Air conditioners are essential to survive on hot summer days! A properly functioning AC or AC compressor is what everyone wishes for but what if your home AC compressor is bad? Well, if your AC is not working fine, then the hotter days might cause you to ask, “How to know if AC Compressor is Bad”?
So, if you are hunting for an answer to the same question, then we have got your back. Here in this article, you will get to know everything about bad AC compressors involving its causes, symptoms, replacement time period, and much more.
So, let’s start with the article but before heading towards the causes and symptoms of a bad AC compressor, let’s just get an idea about how compressors work or what they actually do!
What Does the Compressor Do?
In the standard central AC’s found in most houses, the compressor is located in the outdoor unit. The job of the compressor is to circulate the refrigerant required for heat exchange through the coils of the indoor and outdoor units. In addition to this, the compressor is also responsible for applying the energy to the refrigerant.
The compressor compresses the gaseous refrigerant and this, in turn, increases the temperature of the refrigerant so that it converts it into high-pressure gas. The high pressure forces the refrigerant, and the refrigerant releases its heat and condenses into a liquid. This liquid refrigerant then continues its journey to the indoor unit, where the refrigerant evaporates into a gas again and absorbs all the heat from inside your house. Lastly, the refrigerant then returns to the compressor, and this whole cycle starts again.
What Causes a Compressor to Malfunction?
Just like Air Conditioner is vital for us to survive during hot weather, an effective and efficient compressor is essential for AC’s survival. So, if your home’s AC compressor is not functioning properly and you are confused with what caused this issue, then we have got you covered.
Below mentioned are the top reasons that cause an AC’s compressor to malfunction!
Damaged or Blocked Suction Lines
Over the span of usage, the refrigerant lines of your AC compressor system develop holes and cracks. These holes or cracks hinder the flow of refrigerant and put pressure on your compressor system to work much harder than before. In this way, the efficient functioning of your compressor will decline, and in turn, your compressor system will not function properly like before.
Contaminants in the Compressor
The compressor of home AC’s is usually kept outside the home or on the rooftop. Their placement area is generally highly polluted with plenty of containments like bacteria, fungi, or insects. These pollutants, along with dust, debris, or dirt, enter into the system of the compressor and malfunction it. So, it’s always a better idea to get your compressor system cleaned regularly by experts.
Inadequate Lubricant Levels
Just like the compressor is the heart of the AC, the lubricant is its blood. The inadequate level of lubricant can give rise to multiple compressor failure issues. You can easily fend off this by having your home’s AC maintained by professionals in your area. The technician will check the level of lubricant and oil pumps condition to avoid all the issues related to inadequate lubricant levels.
AC Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
If the circuit breaker linked to your air conditioning unit keeps tripping, this could be a sign of an electrical problem in the compressor. Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home’s electrical system from overloads, and if the compressor is drawing too much power due to internal damage or strain, the breaker will trip. Repeated tripping is a clear sign that something is wrong with the compressor, and it’s advisable to have a professional inspect the unit to prevent further damage.
Leaking Refrigerant
A leaking refrigerant line is another potential indicator of a compressor issue. While the leak itself may not be directly caused by a failing compressor, a compressor relies on the refrigerant to work efficiently. If there’s a significant loss of refrigerant due to leaks, the compressor will work harder to maintain the temperature, eventually leading to strain or failure. You might notice signs such as a hissing sound around the AC unit or reduced cooling efficiency if refrigerant levels are low.
AC Runs Continuously Without Proper Cooling
An overworked AC unit that continues to run without effectively cooling your home is a common sign of a compressor problem. While this symptom can be caused by several factors, a bad compressor is one of the more serious issues. If the compressor isn’t compressing refrigerant efficiently, the AC will struggle to achieve the desired temperature, causing it to run for extended periods. This not only leads to higher energy bills but can also lead to a complete breakdown if left unchecked.
Higher Energy Bills Without Increased Usage
One of the early warning signs of a bad compressor can be a sudden spike in your energy bills without any changes in usage patterns. A malfunctioning compressor uses more power to perform the same cooling task. If you’ve noticed that your bills are higher than usual, despite not changing your thermostat settings or using your AC more frequently, a faulty compressor could be the culprit. This issue can become progressively worse as the compressor struggles to function, consuming even more energy.
Compressor Won’t Turn On
If your AC unit turns on, but the compressor doesn’t, it’s a telltale sign of a bad compressor. The fan inside the outdoor unit may still operate, but the system won’t cool your home effectively without the compressor working. This issue may result from an electrical fault, a blown fuse, or internal damage to the compressor itself. In such cases, you may need an HVAC professional to assess whether the compressor can be repaired or needs replacement.
Decreased Cooling Capacity
If your AC unit seems to be working but isn’t cooling your home as effectively as it once did, this could be another sign of compressor failure. The compressor’s role is to pressurize the refrigerant and ensure it circulates through the system properly. When it begins to fail, the cooling cycle is disrupted, resulting in reduced cooling power. If you’ve tried cleaning or replacing the air filters and still notice that your home is warmer than usual, the compressor may be at fault.
Visible Damage or Corrosion
If you can inspect your AC’s outdoor unit, check for visible signs of damage or corrosion around the compressor. Rust, corrosion, or physical damage to the compressor can indicate it’s no longer functioning correctly. Exposure to the elements, lack of regular maintenance, and age can all contribute to this wear and tear, which, if not addressed, can lead to compressor failure.
Prolonged Start-Up Time
If your AC system seems to take longer than usual to start cooling your home, it could be a sign of a struggling compressor. While older systems may naturally take a little more time to kick in, a significant increase in start-up time is not normal. This could indicate that the compressor is having trouble generating the necessary pressure to initiate the cooling cycle.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Although frozen evaporator coils can be caused by several factors, such as a dirty filter or low refrigerant levels, a bad compressor can also lead to freezing. If the compressor isn’t working correctly, it can disrupt the flow of refrigerant, causing the evaporator coils to freeze up. This, in turn, reduces the system’s efficiency and may cause other components to overheat or become damaged.
Maintenance and Preventive Measures
While identifying these symptoms is crucial, regular maintenance can prevent many compressor issues. Homeowners should schedule routine HVAC inspections to catch small problems before they escalate into major repairs. This includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, cleaning filters and coils, and ensuring the system is lubricated and free of contaminants.
In addition, protecting the outdoor unit from debris, excessive dust, and extreme weather can extend the life of your AC compressor. Simple measures like trimming foliage around the unit, covering it during the off-season, and installing a surge protector can prevent damage and ensure the compressor functions smoothly.
These are the common causes that can malfunction your AC compressor. So, it is always recommended to avoid these causes and keep your AC compressor in a healthy and working state.
How often does a Compressor need to be replaced?
Usually, the AC compressor and refrigerant last for about 12-15 years, but there are times when both these system fails to work due to common issues like blocked suction lines, electrical problem, containments in the compressor, low refrigerant charge and much more.
As your AC compressor is a large part of your AC unit. In some cases, it’s better to replace the entire unit than to just replace the compressor. But if you opt for replacing the compressor, then you should do it once. Most compressors come with a warranty, so it will be best to replace the compressor if it is still under warranty.
Symptoms of a Bad Air Compressor
If you are recently noticing that your home is not staying as cool as it used to stay before, then there might be some issues with your home’s AC compressor. So, if you are unaware of the common signs and symptoms of a bad air compressor, then we’re here to help you out!
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of 3 common symptoms that indicates you are having a bad Air Compressor.
Sign 1: Warmer Air
Warmer air is the most common sign of a bad air compressor. While some of the AC compressors break in a way that eventually reduces the airflow, others will have a pretty different affection that allows them to continue distributing the air. But unfortunately, the air being distributed will no longer be cool. Instead, warm air will come out from your vents when the AC is ON, and this signifies that the Air compressor is low on refrigerant. So, if your Air Compressor is distributing warm air, you should get it repaired or replaced.
Sign 2: Diminished Airflow
One of the early symptoms of a bad air compressor is diminished airflow. There are times when the AC at your home is working fine, but you suddenly notice that less or reduced air is coming out of the air vents. This can clearly indicate that the airflow of the Air Compressor is diminished. If you ever notice this happening, you should immediately call a professional for diagnosis.
So, if you’re experiencing any of the above-stated issues, then you must for sure seek repair service.
Sign 3: AC is making Screeching, Growling and Clattering Noises
Sometimes your home AC can make screeching, growling, or clattering noises that are not usual. So, if this is really the case, then it may be caused due to electrical failure. Due to this electrical failure, your AC will emit unusual rattling or clunking noises, and in addition to this, another telltale symptom is the vibration of the condenser unit. If this issue is not looked at early, it could damage your AC unit even more.
Contact Coastal Home Today
Any cause or symptom of a bad AC compressor should not be avoided because it will further give rise to other related issues and eventually shut down your AC compressor. If you have encountered any of these signs above, make sure to contact the professionals at Coastal Home to get your AC compressor repaired or replaced! Fill out the contact form below and we will answer any of the questions you have about your HVAC unit.
