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The relay on your AC unit provides the power that keeps it running. If your relay is malfunctioning, then your air conditioner compressor will not function. This, in turn, means that your AC will be able to work optimally. That’s why it is essential to understand how to fix a stuck relay on AC unit. It will save you a lot of time, hassle, and money.
There are some problems with the relays that cause them to malfunction or get stuck. And when stuck, your AC unit won t turn off or turn on. So in this article, I’ll mainly show you how to fix a stuck relay on ac unit.
How to Fix a Stuck Relay on AC Unit?
You can accomplish this in a number of ways. Knocking on the relays a couple of times is an effective response to a minor problem. Also, you might observe that something is stuck on the relays. By cleaning the dirt or debris away, you can easily free them.
To accomplish that you just have to check the relay switch of your AC unit. Search for this in your AC user guide or look it up online. They are generally on the side of the appliance or the rear. If these solutions aren’t effective, proceed to the next step. You will have to replace the poor relay switch.
Although it would be ideal if you hired a professional to perform the task, I’ll show you what you should do if your relay malfunctions. If the relay is damaged, you may also do this repair yourself. Here in this article, you’ll know how to fix a stuck relay on ac unit.
1. Choose a Right Relay
Examine the new relay you have purchased and see if it corresponds with the older ones. The shape, design, and electrical specifications for every one of the relays should be equivalent. after you are sure, you may choose the relay as a replacement for the older ones.
2. Unplug the Power
Before turning on your air conditioner, it’s always a good idea to turn off the circuit breaker. Otherwise, you can disconnect your switch. That is because relays act as intermediaries which move electrical current to your air conditioner. So, you shouldn’t disregard shutting down your power.
3. Track The Terminal ID
On the relay, you will find some wires that you should tape. Try to tape them with masking tape. You have to write the terminal ID on each of the terminals. Then you have to match the terminals and the relay to the wiring to ensure that you’ve wired it correctly. This will help you keep track of the wiring that you have completed.
4. Pull The Terminal Connector
Locate a needle nose plier now and pull the connector off of the wires. Make sure you are gripping the connector because holding the wire may affect them.
5. Unscrew The Relay
The relay can be screwed into the air conditioner. You just need to unscrew the relay.
6. Install The New One
Remove the old relay from the unit and replace the relay with the new one. Then, use the screwdriver to screw the relay into the air conditioner.
7. Last Action
That’s where masking tape comes into play. You’ll need to manually manipulate the wires based on the numbers specified on the terminals. Or you can use the drawing you made. To use pliers to push the cable lines. After this action, carefully insert the whole wires into the relays.
Fixing the problem is the best solution in this case. It is also not too expensive. You could spend somewhere between $20 and $100 for a new relay. While acquiring a new relay, you have to make sure it matches the existing relay on your ac unit. The voltage, amperage, shape, size, design, and sometimes even the time delays have to match. So, make sure to purchase the best relay that also matches all your conditions.
Signs That Help You To Find The Bad Relay
How do you know that a bad relay may be causing your AC to malfunction? There are many different things that could cause your AC to not function. Conceiving a reason for only one reason can be complex. Nevertheless, if the relay is bad, you will notice some indications. Take a look at the given:
- If the relay isn’t working efficiently, you’ll get inconsistent heating. The relay permits the transformation of your directives into a single series of commands, so pay close attention to it if you see that your commands aren’t working.
- The AC may fail to turn off when the relay becomes stuck. Such a relay can stay in the open state and stop some of the parts from turning off, resulting in your AC’s failure to turn off entirely.
- Your AC unit won’t turn on if your compressor relay is malfunctioning. If the compressor stops functioning, it can’t get the power it needs. Then, you need to be referring to the relay in this case.
Knowing what these signs are an indicator of can assist you in determining the matter. As you have discovered with some expertise, you can resolve the problem on your own. Nevertheless, without any knowledge, be sure that you continually work with experts.
FAQs
What Happens When the AC Relay Goes Out?
When the AC relay goes out, the compressor will no longer receive power and the air conditioning system will not work. This can be caused by a faulty relay, an electrical issue, or a blown fuse. If this happens, it is important to have the relay replaced as soon as possible to get your AC working again.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace an AC Relay?
The cost of replacing an AC relay will depend on the type of relay needed and the labor involved. Generally, a common AC relay costs between $20 to $80, while more complex relays can cost up to $100. In addition to the cost of the part, labor costs will vary depending on the specific installation. and mostly the whole process took $100 to $300.
What Causes AC Relay Failure?
AC relay failure can be caused by a number of different things. Common causes include dirty contacts, corrosion, high current draw, and mechanical damage. Additionally, if the relay is not properly sized for the AC it is being used for, it can cause the relay to fail prematurely. Lastly, over-voltage or surges in voltage can also cause AC relays to fail.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know what you can do to fix a busted relay on the old AC unit, one thing to note is that no matter what you do over time the relay will eventually break. You are not going to take any shortcuts to that. Working with a specialist will be your best bet. But by following this guide you will be able to Know how to fix a stuck relay on ac unit.
