Air conditioners are generally built to function efficiently for 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. It is rare that these units quit working during this period.
But if your AC compressor fails, there can be a problem larger than you would expect, which can cost a good amount of money on repair or AC replacement in Federal Way. The good thing is that it is possible to prevent minor compressor problems (negatively affecting other parts of the AC unit) with preventive maintenance or annual maintenance.
Before we discuss some common reasons why your AC compressor fails, you should first know a little background.
What is the AC Compressor?
Your AC compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system. The reason being it compresses the refrigerant and pumps it, delivering it across the AC system. Its main job is to remove humidity and heat from the air. Hence, it is fair to say that it is important to keep it in good condition to prevent common minor issues.
8 Common Causes of AC Compressor Failure
Power Issues
Loose electrical wiring or other power system issues can increase the risk of AC compressor failure. In addition, an electrical failure can lead to your AC having acid buildup in the unit, further causing damage to the compressor and other parts.
You can prevent electrical problems by checking your power system from time to time and making sure there is no possible way the electrical issues can arise. Also, it is best to have an AC technician inspect your system.
Dirt On Coils
Condenser coils can accumulate grime over time, making the AC unit unable to remove heat in sufficient quantities. This is the reason why it may take it a longer period of time to function properly.
Consequently, it creates high pressure and temperature that overheats the compressor, causing it to fail eventually. It can also damage the entire AC system, where you may need AC replacement. To prevent this from happening, make sure to get your AC regularly serviced by professionals.
Suction Line Blockage
Suction lines carry refrigerant to the system. If your AC’s suction line is blocked, it will reflect in the form of low cooling in your room. So, for instance, if you have noticed that your room is not as cool as it should be, there can be a blockage in the suction line.
This problem can turn bigger as it also creates pressure on the AC compressor, which can lead to its failure. Experienced AC technicians can only fix this problem. Never avoid minor AC problems; and get them fixed before they impact other components.
Inappropriate Size of the Suction Line
The suction line’s size matters a lot; therefore, it is essential to use the appropriate line size during AC installation in Bonney Lake. It is possible that the suction line of your air conditioning system is either too small or too large, making the compressor fail unexpectedly. Hire a reliable AC service provider to resolve this problem and prevent compressor failure in the future.
Insufficient Lubricant
Your AC is a machine, and some parts need oiling or lubrication to function correctly. In addition, some components can accumulate dirt or rust over time, causing problems for other parts, sometimes leading to the failure of crucial components (like the compressor).
You need to get your AC’s lubricant levels and the oil pump’s condition checked regularly to prevent minor problems that make the compressor stop functioning.
Low Refrigerant
If your AC’s refrigerant lines get damaged, or are having a crack or a hole in them, they can leak gas, resulting in low refrigeration. That means your compressor will need to work harder to pump the required volume of refrigerant through the system to improve your room temperature.
The compressor can break down when this load or pressure pertains for a long period of time. Therefore, if you feel your rooms are not cool enough, even if your AC is turned on for hours, it would be good to call an AC expert for an inspection to resolve and prevent this problem.
Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
The compressor is a part of your outdoor unit, making it vulnerable to tree leaves, dirt, debris, and other microorganisms.
These things can stick to parts of your outdoor unit, affecting their performance in addition to damaging the compressor. Keep your outdoor unit and its surroundings clean and free from debris, long grass, leaves, etc., to avoid problems that can cause AC compressor failure.
Delayed Or No Maintenance
An air conditioner not getting enough care and maintenance will eventually have different types of problems, from low cooling to high power consumption, from frequently turning on and off to completely breaking down. Not only can it cause compressor failure, but it also damages other essential components of the system.