It’s unthinkable to live in Arizona without a functioning AC. Yet, no matter how bad of a situation it is, it’s one which happens all too often. If this scenario has happened to you, you must be wondering what caused your AC to stop working and what you can do about it.
Thankfully, your air conditioning will run smoothly before you know it if you entrust your AC issues to the best air conditioning repair service in Scottsdale. Before we can fix your AC, it’s necessary to understand the underlying causes which might be to blame.
What causes an AC compressor to stop working?
Since most AC failures have to do with malfunctions of the AC compressor, it is important to know what this vital part actually is and learn about some common causes for AC compressor issues. Â
What is the AC compressor?
The AC compressor, often referred to as the heart of the air conditioning system, is a pump which pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the AC unit within a refrigeration cycle. Without the gaseous refrigerant, the compressor and the entire AC unit can malfunction.
Common causes of AC compressor failures
Since the AC compressor is a vital component of the system, any issues related to it can be serious and possibly a nightmare to repair. Luckily, not all compressor problems are costly and irreparable. Most are preventable with correct maintenance which includes cleaning or replacing air filters, coils and choosing appropriate temperatures for your AC during summer and winter.
Here are some of the most common causes of compressor failure:
- Clogged or dirty filters
- Dirty coils
- Clogged suction lines
- Insufficient oil lubricant
- Too much or too little refrigerant
- Broken refrigerant lines
- Electrical issues
How do I know if my home AC compressor is bad?
Your AC unit will generally show early signs and symptoms of a bad AC compressor before a more serious failure occurs. If you notice and act on these early hints, your chances to prevent compressor malfunctions will be much greater.
Some of the signs are easier to spot than others, but all of them can indicate potential compressor failures which can be prevented with these early steps.
Abnormal noises
Keep an ear out for any strange noises since they might indicate a problem with the compressor. If you don’t hear your compressor and fan running smoothly, but instead notice knocking, chattering or hissing noises coming out of the unit, your AC might be experiencing issues with a worn compressor motor, a refrigerant leak or the electrical relay switch.
Cool or lukewarm air from the outdoor unit
Cold air coming from the compressor fan is another sign of a possible failure. Although the AC is meant to cool your home, the compressor, located in the outdoor AC unit, creates heat in order to do this since it’s main job is to compress gas. So, if you notice that the air coming out is lukewarm or cool, your compressor might be malfunctioning.
Higher electricity bill
Unless you’ve been using your AC unit more in the summer season, a higher electricity bill might signal a fault with the compressor. A worn compressor runs longer and slows down the AC unit resulting in a higher than normal utility bill.
Reduced airflow
This one is a bit more hard to spot even though it is one of the first symptoms you’d be able to notice. If your compressor is weak or worn, you’ll find that less cool air is coming out of your vents since the malfunction is causing less cool air to be generated.
Find exceptional air conditioning repair in Scottsdale, AZ
We know that you just can’t imagine a summer in Arizona without your trusted AC. Sure, in this worst case scenario, you could cool off at Cactus Aquatic & Fitness Center. Still, why endure the nightmare longer than a minute when you can rely on Hughes Air Heating & Cooling to get your AC fixed in no time.
Our seasoned technicians employ utmost professionalism to install, maintain and repair your AC units to keep them fully operational throughout the year. Reach out to us today and see why we’re the best HVAC service in Scottsdale!