What does an AC contactor do?

An AC contactor controls the flow of electricity to all parts of the unit. If the contactor is bad, the AC unit will lose its ability to adequately cool the home and may run continuously, even when the thermostat is turned off.

How do I know if my AC contactor is bad?

Bad AC Contactor Symptoms

1. Humming. When your AC is on, it may produce a humming sound – but, it won't be power on.

2. Chattering. When the contacts are dirty, or the coil has become weak, you may hear the plunger make a chattering sound.

3. Melting.

How much does it cost to replace an AC contactor?

The cost to replace the AC contactor is about $150 to $350, and the part costs $10 to $45. The contactor controls the electricity going to the different components of the AC contactors. This can take about an hour to be replaced.

Can you fix an AC contactor?

Coils can be replaced but are not repairable. While the coil in a contactor can be replaced, it is usually not worth the effort. They can often be hard to find to fit the contactor you have. It takes more efforst to take the contactor off the unit then dismantle the coil than it does to simply replace the contactor.

Can you recharge your home AC yourself?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends not replacing Freon or refrigerant by yourself for both health and environmental reasons. Only an EPA licensed technician is legally allowed to reclaim Freon.

What happens if AC capacitor goes bad?

A bad capacitor prevents the exterior unit from properly functioning, which hinders the cooling process as a whole. Second, improper voltage delivery to exterior unit components forces the system to work harder as it attempts to perform its job. Additional components often sustain damage due to a faulty capacitor.