AC Compressor Troubleshooting
Compressors are vital components in all modern air conditioning systems. Without them, your customers wouldn’t be able to receive any of the comfort and convenience these systems bring when times are hot and humid. However, as with all other components, compressors can develop faults of their own and they can cause the entire system to malfunction.
Compressors are usually perceived as the heart of the entire air conditioning system, and its job is to perform several incredibly important functions that contribute to your customers receiving their crisp and cool air. That is why it’s important to be familiar with how a compressor works and the faults it can develop so that your customers can react quickly if they notice any issues.
What Does An AC Compressor Do?
The compressor is one of the most important components of any air conditioning system, as it is responsible for performing several vital functions that allow your AC to operate as it should. Here’s what the compressor in your system does on a daily basis to ensure your customers receive the cool air they desire.
Transferring Air
This is probably the most important function a compressor performs – transferring heat into the AC unit. As soon as the temperature of the air increases beyond the default temperature for a certain room, the ventilation system will start to suck air in. Then it’s time for the compressor to push this air towards the condenser. This is when the air gets cool as the refrigerant works to transform this air into the cool air your customers receive.
Eliminating Humidity
The compressor does not only transfer air into the condenser coil and enables the cooling process – it also eliminates humidity from the air in your customer’s homes while transferring it. If the compressor starts to malfunction, your clients will usually start noticing the air in their homes becoming moist and damp.
Compressing Liquid
As the air conditioning unit absorbs the air, the compressor begins the work of transforming that air into its liquid form before making its way to the expansion valve that cools this liquid down before sending it back to the compressor in a low-pressure gaseous state.
What Are The Common Compressor Problems?
The compressor consists of several moving parts, which makes it highly susceptible to different types of malfunctions. This, combined with the fact that it’s probably the key component of the majority of AC systems makes any compressor problem a serious concern. Here are the most common problems that can originate from a malfunctioning compressor.
AC Not Cooling
If your customer’s AC system operates at a reduced cooling capacity, this could be the first clear indication that the compressor is malfunctioning and that they should either repair or replace it to maintain adequate unit operation.
AC Rapidly Turning On & Off
A faulty compressor can also make your customer’s air conditioning system start turning off and on constantly. If they do not react quickly to replace or repair the compressor, they could incur very high electricity bills, as the unit will consume far too much electricity. However, there are also other problems that can cause such occurrences, and it isn’t exclusively the compressor’s fault.
Compressor Overheating
When the AC runs constantly and the unit is positioned in sultry outside locations, there’s a high change that it could start overheating. While this could be due to a faulty overheating compressor, it can also be due to internal clogs, busted wiring, as well as poor maintenance.
Compressor Is Worn-Out
Finally, there comes a time when an air conditioning compressor simply runs its lifespan and needs to be replaced by trained and certified AC repair Las Vegas professionals. This is why preventive maintenance and servicing is important – technicians will spot the need for compressor replacement before any serious faults develop.