TIME DELAY

The HVAC air conditioner condensing unit compressor should not be started unless the air conditioning or heat pump system is at the static pressure. I have responded to calls where the air conditioner or heat pump condensing unit was not equipped with a delay timer and the air conditioning or heat pump condensing unit was inadvertently started before the pressures were allowed to become static. Often the compressor inside the condenser is locked up, the run capacitor is shot, a fuse is blown, a breaker is tripped, the compressor is damaged mechanically or electrically beyond repair or a combination of any of these things mentioned.
HVAC Condensing Units and Compressor Mechanics – Delay Timers and the Air Conditioner Condenser
If the homeowner is lucky, the only thing wrong is the capacitor or fuse. The run & start capacitor for your compressor can be replaced for a minimal cost compared to replacing a compressor. If the compressor is locked up there is a chance that it can be unlocked (note the word chance). A hard start kit and a good rap with a hammer can sometimes do the trick. If this doesn’t unlock the compressor then you will have to replace the compressor or the air conditioning or heat pump condensing unit. It is often in the homeowners’ best interest to replace the condensing unit.