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An AC contactor is the switch that sends power to the outdoor unit when the thermostat calls for cooling. Once its contacts pit and burn, it can take out fuses, the transformer and the control board.
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Licensed and insuredVirginia Class A contractor #2705192276
24/7 emergency serviceOften same-day, and we will tell you honestly when we can get there.
Our own HVAC installersA dedicated heating and cooling team, separate from our plumbers
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A young SwiftPro tech stands beside a brick house holding a new contactor, the relay that closes to power the compressor and outdoor fan. He's replacing the old one before it fails rather than waiting for a no-cool call.
The camera then moves inside the outdoor unit for a close-up of the worn contactor and its wiring. On a pitted contactor the contact points are scarred and blackened from years of arcing every time the AC cycles on and off. He explains that a contactor in that shape can cause shorts back at the board, blow fuses or take out the transformer.
Hey guys, I'm running with SwiftPro. Today we're changing out a contactor. As you guys can see here, ain't she nice and pretty? We're replacing this guy right here.
So, here is the pitted contactor. We're replacing it proactively because we're trying to prevent any other issues from happening later on down the road. Issues that it can cause are shortages down back at the board, fuses, and or the transformer. And that could cost you guys a lot of money later down the road.
And it could save you a lot of time and headaches for future repairs.
The outdoor unit may hum or buzz without starting, chatter on and off, or keep running after the house is cool. Some contactors fail closed, so the fan and compressor never stop. A tech confirms it by checking the contact points and the voltage across them, and a pitted contactor is a quick swap.
Want it done at your place? See AC Repair and Troubleshooting at SwiftPro or call (703) 997-9757.
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SwiftPro Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
4230 Lafayette Center Dr N, Chantilly, VA 20151
44679 Endicott Dr, Suite 211, Ashburn, VA 20147
Virginia Class A contractor license #2705192276