If you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner, it is important to troubleshoot the issue and find the source of the problem. One common component that can fail in an air conditioner is the compressor. If your compressor fails, it can be costly to repair, so it is important to know the signs of a bad air conditioner compressor. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of a bad air conditioner compressor and what you can do if your compressor fails.
Contents
What is an Air Conditioner Compressor?
Before we discuss the signs of a bad air conditioner compressor, it is important to understand what the compressor does. The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the air conditioner. The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home and then releasing it outside. The compressor helps to pump the refrigerant through the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. The compressor is powered by an electric motor.
The evaporator coil is located inside your home, and the condenser coil is located outside. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air inside your home. This process causes the refrigerant to change from a gas to a liquid. The compressor then pumps the liquid refrigerant through the condenser coil. The condenser coil releases the heat into the air outside. This process causes the refrigerant to change back into a gas. The gas then returns to the evaporator coil, and the cycle starts over again.
Signs & Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor
Now that we have a basic understanding of how the compressor works, let’s discuss the signs of a bad air conditioner compressor.
1. Your AC is making clattering noise
One of the first signs that something is wrong with your AC compressor is if it starts making strange noises. If you notice that your compressor is making a lot of noise, it’s important to have it looked at as soon as possible. There are a number of potential causes for this problem, including loose mounting bolts or a broken crankshaft.
2. Hard Time Getting Your Aircond To Start
If your air conditioner is having trouble starting up, it could be an indication that there’s something wrong with your compressor. In some cases, a bad capacitor may be the root of the problem. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix that you can do yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the issue yourself, it’s best to call in a professional for aircon servicing.
3. AC Stops Blowing Cold Air
If your air conditioner was blowing cold air but suddenly stops, there’s a good chance that there’s an issue with your compressor. In some cases, this may simply be due to low refrigerant levels. However, if you’ve checked the refrigerant levels and they seem fine, then it’s possible that there’s something wrong with your compressor itself.
4. Refrigerant Leaks
Another sign that there may be an issue with your AC compressor is if you notice refrigerant leaks around the unit. These leaks can occur for a number of reasons, ranging from loose fittings to cracks in the unit itself. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to have any leaks repaired as soon as possible so that they don’t cause further damage to your AC system.
5. Circuit Breaker Problems
If you find that your circuit breaker trips every time you try to turn on your air conditioner, there’s a possibility that there’s an issue with your compressor motor overload protector. This is a relatively easy problem to fix and shouldn’t require calling in a professional unless you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components yourself.
FAQs about the Signs of Bad Air Conditioner Compressor
In this section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
What are the most common causes of a bad AC compressor?
There are a number of potential causes for a bad AC compressor. Some of the most common include low refrigerant levels, a failed capacitor, or a problem with the compressor motor overload protector.
Can I fix a bad AC compressor myself?
It’s always best to call in a professional when you’re dealing with AC repairs. However, there are a few simple fixes that you can do yourself, such as adding refrigerant or replacing a failed capacitor.
What happens if I ignore a bad AC compressor?
If you ignore a bad AC compressor, it will eventually lead to complete failure of the unit. This can be expensive to repair and may even require replacing the entire AC system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a bad AC compressor. Some of the most common indicators include strange noises, difficulty starting up, and lack of cold air. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call in a professional for repairs. Ignoring a bad compressor can eventually lead to complete failure of your AC unit. Now that you know more about this topic, you can be sure to take action if you notice any potential problems with your AC compressor.