The AC compressor is an important part of your air conditioner. It helps to cool the air and circulate it throughout your home. But when it fails, you’re left with warm, uncomfortable air. So what causes AC compressor failure?
The most common cause of AC compressor failure is poor maintenance. If you don’t regularly check and replace your AC’s filters and clean its coils, your AC compressor will likely fail. This is because the filters and coils can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can put extra strain on the AC compressor.
Another common cause of AC compressor failure is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is what helps to cool the air. If there’s a leak, your AC compressor won’t be able to cool the air properly. This can lead to the AC compressor overworking itself, which can result in failure.
It’s also possible for AC compressor failure to be caused by an electrical issue. If the wiring and connections to your AC compressor are faulty, it can cause it to fail. This is because the faulty wiring can put extra strain on the AC compressor and lead to overheating.
Finally, age can also be a factor in AC compressor failure. Over time, the AC compressor can wear down and become less efficient. This can lead to it not being able to cool the air properly, which can result in failure.
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent AC compressor failure. First, you should regularly maintain your AC unit. This includes checking and replacing the filters and cleaning the coils. This will help to ensure that your AC compressor is not overworked.
You should also check for refrigerant leaks. If you notice any signs of a leak, such as a hissing sound or a strange smell, you should contact a professional to fix the issue.
You should also regularly inspect your AC unit’s wiring and connections. Make sure there are no frayed wires or loose connections. If you do find any faulty wiring, you should contact a professional to repair it.
Finally, you should consider replacing your AC unit if it’s more than 10 years old. An older AC unit can be less efficient and more prone to AC compressor failure.
If your AC compressor has failed, you’ll need to replace it. This should be done by a professional HVAC technician. They’ll be able to inspect your AC unit to determine the cause of the failure and then replace the failed AC compressor.
Replacing an AC compressor can be costly, so it’s important to make sure you hire a qualified technician. They’ll be able to ensure that the new AC compressor is installed correctly and that your AC unit is up and running again in no time.
AC compressor failure can be a major inconvenience. But if you take the proper steps to prevent it, you can avoid the added stress and expense of a failed AC compressor. Be sure to regularly maintain your AC unit, check for refrigerant leaks, and inspect the wiring and connections, and if you suspect AC compressor failure, contact a professional HVAC technician to repair it.
Contact the experts at Air Doctor today to schedule preventative maintenance or an AC compressor replacement. We can help diagnose and repair any issue you might be experiencing.
