A refrigerator, air conditioner, and heating system are some of the modern conveniences that many of us take for granted. They keep food fresh and provide a comfortable indoor environment. But when they’re not working optimally, life can be difficult.
If your air conditioning unit isn’t cooling your home or keeping it warm enough, you may start to notice signs like odor or excessive noise coming from it – with a faulty compressor being the most common culprit. Before calling an HVAC repair Lakewood Ranch FL, you should know a few things first. Let’s take a look at the basics!
Common Signs of an AC Compressor Failure
In general, there are several signs you should be aware of that could indicate a failing AC compressor:
1. Loud buzzing noise coming from your outdoor unit (the sound usually is similar to screeching metal)
This is likely caused by the lack of oil inside the unit, which has been found to damage some internal components such as the fan motor and, even worse, cause a refrigerant leak. If left unnoticed and unrepaired, this could lead to further damage down the line resulting in even more expensive repairs or replacement costs.
2. Unusually high energy bills
Suppose your electric bill has suddenly skyrocketed out of nowhere compared with past months’ averages. This may indicate something isn’t running as efficiently as before in your system and warrants checking in immediately before larger problems require a costly air conditioning repair or replacement.
3. An inability to cool or heat properly
Your air conditioner’s compressor plays an important role in regulating temperatures around your Lakewood Ranch home or business, so if all other settings seem proper, but it still won’t work, then check into having a technician come out right away because it might be time for new parts already if diagnosed correctly!
4. Hot/Cold spots throughout your building
Uneven heating/cooling temperatures also indicate that something may need replacing soon, so don’t wait until too late when things get really bad! Give yourself enough time now instead by contacting certified technicians who can diagnose and repair these issues correctly without breaking bank accounts over unnecessary expenses later on down the road.
5. Water or moisture build-up near the unit
If water accumulates around the AC system, this could be a sign of condensation build-up. It’s best to have someone come out and take a look right away, as this could be an indication of more severe issues, such as a refrigerant leak.
6. An increase in humidity levels
When the compressor isn’t working properly, it can cause an increase in humidity within your home or workplace. This is because the compressor is responsible for controlling the humidity levels in your building.
When it’s not running properly, it can affect how much moisture is present in the air. Poorer air quality, smell, and even damage to furniture are all potential issues that could arise from this, so be sure to call a technician immediately if you notice any of these signs occurring.
What Causes Compressor Failure In An Air Conditioning System?
A few possible causes of a faulty compressor are:
Air conditioners rely on the correct amount of refrigerant to transfer heat and cool air effectively, so any disruption in this process can lead to issues with the compressor.
When outside power sources produce higher voltage than intended for the AC unit, or when internal parts like capacitors become overloaded with electricity, these surges put extra strain on the compressor and can cause a complete breakdown if it persists over time.
Contaminants like leaves and dust collect inside fan vents, where they clog up motors or impair their performance until they eventually shut down completely if maintenance is not regularly performed.
Faulty wiring can lead to several issues—including the inability to turn on or off the system and sudden voltage spikes that overload components like capacitors or the compressor itself. An incorrect electrical connection can also lead to issues as it can put too much strain on the internal parts and cause them to fail eventually.
If a unit is getting up there in years, its parts may no longer be able to function at their optimal levels, leading to a breakdown. Even with regular maintenance and tune ups, age can eventually cause the air conditioning system to become unreliable and even dangerous to use.
If You Suspect You Need Air Conditioner Repair Due To A Failing Compressor, Here’s What To Do
If you suspect your AC compressor is failing, the best course of action to take is to call a professional air conditioning company. Compressors are one of the most crucial components; attempting to repair or diagnose them without proper experience can cause injury or further damage. An experienced technician will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest reliable repair options.
When examining the unit, they will first look for any obvious signs of physical damage, such as broken parts or leaks. After inspecting it for mechanical issues, they will test its electrical connections and other components, such as contacts, relays, and capacitors. They may even recommend cleaning dust from exposed surfaces if necessary before making repairs on the unit itself.
If, after inspection, it turns out that the compressor needs replacement, the technician will act accordingly by replacing either individual parts or entire units, depending on what’s required for your specific unit. But regardless of which course of action has been taken – make sure to get written warranties so that if something goes wrong in the future, you’re covered.
Keep Your Compressor Running Strong – Tips For Prolonging Its Life
Repairing a compressor can be a costly endeavor, so it’s best to take preventive steps as soon as possible to avoid the need for such HVAC repairs. You can take the following steps to guarantee it stays in good condition for many years.
Clean the Air Filters
Air filters must remain clean for the air conditioner to work properly and efficiently. Clogged or dirty air filters impact their ability to cool down the area effectively, leading your compressor to overwork itself and eventually fail from long-term overuse. Make sure to check the filter at least once a month and replace any used ones as necessary.
Check Refrigerant Level
Low refrigerant levels are one of the most common issues when dealing with an unresponsive cooling system – because refrigerant is responsible for carrying heat away from indoors. Too little of it will cause strain on the compressor as it tries hard enough but fails again. This eventually results in permanent damage that could lead to failure.
Avoid Short Cycling
Although short cycling (wherein the cooling cycle abruptly shuts off before fully completing a cycle) conserves energy when done intentionally, repeated frequent short cycling due to faulty wiring or disconnected contactors leads rapidly towards overworking of compressors, due to which they start giving out signals like hums & buzzes after some point in time and then end up failing altogether if left unchecked.
To bypass this issue entirely, keep periodic checks on all wiring connections and disconnections made inside outdoor units via experts who specialize in such matters – preventing simple problems from leading to expensive repairs later.
Have Regular Maintenance Done
Regular maintenance is key when protecting against minor and major occurrences involving any HVAC system within households or offices. Doing things like regularly cleaning condenser coils can keep all components running smoothly while identifying lesser issues before they become more serious.
While all these seem quite manageable enough, it is also important to note that, at the end of the day, all HVAC systems require professional assistance from time to time. Any problem that cannot be resolved without specialized equipment or expertise should be left to the capable hands of certified technicians to avoid further complications.
Get Quality HVAC Repair Lakewood Ranch FL from AirNow Air Conditioning!
At AirNow Air Conditioning, we understand the importance of a swift and reliable compressor and AC repair service. Our team comprises certified specialists with extensive experience providing HVAC services, from heating installation such as heat pumps and mini split to York air conditioner repair.
We have a wide range of tools and materials – backed by an outstanding job – ready to restore your unit back to its full capacity. We will act accordingly by replacing either individual parts or entire units, depending on what’s needed for your specific system.
Call us now to request an estimate and schedule an appointment with our technicians!
