A Jurong West customer was advised to replace their outdoor compressor. The unit wasn't cooling, and the contractor said the compressor was dead. Before committing to major work, they wanted confirmation. What we found was different. If you were told to replace a compressor directly, get a WhatsApp second opinion first.
A non-running compressor can be caused by the compressor itself, or by components that control it. Before assuming the compressor is dead, we test what's actually failed.
We found it:
Compressors need a capacitor to provide extra starting power - like a jump-start battery. When the capacitor degrades (common after 7-10 years), it can't deliver enough boost. The compressor tries to start, hums, but can't overcome the initial resistance. This looks like a dead compressor from the outside, but the compressor itself is fine. It just needs the capacitor replaced.
Full compressor replacement
INITIAL RECOMMENDATION
Compressor replacement
Start component replacement
ACTUAL REPAIR PATH
Targeted repair
Major to targeted
SCOPE SHIFT
After verification steps
4 months
RUNNING SINCE FIX
Compressor still original
Replace the capacitor first. If the compressor starts and runs normally after, the problem is solved. If the compressor still won't start after capacitor replacement, then we investigate the compressor itself. Rule out the smaller, testable fix before committing to a major replacement.
Band-aid approach
Approach
Replace compressor
Timeline
3-5 days + parts ordering
Cost
High-cost major repair
Permanent fix
Approach
Test & replace capacitor
Timeline
Fixed same day
Cost
Lower-cost targeted repair after testing
Customer approved the start-component replacement. Compressor started normally, ran smoothly, and cooling returned. The customer avoided unnecessary major replacement. The unit is still running fine 4 months later.
Week 1
Unit stopped cooling, outdoor compressor not starting
Week 1 (Day 3)
Previous contractor recommended compressor replacement
Week 2 (Day 1)
Customer contacted Snowflake for second opinion
Week 2 (Day 1, 2 hours later)
Snowflake assessment: Tested compressor motor (fine), tested capacitor (failed)
Week 2 (Day 2)
Replaced capacitor, compressor started normally, cooling restored
Present
4 months later - compressor still running, zero issues
A compressor that hums but won't start usually means a failed capacitor, not a failed compressor. Without step-by-step checks, recommendations can jump too quickly to full replacement. The previous contractor saw 'compressor not running' and jumped to 'compressor replacement.' They moved to a major explanation before ruling out smaller causes.
We test components in order of likelihood and cost. We do not recommend major replacement until smaller, testable causes are ruled out. Assessment means testing what actually failed, not guessing based on symptoms alone. If you have a major quote, send it on WhatsApp and we will help you pressure-test the scope.
Tell us what's happening. We'll assess your unit and give you one clear recommendation.
Get an Assessment