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There’s nothing worse than a faulty air conditioner when the temperature outside rises to uncomfortable levels. Many home cooling troubles stem from the compressor, a crucial component that is responsible for filling your home with cool air. But how can you tell if your compressor is damaged or malfunctioning?
This guide explains eight signs of bad air conditioner compressors. If you find yourself experiencing any of them, reach out to JC Mechanical for reliable air conditioner repair in Denver.
What Is an Air Conditioner Compressor and Why Is It Important?
Every part of an air conditioner works together to transfer heat out of your home and pump cooler air into it. All units feature the following key components:
- Evaporator coil
- Liquid refrigerant
- Expansion valve
- Condenser coil
- Compressor
The cooling process starts with the evaporator coil absorbing heat from within your home. Liquid refrigerant moves through this coil to the compressor, which pumps cool air toward the condenser. The outdoor portion of the unit contains the condenser, which releases heat outdoors. The expansion valve connects the condenser and evaporator coils for the heat exchange to continue until your home reaches a desired temperature.
Since the compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant to the condenser coil, any mechanical issues impacting it will result in poor airflow. AC compressor failure can cause extreme discomfort in your home because your system won’t be able to release indoor heat and pump cooler air inside.
Eight Signs of Bad Air Conditioner Compressors
At the first sign of compressor malfunction, you should contact an HVAC technician to inspect your system. They can diagnose the exact cause of the problem and repair the compressor so you have a reliable cooling system. Look for the following warning signs and reach out to your local air conditioning repair company for service.
1. Strange Noises
You’re probably used to hearing your air conditioner hum when it runs. This is a normal sound, but any strange noises, such as ticking or rumbling, likely indicate problems with your compressor.
Ticking or chattering sounds could mean that your compressor is having problems turning on and off. An expert can inspect the electrical wiring and determine if the compressor is starting to fail. If you hear any rumbling noises, this usually indicates that the mounts which keep the compressor and motor secure are starting to become loose. The sound you hear is actually the motor rattling inside of the compressor.
2. Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
It’s best to have an HVAC expert inspect your air conditioner if your circuit breaker frequently trips while the unit is running. You might think that you have a faulty electrical circuit and replace it, only to find that the issue keeps occurring. The real problem typically lies with the air conditioner compressor.
The compressor can overheat and require more power than the circuit breaker can handle. As a result, the breaker trips and cuts off power to your air conditioner. Compressors that are constantly overheating need professional repairs to ensure you receive sufficient cooling and prevent further damage to the HVAC system.
3. Restricted Airflow
One of the telltale signs of bad air conditioner compressors is poor airflow. Sudden changes in the amount of cool air you receive could mean your compressor is starting to fail. A good way to confirm this is to swap out your current air filter with a new one. Clogged air filters can also reduce airflow, but if you are still having issues after changing the filter, your compressor is likely to blame. Understanding this warning sign is crucial because malfunctioning compressors will produce less airflow gradually until your house barely has any cool air circulating.
4. Refrigerant Leaks
Is there a puddle of water beneath your unit? You likely have a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system. As liquid refrigerant escapes the coils, your air conditioner won’t be able to produce cool air.
Your compressor won’t function at all once all of the refrigerant leaks out of the machine. This is one of the more common air conditioning issues homeowners face, so technicians are familiar with fixing the leak and restoring refrigerant levels. After a quick service appointment, your compressor should work fine and help circulate cool air.
5. The Unit Produces Warm Air
It’s not just poor airflow that you need to look out for, but also the temperature of the air coming into your house. This issue is perhaps one of the most obvious signs of bad air conditioner compressors. The unit may pump warmer air into the house because of a refrigerant leak caused by the compressor.
6. High Energy Bills
If you don’t immediately notice issues with your airflow, your monthly energy bill might offer some insight into the problem. Damaged compressors put more strain on the air conditioner and force it to work harder to cool your home. This will often reflect in high-than-usual energy bills.
Don’t accept this as normal and instead realize it’s one of the signs of bad air conditioner compressors. Contact a technician to service your unit as soon as possible.
7. The Air Conditioner Vibrates When It Turns On
Pay attention to how your unit works as soon as you turn it on. Heavy vibrations coming from the air conditioner are also known as a hard start, which indicates the compressor is on its last leg. Ignoring this issue can eventually cause the entire system to shut down.
8. The Unit Won’t Turn On
Finally, you’ll need to reach out to a licensed HVAC repair company when you’re unable to turn the air conditioner on. What starts out as an AC compressor failure can quickly lead to a total system breakdown that requires professional repairs.
You can try troubleshooting the problem by changing the air filter and checking your circuit breaker and fuse box. If replacing the filter, circuit, and fuse doesn’t fix the problem, it likely means you have an issue with your compressor that needs immediate attention.
How To Avoid HVAC System Issues
Now that you know the signs of bad air conditioner compressors, take steps to make sure your unit stays in excellent condition. Be sure to change your air filter regularly. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, reduce your indoor air quality, and lead to mechanical problems with your air conditioner.
Another key tactic is to schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance with a trusted HVAC professional. Routine tune-ups help extend the life of your air conditioner and prevent common problems with internal components like the evaporator coils and compressor. A technician will carry out a detailed checklist when servicing your unit, which includes:
- Cleaning the evaporator coil
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Inspecting electrical wiring
- Performing function tests
- Repairing minor issues
Let JC Mechanical Repair Your Faulty Compressor
You can’t afford to have your AC break down during the sweltering summer months. If you notice any signs of bad air conditioner compressors, reach out to our HVAC experts today. We’ll respond fast, evaluate all of the present HVAC system issues, and perform the correct repairs. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have, such as, “Does a repaired air conditioner improve air quality?” and, “How can you maintain your compressor?”
Call JC Mechanical today at 720-386-6780 to schedule air conditioning repairs that won’t disappoint.
Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone
Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.
