What You Should Know About Your AC’s Compressors

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioner, and the compressor is the heart. It pushes fluid between the condenser and evaporator so that your unit has the fuel it needs for cooling. That makes the compressor one of the most important components of your system. If it’s not in good condition, your AC will become noisy, sluggish, and ineffective. Unsurprisingly, this component is also one of the most expensive parts of your unit, so it needs plenty of love and care. Treat it well, and it will serve you faithfully for a decade or more. Treat it poorly, and your AC will become extremely expensive to run.

How to Care for Your Compressor

Your central air conditioner functions via two basic components: the compressor and evaporator. Both of these parts are crucial to your unit’s life span, but they don’t stay in perfect condition without your input. They count on routine maintenance and basic housekeeping to perform at their best. Their draining valves must be checked often. Their screws and bolts require regular tightening. Their air filters must be checked and changed, and their hoses need to be cleared. The delicate coil fins are prone to buckling, so make straightening them a regular part of routine maintenance, too.

Overheating is one of the most destructive elements for your AC’s life span, so keeping your intake vents clean is the single most important task you can perform. Your condenser coils play an important role in this area. They extract heat energy and allow it to disburse into the outdoor air, so they need regular cleaning.

Signs That You Need a New AC

Compressors are expensive pieces of equipment, but if yours is still under warranty, it makes sense to have it repaired or replaced. If you’re beyond that point, it rarely makes sense to replace an irreparable compressor because the costs are often comparable to an entirely new unit. Compressor failure is a serious concern. Without it, your refrigerant can’t absorb heat, so it can set off a domino effect that destroys other expensive parts. You know if your compressor is failing if:

• Your unit is blowing hot air.
• Your system is tripping your circuit breaker.
• Your outdoor components vibrate upon startup.
• Your condenser is making unusual sounds.
• Your compressor won’t turn on.

The first sign of an ailing compressor is a warm room. Call an expert if your unit no longer achieves the temperature it once did despite a functional fan. Your system might even blow warm air when the condenser seems to be working. This might be a sign that your compressor has stopped pumping refrigerant through your unit. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, always seek out professional help before you turn your AC back on. An overheated compressor is a serious fire hazard.

As your AC’s core component, your compressor works hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. For that reason, failure can be catastrophic, so never ignore the signs. They’re an early warning that can save you money if you act quickly.

If your compressor isn’t up to par, call our team at Arronco for an AC replacement. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.