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Why is my air conditioner pressure so low?

Why is my air conditioner pressure so low?

If you find you’ve got a low pressure on the low side of your system, then it’s most likely that you’ve got a leak as that is a common problem in automobile air conditioning systems. A low pressure on the low side could also indicate a clog somewhere in your system.

Where does the pressure go in an air conditioner?

Your air conditioning system is split in half when it comes to pressure. Your air conditioning system holds a very high pressure between your AC compressor and condenser up expansion valve, and a relatively low pressure after the expansion valve and evaporator and back to the inlet of the compressor.

When to know if your air conditioner has a problem?

If the reading is zero you have a major leak. If there is pressure but the reading is below 50 psi then the system is low and may just need to be recharged. If the reading is above 50 psi and the compressor is not engaging then there is either a problem with the compressor or you have an electrical system failure that needs to be diagnosed.

Why does my AC compressor not turn on?

When the compressor turns on it should lower the pressure on the low side of your system and that pressure again is dependant on ambient temperature and other factors. If the pressure isn’t lowering in your system with the AC switched on, then either your compressor isn’t running, or it has an internal failure.

What causes an air conditioner line to leak?

There are two causes of AC system leaks – age and moisture. While much of your air conditioning system is made of metal, including the high pressure lines, rubber is still used throughout. You have rubber O-rings, grommets, lines and more.

What happens if the air conditioner pressure is too high?

Higher than normal pressure will distort the aluminum case and very quickly cause compressor failure. High pressure will also cause the coils in the evaporator to leak. This can be very expensive as often the dash must be removed to correct the problem.

What to do if your air conditioner has negative pressure?

This may be as easy as turning down the fan inside a window AC unit or fixing leaks within your vents. Doing both of these things will also simultaneously reduce energy consumption and save you money on your monthly utility bills.

What happens when air conditioner compressor is damaged?

A damaged compressor will not accomplish as much change in the two sides. When this occurs, cooling will diminish, especially at idle. Raising the engine speed may bring the pressures closer to that needed. Compressors in a clean and lubricated environment do not wear out.

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Ruth Doyle