Common Symptoms Of A Bad Or Failing AC Compressor

It will not be an exaggeration to call air conditioning one of the most useful inventions of modern times. It greatly increases the health and well-being of humankind. However, this technological wonder is often not paid attention to until it stops working properly.

There can be various causes of improper functioning of an air conditioner, sometimes it can be as simple as a filter change. Other times, it can be a serious problem that can lead to system failure. One of the major problems occurs when the compressor of an air conditioner goes out of order. Your air conditioner shows various signs to indicate that the problem is with the compressor. Here are some warning signs showing that the problem with your air conditioner lies within the bad or failing compressor.

What Is An AC Compressor?

It is an essential part of your air conditioning system, usually placed outside. In fact, it is the part where all the goodness of your air conditioner actually takes place. This is the place where the heat in the air is changed with the coolness by compressing refrigerant.

Strange Noises

The compressor placed outside is usually quiet, however, many internal components can experience wear and tear that can take place over time, making it difficult for the compressor to work on the optimum efficiency. Usually, the first sign indicating the inefficiency of the compressor is the strange sounds coming from the system, combined with the sluggishness while turning the system on or off. This sign clearly indicates that the compressor is failing and you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

Leaking Fluid

As the name suggests, a compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant into the incoming warm air and releasing the cold air from the system inside. Over time, the bearings of your compressor start loosening meaning the refrigerant-chemical responsible for cooling can easily leak from the compressor.

This leakage can not only cause malfunctioning of the system but also threatens many health risks. Therefore, the signs of leakage clearly mean the bearings of your compressor need replacement or other repairs are required.

Higher Electricity Bills

One of the obvious ways to figure out the malfunctioning of the compressor does not involve the unit itself, but the monthly electricity bills. If you notice an unexpected rise in your electricity bills, there is a big chance that the compressor of your air conditioner is failing.

A faulty compressor will be inefficient causing the system to run longer to achieve the required temperature, hence the electricity consumption will rise increasing your monthly bills. If this is the case, it is better to hire a professional air conditioning service provider and get your system inspected and repaired for the problems.

Less Powerful Airflow

This is not an obvious sign and is difficult to detect. As the airflow reduces slightly at the start that it is almost unrecognizable. However, in time the airflow will gradually become weaker and weaker unless the air conditioner is no longer efficient in cooling the room.

That is why a decrease in airflow no matter how insignificant it seems, should prompt you to consult the professionals so that they can send a professional to inspect your system or compressor for problems and solve it.

Warmer Airflow

Aside from the weaker airflow, the warm air coming from the system is another indicator that something is wrong with the compressor of your system. If the air is warmer than it should be, it shows that your compressor is potentially running out of refrigerant. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs over time. The refrigerant is a chemical and can run out when it is utilized continuously.

In most of these cases, calling a professional to refill the refrigerant can solve the problem. In other conditions, a leakage can also cause the loss of refrigerant than normal, so calling the air conditioning service and repair experts when your system is pumping warm air is the only feasible option.

The Outdoor Unit Is Overheating

If you find that the outdoor unit is overheating then most probably the problem is a faulty compressor. One way to prevent overheating is by ensuring your outdoor unit is placed in such a way that it has at least three feet of space from all sides to allow proper airflow. As the hindered airflow can cause an overworked compressor resulting in overheating.