Your air conditioning is a very complicated system, there are plenty of relays, hoses, and other electrical components to keep you cool in summer. The pressure switches are a part of these key components.

What is an air conditioning pressure switch?

Basically, you have a low pressure switch and a high pressure switch. The low pressure switch closes the circuit and runs the compressor when the refrigerant gas gets to a minimum pressure. The high pressure switch is the opposite, when the pressure gets too high, it opens the circuit and turns the compressor off. Making sure that the air conditioning runs as it should.

Why do you need an air conditioning pressure switch?

Without the pressure switches working as they should, your air conditioning won’t be able to run properly. With either the circuit remaining closed and the compressor not running, or too much pressure and the compressor may fail.

How to tell if you need a new air conditioning pressure switch? 

If your a/c won’t blow cool air when you’ve got it turned down low, or if it does so intermittently - then one of the switches might’ve failed. Another key indicator is the compressor not running or you can hear a weird noise when the a/c is running.

How is an air conditioning pressure switch replaced?

The mechanic will have to remove all refrigerant and locate the pressure hoses and unscrew or unclip the switches from any connectors or wiring. They will then fit the new switches and reconnect all relevant wiring and refill the refrigerant liquid. The mechanic will then test the system and pay close attention to the compressor, as these are commonly damaged when the switches fail.

How much does an air conditioning pressure switch replacement cost in Northland?

It’s an expensive part, but if you ignore it, it’ll be even more expensive. Typically a replacement starts around $300 and can go higher than $650 depending on how much the new switch costs, how much the refrigerant costs and how difficult it is to access them.

How often do I need an air conditioning pressure switch replaced?

Only if/when it fails. It's not something to ignore because not only will you get too hot when driving around, it could lead to damage to your compressor. Compressor damage is an expensive one, and something you should avoid.

Is a broken air conditioning pressure switch unsafe?

It can be to your comfort and wallet. If something goes wrong, fix it asap, compressor damage is not something you want to risk.

You can find a mechanic near Northland with My Auto Shop