8 Warning Signs Your AC Compressor is Failing
Spot the signs early! Discover 8 warning signals that your AC compressor might be failing and avoid costly breakdowns.
One of the most critical parts of your air conditioning system is your AC compressor, which circulates refrigerant around your home to keep it cool. Once it begins to fail, your unit has dramatically reduced its efficiency and effectiveness. If you’re experiencing problems and need air conditioner repair in Barrie, the sooner you catch the warning signs, the better. This will save you time and money and, most importantly, avoid a summer without cooling.
Here are several of the most common warning signs that your AC compressor may be failing, along with what you should do about it.
1. Strange Noises Coming from the Unit
If your AC unit is making strange noises, specifically rattling, grinding, or hissing sounds, this indicates that the compressor is having some trouble. Also, all such sounds can be attributed to faulty components such as bearings, electrical issues, or defective components, indicating overall failing components.
2. Reduced Cooling Performance
There are several signs you can look out for. One indication that the compressor has failed is that your home interiors are not as cool as they should be. A malfunctioning compressor might not provide enough pressure to ensure proper refrigerant flow, leading to intermittent or inadequate cooling.
3. Warm Air Instead of Cool Air
If your air conditioning is blowing warm air even though the thermostat is set to cool, the compressor may be to blame. It also might not be able to pump refrigerant adequately through the system, leaving your home hot in the summer months.
4. High Energy Bills
Compressors on the run are often functioning much harder than they should be as they try to make up for lost capability. This can lead to your power costs being surprisingly high, as it requires more and more effort. Watching your energy usage can help you notice if there’s something off with your unit.
5. Frequent Cycling
Another classic sign of trouble with the compressor is short cycling, in which the AC starts up and shuts down more frequently than normal. This is common when a compressor is unable to maintain appropriate pressure to run evenly, which forces it to overexert and consequently shut off before it should.
6. Tripped Circuit Breakers
If your air conditioning system often trips the circuit breaker, then your compressor may be overheating and drawing more power than usual. This is a very serious one, and you should never dismiss it simply as a safety risk or potential electrical fault.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If left unaddressed, refrigerant leaks can potentially cause compressor failure, in addition to preventing the unit from cooling. Signs to watch for include frost on the unit, puddles near the outdoor condenser, and loss of cooling capacity.
8. The Unit is Old
Compressors, like all mechanical systems, have a life. If maintained properly, compressors generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If you are approaching the end of the life of your unit, the chance of failure only increases — it may be worth your while to look into replacement options.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
If you suspect any of the above, please contact a local HVAC company for a complete inspection. Trying DIY repairs can make things worse. Professional repair services can help determine if the compressor is worth salvaging or if it needs to be completely replaced.
Final Thoughts
It’s critical to understand the early warning signs of a failing AC compressor so you can catch problems early and keep your home cool and comfortable. In fact, scheduling regular maintenance and promptly addressing repairs can be an important way to prolong the life of your system. If you think your compressor may be failing you, don’t hesitate to consult with an expert. By taking action now, you can avoid the inconvenience and discomfort of a complete A/C failure in the middle of summer on its hottest days.
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