There are many components that come together to help keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. When one component begins to fail it can affect the entire cooling system, leaving you without any cool air for your home. In southern Nevada our summer heat can be lethal. There are many components that can fail, such as the compressor. When the compressor begins to fail the air conditioning system will not be able to cool down the home. Steve’s Heating & Air will share some of the common symptoms of a failing compressor.
What is the Function of Compressor in AC?
Before we begin talking about the common symptoms of a failing compressor, it helps to understand its function. When the refrigerant leaves the evaporators, the refrigerant will take the form of a low-pressure gas. The refrigerant absorbs the heat. However, in order for the refrigerant to absorb the heat it will require high pressure. The compressor compacts the refrigerant to remove the heat from the air. Without the compressor the air conditioner cannot remove the heat from the air.
Why Does My AC Compressor Not Start?
One of the obvious signs that there is a problem with the air conditioner is that it is hot in the home. One sign that points to the compressor being the culprit is that it will fail to start up. When you hear the soft humming from the air conditioner as it runs it is the compressor transforming the air. When you do not hear the compressor turning on, there is a problem. Without the compressor the air cannot cool down.
Blowing Hot Air; Why is there No Cold Air Coming Out of My Vents?
If the air compressor isn’t running but the rest of the air conditioning continues through the cycle, then toward the end of a cooling cycle the fan will push the air through the air ducts. If the compressor has failed to cool the air, you will feel hot air coming from the vents. When the rest of the air conditioner is running but the compressor has failed, hot air is a common symptom. However, you can also feel warm air coming from the vents when there is a refrigerant leak. The best course of action when you feel warm air coming from the vents is to turn off the air conditioner system. Afterward, have the air conditioner inspected by an HVAC technician to determine the cause of the warm air.
Outside AC Condenser Unit Vibrating
The outdoor unit, which is the condenser, will sometimes vibrate upon starting. When the condenser shakes it is due to the compressor having problems starting. Often called a “hard start” the compressor is having problems starting. A compressor failing to start up right away it often an early warning sign that the entire compressor is about to break down. Along with vibration the condenser will often make loud noises. When the outside unit is vibrating and making noises have the compressor checked as it is most likely going out.
Central Air Conditioning Preventive Maintenance Tune Up, Emergency Repair, Replacement & More in Sumrall, Purvis, Oak Grove, Dixie, Leeville, Petal & Hattiesburg MS & Pine Belt, Mississippi
These are a few common signs to watch for in a failing compressor. The fact is condenser problems and compressor failures are often related. Thus, it might be a good idea to replace the whole condenser when your compressor fails. For quality central air conditioner repair and more, contact Steve’s Heating & Air today.
