What are the Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor?

During warmer weather, your air conditioning system is crucial to keep your home nice and cool against the heat. If you suspect that your AC system is not working as it should, it could mean your AC compressor has gone bad and might be due for repair.

On average, an air conditioning compressor can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Keeping your compressor in good condition and getting routine maintenance is important, as it ensures the flow of cool air into your home and makes sure your system is running as it should. If your AC compressor begins to fail or work poorly, it could lead to several problems including refrigerant leaks, which can be toxic to humans and animals, or bigger air conditioning issues, which may lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

While it may seem stressful, don’t panic. There are a few ways to figure out the problem early on, what it could mean and know when to call in the professionals at My Guy Heating & Air.

Bad AC Compressor Symptoms

1. Lack of Hot Air Being Released Outside

One way to find out if your AC compressor is not working as it properly should is to hold your hand over or near the fan on your air conditioning unit. If the air coming out is not hot, but instead warm or cold/cool, it’s a sign that the compressor has gone bad

If this is the case, it could also mean that the refrigerant is leaking, and not doing its job of cooling down the hot air, releasing it outside, and allowing cool air to return into your home.

2. The AC Unit is Making Noises

When an AC unit is running normally, you will hear the compressor and fan motor running smoothly as it should. Like your car or washer/dryer, if you start hearing noises, something is wrong. Be on the lookout for noises such as rumbling, popping, clicking, or if it is vibrating when the unit starts. It could be a sign that your compressor is failing, or about to give out, in which case it will need an HVAC compressor replacement.

3. HVAC Compressor Not Turning On

If your AC system is not cooling to the temperature you have it set to, you should check the outside unit. If the fan is running smoothly but the compressor is not, you have a problem.

Identifying if your HVAC compressor has gone bad or failed is crucial to keeping your overall system working, and your home cool from hot temperatures. On AC units, it might be more effective to completely replace the compressor rather than temporarily repair it.

Other Signs of AC Compressor Failure

Besides the mentioned signs, there could be other reasons your AC compressor is not turning on or working properly. These problems could range from dirty air filters, and blown fuses, to circuit box issues, or even something as simple as a blockage in the compressor or AC coils like leaves or twigs.

Simple things such as cleaning out any debris or blockage in your compressor, cleaning the AC coils that freeze and cool hot air, or changing out your air filters regularly every month can all help extend the life of your AC compressor and prevent it from failing earlier than it should. In a tune-up from My Guy Heating & Air, all of these things will be attended to.

Contact the Professionals to Inspect Your Compressor Today

Figuring out early and quickly if your AC compressor has gone bad or is failing could make all the difference. Problems with your AC unit can go from bad to worse in a short amount of time and can lead to expensive repairs or whole replacements.

If you have tried any of these suggestions or tips to determine if your AC compressor has gone bad and don’t know the next step, contact My Guy Heating and Air today to discuss repairs or replacements, discuss the best plan for your home, ease your mind and keep you cool!