The air conditioner uses various components to create the needed cool air in your home. Each of the components is needed to properly cool your home. When one component develops a problem, the entire cooling system suffers and will often leave your home hot and uncomfortable. As many components can fail, often the air conditioner’s compressor will commonly develop problems at some point during the life of the cooling system. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning would like to cover compressor failures and its symptoms.

What is an Air Conditioning Compressor & How Does it Work?

With proper maintenance, a compressor can easily last 15 years. The compressor can develop premature problems if it is not properly maintained. The compressor is a component that compresses the refrigerant that removes the heat from the air. When the refrigerant collects the heat from the evaporator, it turns the refrigerant from a liquid into a gas. Between the compressor and evaporator, the refrigerant will remove the heat from the air and go from a liquid to a gas state and back to a liquid. Without the compressor, the refrigerant will not be able to flow between the different units and will not be able to create cool air. When the compressor develops a problem, you will notice certain symptoms.

What are the Signs of a Failing AC Compressor?

Weak Airflow: When the compressor develops a problem or even the basics of wear and tear, one of the early symptoms of compressor failure is weak air flow. The air flow from your air vents will feel weaker and possibly that air temperature will not be as cool. However, most people don’t notice that their air conditioner is producing weak air flow and often the compressor will develop further problems before the homeowner notices their compressor is having a problem.
Loud AC Banging Noise: When the air conditioner starts up and you notice a loud banging or growling noise with vibrations, this is a classic sign that your compressor is having a hard time starting up. When the compressor is coming to the end of its life, it will often develop a problem starting up first. Later, the compressor may fail to run altogether. If you hear loud banging and feel vibrations coming from your air conditioner unit, your compressor needs inspection and repair.
AC Refrigerant Leak: Less of a symptom and more of a cause of compressor problems, is refrigerant leaks. A refrigerant leak can lead to major damages to the compressor. While the refrigerant is being processed in the compressor, the refrigerant also helps to keep the compressor cool. If there isn’t enough refrigerant going to the compressor, it will begin to overheat and damage the compressor. If you hear a hissing nose and or notice your home isn’t cooling properly, you most likely have a refrigerant leak.

Central Air Conditioning Diagnosis, Repair, Replacement, Maintenance & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Centennial, Enterprise, Lone Mountain Village, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Peccole Ranch, Silverado Ranch, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada

It is important to have your air conditioner tuned-up and maintained to extend the life of your HVAC system and its many components, including the compressor. For compressor repair, replacement, or other HVAC services, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning and schedule our services today!