7 Signs of Home AC Compressor Problems

Do you need help with how to resolve your AC compressor problems? Call (352) 290-7968 and schedule a service consultation with repair technicians from Fast Air Repair today.

It's no secret that Florida boasts some of the hottest temperatures year-round of any state in the US. Maintaining a healthy HVAC system is crucial to a healthy indoor environment in your Florida home. Homes without working AC or that consistently experience issues with HVAC functioning can be far less comfortable.

There are many problems your HVAC unit can face. However, AC compressor problems are the worst issues your system can face and some of the hardest to resolve. Understanding the signs of AC compressor problems is crucial so you can immediately call professionals once you suspect an issue.

Whenever your home experiences HVAC breakdowns, call the best Inverness air conditioning service to fix your unit. With years of experience serving homes and commercial properties in Inverness, Dunnellon, and the surrounding areas, our repair technicians can quickly restore your HVAC system to optimal functioning.

What Is an AC Compressor?

Many homeowners don't know the function of an AC compressor, but the cool air circulating throughout your home is only possible with a working AC compressor. 

Your AC compressor contains your system's components responsible for the cooling functions. Your air conditioning unit cools your home by recycling air throughout your home and infusing it with a chemical called refrigerant. This chemical cools down warm air and primes it to provide precise temperature control for your home's interior.

While cooling warm air with refrigerant might seem simple, complex mechanisms in the AC compressor transition this chemical from a liquid to a gas state through various processes to prepare it for its ultimate cooling function. Multiple components within your AC compressor, including the condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant lines, perform the complex process of turning refrigerant liquid into a gas and then back into a liquid to cool warm air. 

The complex mechanisms within your AC compressor might break down over time. Problems with any of these components will inhibit compressor and HVAC functioning. For example, since the condenser coil returns the refrigerant to a liquid state twice during compressor cycles, condenser coil issues will stop cool air from flowing through your HVAC system.

7 Symptoms of AC Compressor Problems

Now that you understand the importance of your AC compressor, it's equally essential to recognize the signs indicating there's a problem. These seven situations are the common signs of AC compressor problems.

Strange Noises

Problems with your compressor unit might manifest within the interior parts of the system within your home. Over time, the wear and tear in these parts could cause issues with your compressor unit. In this case, you may notice strange noises when your HVAC system operates. 

Strange noises are never a good sign for your HVAC system. If you notice any sounds like whizzing, buzzing, or rattling beyond typical operational sound, ensure that you call professionals from Fast Air Repair.

AC Blowing Warm Air

It's normal for warm air to come from your vents for the first few seconds after turning on your air conditioning unit. However, if warm air persists for more than a few minutes, there could be a problem with your AC compressor. 

Within AC compressors are all the mechanisms that cool the air flowing through your vents. Problems with any of these components will eliminate the cooling function of your unit. Call professionals to inspect your evaporator and condenser coils in this case.

Circuit Breaker Issues

Your circuit breakers protect your home from high voltage exposure that could become a fire hazard. During HVAC use, a circuit will trip if the system is overworking beyond a point where the voltage becomes dangerous for your home.

Tripping breakers might suggest AC compressor problems. If your condenser or evaporator coils are in disrepair or the condenser is functioning less efficiently, it might use too much electricity to operate and trip your breaker. Call professionals if your breakers are hot to the touch, as this could indicate more severe issues.

Inconsistent or Obstructed Airflow

When your HVAC system functions at peak efficiency, cold air should flow consistently and unobstructed throughout your home. If you notice less air coming from your vents or it feels obstructed, this could be a problem with your AC compressor. However, many parts of your HVAC system could block air, so it's wise to call professionals to perform diagnostics on your system.

Outdoor Unit Overheating

Even the sturdiest outdoor compressor units have some sensitivities that require attention. Placing other objects or landscaping within three feet of any side of your outdoor unit could restrict necessary airflow and cause it to overheat. 

An overheated outdoor compressor unit can break down and require an expensive replacement. Avoid these unnecessary costs by clearing the radius around your outdoor unit.

Refrigerant Leak

Leaking fluids from your outdoor unit is a sign that you are experiencing problems with your AC compressor. While the refrigerant liquid in your compressor unit is necessary for its cooling function, it can also be a health hazard and environmental danger. Call professionals to inspect your AC compressor's ball bearings and structure if you notice leaking fluids from the outdoor unit. 

Increasing Utility Bills

Any issue with your AC compressor will likely decrease your unit and system efficiency. Reduced efficiency is one of the leading causes of increasingly expensive utility bills. 

If you notice costly energy bills, there could be a problem with your AC compressor. However, because system inefficiency might be due to issues with various parts of your system, this is an excellent time to call professionals to perform diagnostics.

Call Professional Repair Technicians from Fast Air Repair for AC Compressor Problems

For more information about resolving AC compressor problems or answers to the question "is it bad to keep turning your AC on and off," call (352) 290-7968 and schedule a service consultation with repair technicians from Fast Air Repair!