The winters in Firestone, Colorado, are cold, snowy, and partially overcast, but the summers can be steamy and hot. Knowing that your air conditioner will function at its best when you need it gives you peace of mind during those summer months. However, many individuals don’t know the warning indications of a bad AC compressor or when their air conditioners start to break down.
What’s an AC Compressor?
The backbone of your HVAC system is the compressor. The compressor puts pressure on the refrigerant in your unit to keep it in gaseous form and circulate it outside your home, where it can safely dissipate the heat it’s absorbed. Though many other factors can pose problems for your AC, problems with the compressor will impact the entire system. Below, we’ll go over some common compressor issues.
Dirt in the Coils
Your air conditioning system has many elements that pick up dirt, dust, and other debris as they operate. One such part is the condenser coil in your unit. The dirt buildup in the AC makes it problematic for hot air to escape from the coil, making your system work harder to attain the desired temperature. In addition, the heat trapped inside the device and the stress it puts on the system cause the compressor to overheat and malfunction.
Leaking Refrigerant
Moisture or droplets seen anywhere around your HVAC system indicates a refrigerant leak. Other signs are weak airflow, hissing noises, and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. A professional should fix a refrigerant leak as soon as possible since it may cause several issues, such as affecting your system’s cooling and resulting in compressor problems. Additionally, leaking refrigerant can contribute to climate change, making it even more important to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Blocked Suction Lines
Vapor flow will be restricted by clogged, missized, twisted, or kinked AC suction lines. If the line is damaged, the compressor won’t receive sufficient refrigerant, which might impact the entire system. A professional will be able to take a look and find out exactly what the issue is with your AC’s suction lines. It’s important to note that adding more refrigerant won’t solve the problem; it can actually cause problems of its own.
Too Much Refrigerant
Slugging is a problem brought on by too much refrigerant. This occurs when excess liquid refrigerant floods the piston cylinders of the compressor. Slugging can result in various issues, including damaged valves, cracked connecting rods, and severe compressor damage. In addition, slugging will eventually result in an entirely burned-out compressor motor, frequently necessitating replacing the entire AC.
Not Enough Lubrication
To perform at its best, your HVAC system requires the proper quantity of lubricant. Lack of lubrication may result in significant wear and tear, making your compressor work harder. In addition, your compressor’s components rub against one another when the oil level is low. As a result, little pieces fall apart and are released into the system. The most common sources of lubricant loss are the evaporator, condenser, pipe connections, or compressor shaft seal. A compressor under excessive stress is more likely to malfunction early than intended.
Power Surges
Your air conditioner may have electrical problems as a result of power surges. Lightning strikes might result in a power surge that can trip the breaker if you have just experienced a thunderstorm. There can still be a rush when the power comes back on, even if it was a random outage that wasn’t storm-related. To protect your equipment, the circuit breaker will cut off power.
Decreased Airflow
Another indication that the air conditioning compressor is malfunctioning is decreased airflow. It’s probably a sign that your compressor is having trouble if you can’t feel the air entering the room. Examine the vent’s airflow by placing your hands close to it. It can be a little tricky to detect, but you’ll be able to tell if your compressor is malfunctioning if it isn’t keeping the air as chilly as it should be and if the airflow is not the same as before.
Northern Colorado’s High-Quality HVAC Services
If you’re frustrated because it’s a hot day and your air conditioning unit is not working, you may require AC repair in Firestone, Colorado. At My Guy Heating and Air, LLC, we offer professional HVAC repairs. We also provide professional services such as installing, repairing and maintaining furnaces, gas and electric furnaces, air purifiers, thermostats, and more.
