Check Your A/C Compressor

What is an AC Compressor in my Home Air Conditioner?

An AC compressor is an essential component in a home air conditioner responsible for compressing and pumping refrigerant gas to remove heat from the indoor air. It is typically located outside the home in the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system.

The compressor works by taking in low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator coil, compressing it into a high-pressure gas, and then sending it to the condenser coil to release heat to the outside air. As the refrigerant releases heat, it condenses into a liquid and then travels back to the evaporator coil, which expands and evaporates to cool the indoor air.

The air conditioning system cannot cool your home effectively without a working compressor. Notice any issues with your air conditioning system, such as warm air from the vents or unusual noises from the outdoor unit. It may be a sign that your compressor is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced.

What Are Some Signs My AC Compressor is Going Out

If your AC compressor is going out, there are a few signs that you may notice. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Warm air: If the air from your air conditioning vents is warm, even when the thermostat is set to a cool temperature, it could be a sign that the compressor is failing.
Loud noises: If you hear loud, unusual noises from your outdoor unit, such as banging or rattling, it could be a sign of a failing compressor.
High energy bills: If your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be a sign that your compressor is working harder than it should be due to malfunction or wear and tear.
Poor airflow: If the airflow from your vents is weak or inconsistent, it could be a sign that your compressor is struggling to pump refrigerant effectively.
Frequent cycling: If your air conditioner constantly turns on and off, it could indicate a compressor problem.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician diagnose and repair the issue before it causes further damage to your air conditioning system.

Checking Your Air Conditioner Compressor

Checking the AC compressor is a job best left to a qualified HVAC technician, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools. However, here are a few things that a technician might check when diagnosing a compressor issue:

Electrical connections: The technician will check the compressor’s electrical connections to ensure they are tight and secure.
Capacitor: The technician will check the capacitor, a small electrical component providing the initial energy needed to start the compressor.
Refrigerant levels: The technician will check the refrigerant levels to ensure the system has enough refrigerant to operate properly.
Temperature readings: The technician will use a thermometer to check the temperature of the refrigerant entering and leaving the compressor to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Compressor sound: The technician may listen to the compressor for unusual sounds, which could indicate a problem with the compressor motor or internal components.

If the technician determines the compressor is not working properly, they may recommend repairing or replacing it. It’s essential to have a professional technician diagnose and repair any issues with your air conditioning system to ensure that it is safe and operating efficiently.

How do you fix a bad air compressor?

Fixing a bad air compressor will depend on the issue causing the problem. Here are a few potential solutions for common compressor issues:

Electrical problems: If the compressor is not getting power, the technician will check the electrical connections and replace any damaged wires or components. They may also replace the capacitor, a common cause of compressor failure.
Refrigerant leaks: If the compressor is not getting enough refrigerant due to a leak, the technician will repair the leak and recharge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.
Motor or internal component issues: If the compressor motor or internal components are damaged, the technician may need to replace the entire compressor.

In general, repairing a bad air compressor will require specialized knowledge and tools, so it’s important to have a qualified HVAC technician handle the job. Depending on the severity of the issue and the age of the compressor, it may be more cost-effective to replace the compressor rather than repair it. A qualified technician can help you determine the best action based on your situation.

Mike’s Tips: Spring is here in #BergenCounty. Before you start your A/C compressor, it’s very important to remove any #cover you have for it. Also, you don’t want it to bend the fan blades if there is green overgrowth or debris.
The cover photo is an example of what NOT to have around your compressor. #Ridgewood #Ramsey #Oradell are just three towns that called us this weekend with a cover, branches, or overgrown ivy that was sucked into their compressor.

About Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC

Exclusively Serving Bergen County, New Jersey

Michael Muccia is a Master Plumber and the owner and operator of Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is a full-service Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service company based in and serving Bergen County, NJ, since 1978. The Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team of trained and certified service technicians offers various services, including general plumbing and heating maintenance, for residential and commercial clients.

Whatever your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or ventilation needs are, it’s easier with Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. We treat our customers, large and small, with the best service in the industry. We know you have a choice when considering an HVAC company, and no matter what we do for you, we treat it as the most crucial job in our history. Our experience proves that we know how to work efficiently, which keeps costs low, uses only the best components within budget, and stands behind the work we do.

Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC has locations in the following areas:

Published at April 6, 2019
Category: Air Conditioning