Ways to Know If You Need an HVAC Compressor Replacement

It’s always unsettling when we realize that the air conditioner is malfunctioning. Not only is it a major disruption when we have no cool air at the height of summer, we also worry about how much repairs will cost. One of the biggest worries homeowners face when the AC starts acting up is an HVAC compressor replacement. It pays to know the signs of compressor malfunction so you can deal with it as soon as possible.

How the Compressor Works

The refrigerant in the AC absorbs heat from the house and then, when it’s pressurized by the compressor, releases it outdoors. The cool refrigerant returns to the house in the form of a liquid to cool the air inside, and then the cycle begins again as the liquid enters the evaporator coils and turns back into a gas.

While a compressor can fail because the AC is old and the parts are worn out, it’s best to catch signs of compressor malfunction early. Sometimes it will be worth getting a repair if you catch the problem before the unit fails.

Signs the Compressor Is on the Blink

1. No cool air. The most obvious sign the compressor is failing is if the unit continues to pump air but that air is not cool. Of course, there can be other reasons for warm air coming through vents, but the compressor should be eliminated as the source of the problem first.
2. The compressor doesn’t turn on. You notice the fan inside your home is working properly, but the air is not cool. You check the outside condensing unit and the fan is working, but the compressor doesn’t turn on. If the compressor is failing, you will have to decide if HVAC compressor replacement is worth it or, if the unit is 10 to 15 years old, if you should replace the HVAC system altogether.
3. Unfamiliar noises. If the outdoor unit makes rumbling or vibrating noises, pops or bangs, clicks or growls, or clatters or screeches, it could be the compressor and you could need HVAC compressor replacement.

For more on HVAC compressor replacement, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning of Lorain.