There are many parts of an air conditioner that works together to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long. As the temperature increases, the air conditioner will be put to the test and undergo constant stress. As a result, a number of components can develop wear and tear and need repair. As there are many components to an air conditioner, Absolute P&M Services would like to focus on the compressor. We will share the compressor’s role in the cooling system, and signs of possible failure.

Function of Compressor in Air Conditioning System

A compressor of an air conditioner system is an important component that plays a crucial role during the cooling process. The compressor is responsible for compressing and circulating the refrigerant in its gas state into the system. The refrigerant helps to transfer the heat from inside of your home to the outside. When the air conditioner is turned on and begins a cooling cycle, the compressor will do a number of things during a cycle. The compressor draws in low-pressure, cools the refrigerant gas from the evaporator coil and compresses it into high-pressure, and then into a high-temperature gas. The hot gas is then sent to the condenser coil, where it releases the heat into the outside air. At this point, the refrigerant becomes a high-pressure liquid. As the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve, the refrigerant expands and turns back into a low-pressure gas. The cool gas will then travel to the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from the indoor air and cools it down. Without the compressor, your air conditioning system will not be able to create cool air from your home.

How Can I Tell if My AC Compressor is Bad?

There are a few different signs of compressor failure that you want to watch out for. When a compressor begins to fail, you may notice the following signs.
Warm Air from Vents – If you notice warm air blowing from your air vents, this is often a sign that the compressor is beginning to fail. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant’s gas that cools the air inside the home. If the compressor is not working correctly, the air won’t be cooled and you will have warm air coming from the vents.
Odd AC Noises – If you hear odd noises coming from your air conditioner unit, including a grinding, squealing, or rattling noise, this is often a sign that the compressor is failing. These noises are often caused by a worn down clutch or bearing within the compressor.
Refrigerant Leaks – A compressor can sometimes fail due to a refrigerant leak. Without refrigerant it can lead to reduced cooling performance and even lead to damage to other components in the air conditioning system.
Increased Energy Bills – When have a major increase on your energy bills, it could be another sign that your unit’s compressor is failing. A higher bill may be the result of a failing compressor that causes the air conditioner system to work harder than normal resulting in increased energy usage.

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin & Greater Houston, Texas

If you have signs that your air conditioner’s compressor is failing, it may need to be repaired or the compressor may need to be replaced. For air conditioning repair services and more, contact Absolute P&M Services today.