The compressor plays a major role in keeping your home cool and comfortable. If it fails, your air conditioner can’t circulate refrigerant, leaving you with rising temperatures and a high repair bill.
Thankfully, many compressor issues can be caught and fixed early before they take a toll on your system. Learn the signs and causes of compressor failure to know when it’s time to contact Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air to schedule AC compressor repair before small issues become costly breakdowns.
Understanding the Role of Your AC Compressor
Understanding how your AC compressor works within the system and the warning signs of failure helps you avoid expensive repairs.
What does an AC compressor do?
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, pumping and circulating refrigerant through the system to cool your home. It begins by pulling in low-pressure, warm refrigerant gas and pressurizing it to make it hotter. It then pumps the hot, high-pressure gas to the outdoor unit, where the refrigerant releases heat and turns into a cool liquid. The liquid refrigerant returns inside, expands, and absorbs more heat from your home to repeat the process.
Why AC compressor failure is a big problem
Without a functioning compressor, your air conditioner can’t cool the air. The added strain a failing compressor puts on your AC may damage other components and eventually lead to overheating or a complete system shutdown.
You’ll often notice the compressor making strange noises, warm air blowing through the vents, reduced airflow, or refrigerant leaks when it starts to fail.
The compressor is a critical component of your air conditioner, so replacement costs are high. Catching the signs of a failing compressor early on may allow for repairs rather than replacement, helping you save on costs and reduce the chance of damage to other components.
Common Causes of AC Compressor Failure
Your AC compressor typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. However, common air conditioner problems like incorrect refrigerant labels, electrical surges, and poor maintenance can shorten its service life and lead to early failure.
Refrigerant issues
If your air conditioner doesn’t have the correct amount of refrigerant, your compressor can’t function properly. Low refrigerant — which is often a sign of a leak within the system — causes the compressor to work harder to pump refrigerant through the system and eventually leads to failure. On the other hand, too much refrigerant creates excess pressure, which strains the compressor and leads to early failure.
Electrical issues and power surges
Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring and capacitor failures, provide inconsistent power to the compressor, causing it to burn out over time. Too much power can cause it to overheat, while too little causes excess strain as it struggles to start and run. If you notice the circuit breaker tripping frequently, the compressor struggling to turn on, or clicking noises, it’s often a sign of underlying electrical problems that require professional attention.
Poor maintenance and dirty coils
Without proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run into several issues that strain the compressor. Dirty air filters, clogged condenser coils, and debris buildup prevent your air conditioner from functioning correctly, causing the compressor to work overtime to cool your home. Eventually, the excess wear and tear leads to overheating or early failure.
Scheduling annual tune-ups with Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air can help Glendora homeowners avoid these issues and keep your system clear of blockages that affect the compressor.
Mechanical wear and tear
If you notice your air conditioner making strange noises, short cycling, or using more energy, mechanical failure may be putting too much pressure on the system. When wear and tear or damage affects the motor, refrigerant lines, or capacitor, the compressor has to work overtime to compensate for the efficiency loss. The added strain puts too much pressure on the compressor, causing it to break down and eventually fail.
If your system doesn’t have enough lubrication, the friction between moving parts accelerates, making the strain even worse and causing internal damage.
How Professional AC Repair Can Prevent Compressor Failure
Ignoring the signs of a failing AC compressor can lead to costly replacements and system breakdowns. With professional help, you can catch issues early and reduce the impact on your system.
Diagnosing issues before they get worse
The best way to prevent AC compressor failure is to catch problems early on before they become costly repairs or breakdowns. During an annual AC inspection, an HVAC professional uses specialized tools and techniques to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with your air conditioner compressor. They check for refrigerant leaks, electrical malfunctions, and failing components, then provide AC repair to prevent strain on the compressor.
Repairing common compressor issues
Refrigerant leaks, faulty capacitors, and clogged condenser coils put excess strain on the compressor, leading to early failure. Knowing the signs of these malfunctions and repairing them promptly helps prevent damage to the compressor.
Preventive maintenance to extend compressor life
Maintenance is key for proper compressor function. Scheduling seasonal AC tune-ups helps catch issues early on, prevents breakdowns, and extends the service life of your air conditioner. During the appointment, an HVAC technician cleans, inspects, and services your system to clear blockages, test for malfunctions, and replace worn-out components.
Professional AC maintenance helps prevent damage from progressing and improves efficiency, saving you money on repairs and early replacements.
When To Repair vs. Replace Your AC Compressor
If your compressor shows signs of trouble, consider whether repair or replacement is the best option. The severity of the damage, the condition of your AC, and the cost of repairs all play a role in the decision.
Signs that a repair is the best option
If you catch compressor issues early, repair is the most cost-effective solution to restore function to your AC. In many cases, repair is the best option if:
- The compressor is still under warranty.
- The repairs cost less than half the cost of a new unit.
- There’s no major damage to other components.
- Your AC is under 10 years old.
When it’s time to replace the compressor
While more costly than repair, replacing the compressor is sometimes a better long-term solution. Replacement is often the right choice if:
- Your air conditioner is over 10 years old.
- The repair costs are more than 50% of a new unit.
- The system uses outdated R-22 refrigerant.
- Other components are failing.
Choosing the right HVAC contractor for AC repairs
When it comes to air conditioner repairs, it’s important to find a company you can trust to get the job done right. Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air has licensed and certified HVAC technicians, years of experience, and strong customer reviews. We provide honest, up-front quotes and work with you to find a payment plan that fits within your budget.
Contact Accurate for Professional AC Repair
Don’t let a failing compressor impact your home comfort. Our expert technicians have the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose and repair compressor issues so your system stays in top condition. We also offer AC inspections, replacements, and maintenance in Glendora and surrounding areas, so you can count on us to keep your home cool all summer. Contact us today to schedule HVAC repair for your AC compressor issues.
