How to Check HVAC AC Compressor

How to check the compressor on a HVAC AC unit. This video will show you how to test and verify an air conditioner compressor using a multi meter to see if it is bad or not. A good compressor will have resistance readings that balance out whereas a bad compressor will read O/L or it will be shorted to ground/have continuity between one of the windings and ground. Since air conditioning will not work at all with a bad compressor, this is vital information for anyone diagnosing a condenser unit compressor.

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#hvac #airconditioner #airconditioning #wordofadvicetv

[WordofAdviceTV]

Hey guys! If you think the video starts kind of abruptly, you think correctly :) I accidently deleted the intro portion of the video from my computer. You’ll have to forgive me for not wanting to re-film it. Here is the script for the missing part if you are curious to know what you missed out on:

"In my AC fixing videos, in the comment sections, often times I explain to people how to check their compressor to see if it’s bad or not. I finally decided to make a video of how to check your compressor which I can reference people to instead. Before we begin, I just want to make sure that you checked your capacitor before you start suspecting that your compressor is bad. If the compressor capacitor is dead, the compressor will not start. The capacitor is the silver cylinder looking thing right here. (points to the capacitor) Since this video is about the compressor, I wont be explaining how to check and replace the capacitor right now. I do have a video that shows how to do that though, it can be found in this video’s description. After you have verified that the capacitor is good…. (This is where the video begins)

How to Check and Replace a Capacitor:
How to Troubleshoot A/C Step by Step:

[SakeEgo]

Spent 5 hours just to learn that my contactor was bad. Only guy that showed me that in my search, thanks.

[omma-llama]

Hi. I'm posting here to say "Thank You!" ... you see we had been told by a local contractor that out old r22 condenser was shot and our entire system needed to be replaced. I came across your videos while doing my own research, and after watching about four or five of your videos on outside units, I was able to go outside and, for about $20 in parts get my old one working again. In my case, I had a bad 5 minute delay board. I much prefer to bypass the board then spend 6500 on a new system. I know it's coming in the future, but I'd like to get as much life out of this old system as I can. Thank you so very much.

[bsargent]

THANKS TO ALL YOU YouTube folks that take the time and effort to help us DIY folks. You probably have no idea how much your information is used and has helped others find out whats wrong and how to fix or investigate it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

[carlosa.avalle]

I've done a lot of DIY repairs in my life but had never tackled AC problems before. AC systems are pretty intimidating but with your videos I was able to isolate the problem to the control board in the attic. A loose common wire may have been the culprit that would only manifest itself on the hottest days, intermittent problems are the worst. After hours of chasing the problem a simple turn of a screwdriver did the trick. I could not have done it without your videos. My hat off to you and I will be sending a contribution to your channel as I figure it has saved me hundreds. Thank you!

[rachaelflaharty]

Thank you very much! My Husband was able to check the wires, and one was burned. He was able to replace it and fix it for free!! 😊

[frankhernandez]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. From a new home owner you have no idea what this means. Saving homeowners money is a blessing especially in a time like this. Thanks again for your time and God Bless.

[RicardoRamirez-yjsx]

Someone had already told me this method but wasn’t too sure if it was really accurate. Watching your video really helped. Thank you sir keep up the good videos. Well appreciated

[georgepapasozomenos]

VERY VERY GOOD YOUR THE ONLY ONLY ONE EXPLAINED VERY WELL THANKS A LOT

[josealfaro]

I am an electrician. I love your videos. Thank you.

[jimbola]

smart kid thank you for sharing their partner a good job, God

[Froggability]

What a crazy place to mount the compressor! Bit tricky to check the terminals

[Smashachu]

Don't forget to short the leads on the capacitor, in older models they don't have a discharge resistor built in and can store a deadly charge.

[joshevans]

Thank you so much for these videos I was able to diagnose and fix my AC and only cost me $26 for a new thermostat

[SunShine-jrqh]

Future AC/Refrigerator here. Thanks for the videos. They do a “ Ton “ pf help.

[jaquiebean]

HIM: make sure you check for voltage again a third time because I don’t want you dead’
ME: carefully placing the screwdriver on the grass, walking slowly back to my phone to call a tech. Decided to live another day for a different battle. Know your limits. Lol

[Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Without removing the wires from the compressor pins, I would just verify that each wire running from the compressor pin to the electrical block is good, after verifying good wires, I would check my compressor from that electrical block, no removable of wires, unless one is bad of course, and much easier to check the compressor without fiddling around trying to make a good connection like you were doing. Also my 16 year old Trane unit came with a Compressor Sound Blanket Wrap. I just took the blanket off the other day for testing, and the compressor looks as good as the day it was installed almost two decades ago, not weather beaten like yours.

[TchGuy]

I just want to say that your channel and especially all of your air condtioning videos are extremely informative, helpful, and easy to understand. I've watched all of your AC videos and this has allowed me to change my capacitor and contactor without having to pay someone to do it! Unfortunately, my 15 year old AC has died once again and after watching this video, I believe it is my compressor. I have continuity on all three pins to ground so I think it's time for a new AC unit. Anyway, thank you again for uploading such awesome videos! Keep up the great job!

[raybaker]

Thanks for the video saved me the cost of a weekend service call ( bad contactor ) I did not know about the test button!

[Noelg]

I actually learned something right now. Thank you dude keep making these awesome HVAC videos