It’s easy to forget about your air conditioner’s compressor since it sits outside and operates automatically. This essential piece of the cooling system usually operates as intended, but it can malfunction.
Making a regular visual inspection and listening for unusual sounds can help you identify one of these common compressor problems.
Clicking Sounds at the Start of a New Cycle
When you hear clicking sounds coming from your compressor as it starts or runs a cycle, schedule AC repair right away. That clicking noise usually indicates a dying start or run capacitor.
Alternatively, the clicking sound can result from a failing compressor clutch, low refrigerant, or a faulty contactor. A professional HVAC inspection will uncover the cause before it’s too late.
The System Isn’t Generating Enough Air
The condenser coils inside the AC compressor transfer heat outdoors. At the same time, the hot refrigerant gas gets converted back into liquid form. If debris or foliage block the vents in the compressor, there’s a loss of efficiency in this process.
Dirt, litter, and other contaminants get sucked into the housing and clog the coils. You can lower your need for AC repair with annual tune-ups. During maintenance, the technician cleans the coils and inspects the entire compressor.
Your Treated Air Doesn’t Feel Cool
When you have warm air coming from your AC, you can check and replace the air filter. This usually fixes the problem.
The second most common cause of warm AC air is a refrigerant leak in the compressor. In this case, you’ll need professional air conditioner repair. The technician will repair the leak or replace the damaged components before topping off the refrigerant level.
Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
There’s no denying the importance of HVAC maintenance when it comes to taking care of every part of the system. This is especially true for the compressor since it sits outside and faces environmental challenges. Pests, heavy rainfall, and overgrown foliage can all cause compressor damage.
If the unit trips a breaker each time it starts a cycle, you probably have a wiring short. You might also need AC repair for a dying compressor motor or other faulty parts.
The Compressor Vibrates or Shakes as It Runs
If you follow a spring maintenance checklist, adding an HVAC tune-up to the list will help you avoid compressor problems. If the compressor vibrates or shakes as it runs, it might need additional fine-tuning. Some common causes of this problem include loose components or fittings, poor lubrication, unbalanced fan blades, or worn bearings.
Electrical problems can also cause shaking. Your HVAC technician will check for loose wiring and shorts. They will also test the capacitors and look for a contaminated or dirty throttle body. HVAC technicians rely on their expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to explore all possible causes. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in providing durable and effective repairs.
Stay Cool This Summer With Lasting AC Repairs
Complete Climate Services provides a full range of HVAC services to help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. In addition to installing new equipment and providing routine maintenance, we offer high-quality repair services that you can trust. If your AC is malfunctioning, contact us today to schedule repairs!
