October 9, 2017
Call a St. Louis HVAC technician if you notice these signs of AC compressor failure.
The compressor is the most vital part of an air conditioning system. When your AC compressor fails you may have to decide whether to repair or replace it. If the system is old it may not be advisable to repair the compressor as it may not be worth the cost. Here are some ways that will help you identify signs of compressor failure.
The Compressor Does Not Turn On
If you notice that your home is too hot, check the indoor unit of your AC. If you find that the fan is working properly, check the condensing unit, you may find that it is not running at all.
In such a situation, you should turn down the thermostat so that the compressor comes on. If it does not turn on it likely means that the compressor has already failed. You should not try to fix the issue yourself. Seek the assistance of a St. Louis HVAC repairman to diagnose the problem.
The System Blows Warm Air
One sign of the approaching compressor failure is that the system blows warm air even though the condenser appears to be running. It means that the compressor has lost its cooling power and is unable to pump the refrigerant through the system.
However, the system can lose its power to cool even when there is a refrigerant leak. This may lead to compressor failure. You should not ignore this issue. Turn off the system immediately and seek professional help.
The System Trips the Circuit Breaker Repeatedly
When the outside condensing unit keeps losing power and trips the circuit breaker, it may be a sign that the compressor has failed. This may be because the compressor is overheating and consuming too much power.
You should not reset the circuit breaker and turn on the system repeatedly. The circuit breaker trips to protect you from a latent fire hazard.
The Outside Unit Shakes When it Starts Up
If the unit vibrates when it starts up it means that it is having trouble in turning on. This usually happens before the compressor fails. You should never ignore this symptom. Turn off the system as soon as you notice this problem and call an HVAC expert to check the compressor.
The Outside Condensing Unit Makes Strange Noises
If the condensing unit makes a lot of noise it may be because of failing electrical components. It may make noise when a fan motor becomes dislodged and rattles in the condenser unit. This should be fixed quickly otherwise it can lead to compressor failure. You may have to call a technician for this task but it may not be very expensive.
St. Louis HVAC Repair
It can be expensive to fix or replace an AC compressor. You may need help deciding which option is best for your situation. Scott-Lee Heating Company can help! For more than 35 years we have been repairing and replacing air conditioning systems.
Whether you need to repair or replace your furnace or air conditioning system, you can count on us to be there when you need us, charge you a fair and honest price, and stand behind our work 100%. Call us today at (314) 200-0788 or fill out our online contact form.