Cooling in St. Charles, IL
Now that you know how to tell if an AC relay switch is bad, you’ll have a better idea of when to call for help. Trust Leith Heating & Cooling in St Charles, IL, with your HVAC issues, including answering questions like “What causes furnace pressure switches to fail?” Going without an air conditioner on a hot day doesn’t have to be your lot in life if you have us on hand to sort things out, so call Leith Heating & Cooling today at 847-851-8698 for restored home comfort and cool air in St. Charles, IL.