Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology is an indispensable part of our lives. It keeps our homes cool during heat waves and provides us with good indoor air quality all year long. It is also a crucial component of many residential structures and vehicles. When it starts to fail, we should worry.
The air conditioning compressor is the heart of every AC unit. Its primary responsibility is to pressure the refrigerant, allowing it to absorb heat from your home and release it outside. Much like with the human heart, when it fails, the whole system stops working.
We have prepared a list of signs that suggest you need to replace your HVAC compressor. If you wish to know when is the right time to call an HVAC professional to fix or replace your compressor, read on.
Reduction in Cool Air Production
Cooling is one of the essential features of every air conditioning unit. When your AC system is on, but the temperature inside your house remains constant, you should let some professionals look at it. By replacing evaporators, condensers, or the compressor, they can resolve this issue in no time.
Instead of waiting for your HVAC system to break down and start blowing warm air, act as soon as it is not producing enough cold air. The faster you can recognize the problem, the better.
Decrease in Airflow
The lack of airflow may not be as apparent to you as the previous sign on our list, but it is an important one. If your air conditioner is not pushing air out the way it used to, it could mean that your AC compressor is failing.
When your air conditioning system can no longer efficiently circulate the air in your home, it could lead to unpleasant odours or higher humidity inside your house. In such a case, please turn it off and call for technicians to fix it.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Circuit breaker problems in AC systems are not unusual. With too many electrical appliances running in your house, you can unwillingly damage your AC unit.
If circuit breakers in your air conditioner are tripping way too often, this might be the sign of a broken compressor. In this situation, immediately call for an AC repair and service. Leaving the issue unattended may quickly become a fire hazard.
Leakage Around the Unit
While some condensation around your AC unit is normal, excessive leakage might be a sign of serious problems. When you notice puddles of moisture around your air conditioner, it could be a refrigerant leak from your AC compressor.
A leaking coolant is a health risk that you should not ignore. Whenever you see large pools of water around your air conditioning system, give a call to a professional. It might not be a refrigerant leak, but it is still an unusual occurrence that can cause significant damage to your home.
Unusual Noises
Loud rattling or banging coming from your AC system is never good news. It might be a small problem with a fan, but it can also mean that parts of your compressor motor have come loose. Even though you might see it as a slight inconvenience today, it can lead to reduced cooling capacity and other more severe issues in the future.
Electrical failures in AC compressors are a common cause of this problem. When you hear a noise every time your compressor turns on, make sure to schedule a visit from your local technician for a repair.
Higher Energy Bills
Sometimes, the issues with your air conditioning unit are not so obvious. When you do not hear any noise coming from your air conditioner, you can overlook some important stuff. We advise you to start paying more attention to your electricity costs. A faulty compressor may consume more energy, leading to higher energy bills.
If you are not running AC in your home too often but still notice a spike in your energy bills whenever it is working, get someone to look at your air conditioning unit. Trained technicians should be able to identify the cause. Perhaps replacing your old unit with a new, more energy-efficient model is a good idea.
The Bottom Line
Even the best HVAC system is prone to malfunctions. To quickly fix any issue with your AC compressor and its other parts, look out for the signs we mentioned.
Keep an eye out for refrigerant leaks and airflow issues. Additionally, check regularly if your air conditioning unit emits unusual noises or blows warm air instead of cold air. When you notice something is off, think about the safety of your home. Turn off your AC unit, and contact a professional to take care of it.
Some small repairs are often everything that is needed to fix your AC compressor. However, after 15 years of service, your air conditioner has probably served too long and needs to be replaced. In either case, remember about the maintenance of your air conditioning system, and everything should be alright. Best of luck!
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