Compressor only stays on for 2-3 minutes than shuts off

SOURCE: MY frigidaire Air Conditioner model

A few basic principles for air conditioner troubleshooting. For both central home air conditioner or window air conditioner, the first thing to check is whether the unit is getting proper power. If the unit uses 220 volt power be sure that the proper voltage is getting to the unit. Same for 110 volt units. A voltage meter can be used to assure that the voltage is correct.

For window air conditioning units the voltage can also be checked before and after the thermostat. If voltage is being supplied to the thermostat but not from it then the thermostat probably needs replaced. This is a fairly common problem. Another place to check is the fan motor voltage. The fan on window air conditioners runs both the indoor blower and the condenser fan. If that motor fails than the compressor may run for a short time, but will overheat and shut off. Continued operation like this will result in compressor failure. This motor can be economically replaced for larger window air conditioners, but for smaller ones the cost of replacement will be more than a new unit.

Central air conditioners for the home are more complex and there are more things that can go wrong. As with the window air conditioner the thermostat can also be a problem. The central air conditioner thermostat will only have 24 volts going to it. So don't look for high voltage there. Some units the voltage will be coming from the outdoor unit and others the voltage will be supplied by the indoor air handler or furnace. Most home central air conditioning will be supplied by the indoor air handler or the furnace. If the air conditioner is for cooling only the unit will usually have only two wires going to the condenser unit. Make sure that you have 24 volts across those wires.

The next thing to check will be the indoor blower. If your thermostat is calling for cooling then the indoor blower should be running. If there is no air moving across the indoor cooling coil then you will soon have a big block of ice formed on the coil. This can happen for a few reasons. The indoor blower is not working, the air flow is restricted and not allowing air to move across the coil. A clogged air filter would also do this. Or the outdoor condenser unit has lost the charge of refrigerant.

Finally and worst of all is when you have a complete compressor failure. Often when this happens the compressor will "lock up" or not be able to turn when power is supplied to it. Overheating or lack of lubrication are usually the main causes of compressor failure. Overheating can be caused by the outdoor coil around the compressor getting clogged with dirt, leaves, or grass. Loss of the refrigerant charge will also cause the compressor to overheat. It is the cool return gas coming back to the compressor that helps to keep it from overheating.

As you can see there are many things that can go wrong with an air conditioner and I have not come close to exhausting the possibilities here. I have just touched on the most common problems in a very basic way.
There are some basic trouble shooting things that can be done very easily. Most problems are above out of the range of comfort for many homeowners and professional help should be consulted before any attempt is made at repairs. Remember also, that the release of refrigerant gases into the atmosphere is a federal offense in the US. Proper care must always be taken to minimize the release of any gases. A license is also required to handle refrigerants. Make sure that the professional you call has the proper certifications to handle refrigerants properly.


http://www.fixya.com/support/r3636709-size_air_conditioner_need

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3623253-window_air_conditioners_clean_every_year

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3633369-portable_air_conditioning_great_portable

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3623166-heating_air_conditioning_scams

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3597468-you_can_add_air_conditioning_to_your_hot

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3583697-how_to_keep_house_cool_without_using_air

SOURCE: Sometimes it blows cold, sometimes it doesnt.

The coils that are located right behind the filter need to be cleaned extremely well. You can purchase a spray from your local hardware dealer that can clean the coils. Also, rinse the fins at the back side of the unit as well. Dirty units can cause this to happen. If you clean it and it continues, you have developed a refrigerant leak. Since window units are so inexpensive today, it is not cost effective to hire someone to come out and find and repair it. Hope this is of help to you.

jasbo

• 2239 Answers
• Posted on Jul 20, 2009

SOURCE: A/C UNIT FANS BLOWS NO COLD AIR COMPRESSOR KICKS ON THEN OFF

check fins in the condenser coils (the fins on the outside part) for obstructions or alot of bent fins. should be free and clear. but chances are the freon level is low. can be serviced, but may be cheaper to replace.

SOURCE: warm air

could be several things...if all is working/blowing and its clean inside & outside with a clean filter then more then likely it's low on gas/freon......if you continoue to run it it'll pobly ice up/freeze......also make sure you hear the compressor running as well as the fan blowing. sometimes this can be tough listen for that deep rumble/humming sound thats the compressor.

SOURCE: Have a frigidare wall ac

The compressor is stopping on overload. There is either a weak breaker or an electrical problem causing the overload to open the circuit and stop the compressor. It has to be taken apart to determine what is or is not going on.