6 Signs of a Malfunctioning Air Conditioning Compressor

Are you tired of sweltering summer temperatures? A key component of a well-functioning HVAC unit is your air conditioning compressor. This unsung hero is necessary for maintaining a comfortable home, so you’ll quickly notice if it malfunctions. 

Understanding What an AC Compressor Is

What is an AC compressor? How does the compressor work in air conditioners? 

The compressor is responsible for transferring heat by circulating refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser. It works to squeeze the refrigerant into a smaller volume. This increases the refrigerant's pressure and temperature. 

The compressor is essentially a pump that pushes the refrigerant to the condenser. Without the compressor, your air conditioner wouldn’t work. 

6 Signs of a Malfunction in Your Air Conditioning Compressor

How do you know if your air conditioning compressor is failing? Occasionally, you may encounter issues with your AC compressor. When this happens, you will likely notice one of the following six indicators. 

Sign 1: Unusual Noises

Most air conditioners make a slight hum when they first get started. If your air conditioner makes other noises, it could mean that something is wrong with your air conditioning compressor. Your AC should never make grinding, clicking, rattling, or hissing noises.

For example, a chattering or clicking noise may mean that the unit is having problems turning on and off. This could be caused by an electrical relay wearing out or other issues. 

Meanwhile, the sound of rumbling or rattling may mean that the compressor mounts have failed. This can be dangerous to repair on your own, so it’s important to call an HVAC technician for help.

Sign 2: Reduced Cooling Efficiency

When the compressor for an AC unit begins to fail, you’ll notice that your house isn’t staying as cold as normal. You’ll be able to check for this issue by placing your hand near the vent. If only warm air comes out, then there may be a problem. 

This issue often means that the compressor can’t do its job because there isn’t enough refrigerant. There could also be a leak in the refrigerant lines. Because of the AC’s reduced cooling efficiency, it can’t keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Sign 3: Hard Starts or Stalling

If your air conditioner is struggling to start, it may have a problem with the AC compressor. A hard start is when the air conditioner vibrates each time it tries to start. It may even stall after starting if the compressor isn’t working properly. This problem can affect the overall functioning of your air conditioner, so it’s important to get it fixed.

Sign 4: Leaking Refrigerant

How does the compressor work in the air conditioner? The compressor is responsible for compressing refrigerants and transferring heat. Because the compressor for the AC unit uses refrigerant, a leaky refrigerant line can lead to major problems, like decreased cooling efficiency and damage to the compressor. Other than potentially harming your AC, leaking refrigerant can be hazardous to your family’s health. 

Sign 5: High Energy Bills

When an AC isn’t working properly, it can lead to higher energy bills. It has to work harder to achieve the same temperature, which can increase the wear and tear on your system over time.

Fortunately, you can avoid this problem by properly maintaining your air conditioner. Ideally, you should get your AC serviced twice a year. During the routine visit, the HVAC technician will inspect it for problems, clean the AC, and replace faulty parts.

Sign 6: Frequent System Shutdowns

Frequent system shutdowns indicate that your air conditioning compressor needs professional inspection and repair. With a broken AC compressor, the AC may immediately shut down. 

If the system keeps running, it may only be able to blow warm air. This can end up leading to a higher power bill. 

When to Seek Professional Help

How much is an air conditioner compressor? It is typically much cheaper to replace a compressor than to install an entirely new unit. Unless your AC unit is over a decade old, repairing the compressor will generally be more cost-effective than replacing the entire unit. 

If you’re struggling with a broken air conditioning compressor, you don’t have to figure out how to fix it on your own. A professional air conditioning repair service can help in the following ways. 

• They can inspect your AC to see what the underlying problem is. 
• The HVAC technician will discuss the problem and their recommended solution. 
• Once you’ve agreed on how to solve the problem, the technician can repair or replace the broken part. 
• In the future, you can schedule biannual HVAC inspections to keep your system in working order. 

When an AC unit has faulty parts, it puts added pressure on the other AC parts. If you don’t get your AC repaired, this can lead to more parts breaking down. Through the help of an HVAC technician, you can fix your current issue, prevent future problems, and save money on your power bill. 

Prepare Your AC for Sunny Days

If you want your air conditioning compressor to run smoothly, the best air conditioning repair service can help. Professional services can reduce your electricity costs by helping your system run better. Once you spot one of the six common signs of compressor issues, you should call an HVAC technician to fix the problem right away.