The Signs, Causes, And Air Conditioning Repair Methods Of Compressor Failure | Frisco, TX
Just like taking proper care of your body ensures your health, taking proper care of your AC also means it will efficiently function with a minimal chance of breaking down. Without routine maintenance, the AC will experience wear and tear that could lead to a shorter lifespan and poor performance. Therefore, you must take the necessary steps to prevent it from failing, which could mean replacing the unit. Air conditioning maintenance is less expensive and much easier than repairs that it prevents. Although the air conditioning system might seem to be working just fine, regular maintenance from an air conditioning repair company in Frisco, TX, is necessary.
Why Is Compressor Failure a Concern?
The air uses a refrigerant continuously cycled via coils to remove heat from your indoor space, ensuring your home is cool and comfortable. However, that refrigerant cycle is initiated by the compressor. The compressor compresses the coolant to ensure that it can absorb the heat. A compressor is a critical part of your air conditioning system. The component has many mechanical parts that can prove expensive for an air conditioning repair service to replace or fix. Hence, its failure is bad news. When the compressor fails, you might have to replace your entire unit.
Signs of Compressor Failure
Weak Airflow
One of the earliest signs of compressor failure is reduced airflow. Unfortunately, this might be hard for a homeowner to notice because the unit will still be cooling your home for several days. It might take time to realize that your Frisco, TX home isn’t being cooled fast enough. You can place your hands under the air vents to determine whether you have a weak airflow; if you feel warm or have little to no air blowing from the vents, that is a sign of compressor failure. It is recommended that you enlist an air conditioning repair technician to have the issue checked and fixed.
Loud Banging Noises
You should be concerned when you notice your AC system is making loud growling or banging noises and you observe associated tremors. Failure of the AC compressor is one of the issues it could indicate. These noises indicate that the compressor is having problems starting and will probably fail in the future. The compressor’s electrical parts failing is also indicated by the banging sound. Turn off your appliance and get in touch with an air conditioning repair technician to have your system thoroughly inspected.
Refrigerant Leaks
Weak airflow, hissing noises, the water surrounding the air conditioning unit, or ice formation on the AC evaporator coils are all indicators of a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak should be fixed as soon as possible because it may cause other issues. In the long term, it may result in compressor failure and affect the cooling efficiency of your system. Detecting refrigerant leaks during routine maintenance can prevent your compressor from being harmed. Refrigerant leaks aren’t a DIY project. Hence, immediately call an air conditioning repair technician when you notice a sweet chloroform-like smell or either of the signs above.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers trip as a safety precaution to save your gadgets from withstanding an electrical overload. It occurs when there is a power spike or when you’ve e too many gadgets running simultaneously. However, it is not a good indicator and suggests AC compressor failure if your outdoor unit trips the circuit breaker frequently. It indicates that the compressor is overheated and needs more power to operate. In this situation, turning the breaker back on won’t help. You need to speak with an air conditioning repair expert immediately.
High Electricity Bills
Your home’s air conditioning compressor will use more energy and operate more frequently if it has to put more effort into cooling your house. This will significantly raise your energy bills. Therefore, it should be a cause for concern if you see an unexpected increase in your electricity utility bills without a corresponding increase in usage, such as installing a new appliance. Get your air conditioning system inspected immediately by an air conditioning repair technician in Frisco, TX, to find out whether it’s acting strangely and needs to be fixed.
Causes of AC Compressor Failure
Electrical Failure
Damages, wires, fuses, and contractors can all cause an electrical failure. Acids accumulate in your system because of various electrical issues, making the other components of your air conditioning system malfunction too. A power surge may also cause various electrical issues in our air conditioning unit. A buildup of acid oxidation is typically a preeminent sign that you have electrical problems in your AC unit. A trained air conditioning repair technician in Frisco, TX, can detect the buildup of acids when they come for an inspection and maintenance visit. They will then make the necessary repairs before matters get out of hand.
Clogged Condenser Coils
A lack of regular maintenance plays a major role in having blocked condenser coils. When the condenser coils are clogged with dust and grime, they cannot release the heat to the outside settings. As a result, the compressor strains to work efficiently. It will overheat or even completely stop functioning should you continue using it in this state. Therefore, consider having routine air conditioner maintenance from a reliable air conditioning repair service provider.
Compressor Overheating
The other common cause of compressor failure is overheating, which may be caused by many factors. The compressor will be overheated if your outdoor unit is under direct sunlight and isn’t adequately ventilated. The motor can also be damaged by high voltages, making the compressor overheat. Low refrigerant levels, lack of insulation, and dirty coils can make the AC compressor overheat and fail. Most of these causes can be addressed by proper installation and routine maintenance by a licensed air conditioning repair technician.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The unit cannot cool your house without enough coolant in your air conditioner. Contrary to popular belief, refrigerant levels do not decline with time. The refrigerant in your air conditioner doesn’t run out. If the coolant levels are low, there probably is a leak that requires immediate attention from an experienced air conditioning repair technician in Frisco, TX.
Reduced pressure brought on by low refrigerant levels makes the compressor strain to push the coolant through the system. The entire AC compressor will eventually fail. Lack of regular maintenance can also accelerate corrosion and result in AC coil cracks. Therefore, routine maintenance is the only method to prevent this problem in the future.
Evaporator Motor Displacement
Whenever the air conditioning unit’s evaporator motor is displaced, it will force the refrigerant to flow back into the compressor. Unfortunately, this will push the compressor oil off, and the AC starts to experience lubrication issues. As a result, the compressor loses efficiency over time, eventually failing or ceasing to operate completely. This is one of the problems that can be addressed during routine maintenance by an air conditioning repair technician.
Lack of Lubrication
For optimum performance, your air conditioning system needs the proper lubrication. If there is insufficient lubrication, the unit will experience wear and tear and have to work harder. The components of your compressor rub against one another when the oil level is low. This causes minor components to become loose or apart in the air conditioning system.
Leaks from the pipe connections, evaporator, condenser, or compressor shaft seal are the main causes of lubricant loss. An overworked compressor is likely to break earlier than expected, prompting a premature air conditioning repair. The solution to avoiding this issue is to get your air conditioner serviced. The specialists will examine the oil levels, make any required adjustments, and determine whether the oil pump is functioning efficiently.
Damaged or Clogged Suction Lines
Your AC suction lines may eventually get holes and cracks, obstructing refrigerant flow throughout the system. Your compressor will be under strain due to using more power to push adequate refrigerant through the device. This will eventually cause a breakdown. The ability to cool down your Frisco, TX home will have decreased, which is one of the obvious indicators. If you discover that your unit isn’t cooling as you should contact an air conditioning repair professional to check the suction lines.
Preventing Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
Ensuring the Coils Are Clean
The air conditioner’s coils accumulate grime and dirt because of the very nature of their work and via natural wear and tear. The coils will get covered in dust, dirt, and other buildups, which prevent a normal heat release via the coils. When heat exchange within the coils is inhibited, the compressor is forced to work overtime to release the heat. This increases pressure on the coils while placing unnecessary stress on the AC compressor. You can avoid compressor failure by ensuring they are clean. It should be among the things an air conditioning repair technician does during a routine maintenance visit.
Checking for Any Refrigerant Leaks
You can have a refrigerant leak if you notice your air conditioner is gradually becoming inefficient at cooling your home. A refrigerant leak may need to be immediately repaired by an air conditioning repair professional to its environmental & potentially dangerous effects, although other malfunctions may be annoying and expensive. Compressor failure may result from a refrigerant leak. A leak can result in extremely low coolant levels if it is not fixed.
As a result, the device will have to work harder to attain the set temperatures, eventually harming the compressor. Quickly resolving this problem can help you avoid the AC’s further deterioration and spare you the cost and inconvenience of a compressor breakdown. You’ll require a qualified specialist to work with coolants and the equipment necessary to locate a leak promptly.
Inspecting the Wiring
Your AC compressor running, fans blowing, and refrigerant running depends on electricity. An air conditioning system’s electrical failure could result in an acid buildup within the device. This can cause many components of your air conditioner to malfunction, including the crucial compressor. If they find these acids in your AC unit, your air conditioning repair technician can inform you during routine maintenance or inspection. Regular inspections entail identifying damaged fuses and wires and repairing them before they cause further damage or compressor failure. Investing in maintenance and care of your wiring today will save you money and time.
Prevent Contamination
Large air conditioning units are typically hidden away in attics, storage spaces, crawl spaces, and the outdoors. Unfortunately, out-of-sight in most cases means out of reach for cleaning. The air conditioners’ spaces aren’t the cleanest at your Frisco, TX home. The air conditioner condensate drain lines and drain pans could get clogged and contaminated if they are not routinely cleaned. Contaminants such as mold, dust and grime, VOCs, pest droppings, car exhaust, and chemicals could make you or your family sick. The system could become overworked because of the dust and dirt buildup, resulting in compressor failure. Hence, have an air conditioning repair technician come for routine maintenance.
Getting the Right Replacement Parts
This is another reason to hire an air conditioning repair technician. Mistakes that may be made during a repair might lead to others. If the repair involves a replacement, you should ensure that you get the right parts. Using the wrong or incorrect sized replacement parts could strain the system, leading to compressor failure. Using the right replacement parts saves you trouble calling a technician for a second repair. They will fix the unit properly in the first instance.
Contact Us for Reliable AC Repairs
An AC compressor is an essential part of your air conditioning system. If this critical component of your AC runs into a problem, the entire unit will not function. Hence, you must know the signs of an imminent compressor problem, the main compressor issues, and measures that you can take to prevent it. It all comes down to timely maintenance service. Contact our One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas technicians for professional maintenance and AC repair service.