When your AC stops supplying cool air to the house, it may be tempting to go out and buy a new system. But before you do that, consider getting an expert to look at your system. It may be possible that you simply need a new AC condenser, which can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. But you may be wondering, “Why did my condenser fail?” Well, here are some reasons why you may need a new AC condenser:

• Failed motor or compressor
• Wiring problems, such as shorts or burnt wires
• Failed transformer
• Blown fuse

Eventually, due to wear, the condenser will fail. Sometimes the fan will burn out and sometimes the entire condenser decides to go. There’s only so much wear a motor can take and with power surges, it can be easy to blow a fuse or short a wire.

If your condenser isn’t working because of something fixable, you probably don’t need to replace the condenser. However, you may want to look at the wear on it. If it has enough stress, it may be worth it to replace the condenser now, so that it doesn’t go out on you eventually.

Some problems, though, just aren’t fixable. And sometimes, the repairs would cost more than getting a new condenser. If this is the case, it’s probably a good idea to get an HVAC expert to look at your AC condenser, even if you’re planning on replacing it yourself. They’ll be able to give you an idea of what’s wrong and whether or not you actually need to replace it.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re familiar with the specs of your specific AC unit so that you don’t do any damage to the entire system. Always remember to turn the power off when working with your AC unit, even if the condenser doesn’t seem to be working.