Why Do Air Conditioner Compressors Fail

If the problems leading to the failure are corrected in a timely manner, almost 80 percent of the causes of AC compressor failure is preventable. You can detect and eliminate these problems through regular AC preventative maintenance. Regular servicing of the AC Compressor is essential for your building’s air conditioning system to function optimally.

Symptoms of AC Compressor Failure

The function of air compressors is to create a compressed air supply and work by compressing ambient atmosphere into it. There are many symptoms that are indicators for air compressor failure, for example:

• The system is blowing warm air
• The compressor doesn’t turn on at all
• The outside unit shakes when it starts up
• The system keeps tripping the circuit breaker
• The outside condensing unit is making strange noises

Now, let’s go into these into more detail. 

Compressor Doesn’t Turn On

It begins when you notice it’s too hot in your space. The AC is not reaching the set temperature. The fan is working OK when you check out your indoor unit. After that, you check out the condensing unit. While the unit is powered and you do hear the fan, the compressor does not appear to be running at all.

If you notice your condensing unit shaking every time it turns on, the compressor is having trouble turning on. Just before it fails, that will often happen. Don’t ignore this symptom of AC compressor failure. Switch the system off at once and call in an HVAC professional to inspect your compressor.

The System Blows Warm Air

The system is blowing warm air, but the condenser does appear to be running? That’s also a symptom of inevitable AC compressor failure. There is a lack of cooling power because the compressor is in trouble and is not able to pump refrigerant through the system. 

Your air conditioner’s compressor is one of the key components, without which the system can’t run. Normally, it’s pretty reliable. An underlying and preventable cause is why it fails before the end of its expected life span, which is 15 years. 

The compressor’s job is to compress the refrigerant gas (like your heart pumps blood through your body) and pump it through the system. This is so heat and humidity are removed from the air.

Compressor clutch not moving

The clutch enables the pulley to connect and disconnect from engine power so that the compressor is only turning when it needs to be. The clutch can break, which means the compressor isn’t getting power from the engine, or it can seize, permanently keeping the compressor activated. While it’s possible to replace the clutch, it’s usually most efficient to replace the entire compressor.

Loud Noises 

The AC compressor uses a sealed bearing to turn. A worn-out or leaking bearing will produce a grinding or high pitched squealing sound. A seized or seizing bearing will produce a belt squeal or a grinding noise.

Dirty Coils 

The increased temperature and pressure result in overheating and AC compressor failure if the problem is not fixed. Dirty coils are another problem. It happens all too often that grime, filth, dust, and / or mineral scales build up on the condenser coil. As a result, the air conditioner can’t eliminate enough heat from the system. It must operate constantly in order to cool your space. There is overheating and failure due to increased pressure and temperature. 

Low refrigerant charge

The air conditioner leaks refrigerant if your system’s refrigerant lines develop cracks or holes. The level becomes so low after a while that the compressor has to work harder to pump enough refrigerant through the system. With time, the strain can cause the compressor to break down.

Too much refrigerant

It can be a deadly mistake for the compressor if a less-than-qualified person works on your air conditioner and adds the wrong type or too much refrigerant. 

Incorrect suction line size

Be sure to get an experienced AC technician to help you if your refrigerant line develops leaks and needs to be replaced. A line that’s too small or too large for your system can cause premature AC compressor failure.

Electrical problems

An electrical failure can lead to a buildup of acids that inflict a great deal of damage to other components in addition to the compressor. Get a qualified technician to test for the presence of these acids if you have a failed compressor. If he finds acids, that means an electrical burnout has caused damage throughout the system. In this case, it’s best to get a new AC compressor. The unit is not worth fixing.

When an experienced technician inspects your system, electrical problems are often easily preventable because he will probably spot and repair damaged fuses, wiring, and contractors before they cause AC compressor failure and take down your whole system.

Insufficient oil lubricant

Imagine your air conditioner’s oil lubricant like your lifeblood. If there isn’t enough blood, the system can’t work properly and all types of problems will arise. This includes AC compressor failure. If you get a trained AC technician to maintain your system regularly, he will check the lubricant levels and the oil pump condition. Thus, the problem will be prevented.

System Contamination 

The high pressure and heat in an air conditioning system and the places, where ACs are usually housed (crawl spaces, rooftops, outdoors) can introduce any number of contaminating agents. These can cause damage as a result. They include dirt, air, debris, moisture, soot, leaves, acids, and even bird and pest droppings. 

By detecting and fixing the underlying cause, you’ll hinder AC compressor failure. The new compressor is likely to fail as well if you replace a failed compressor without fixing the underlying cause. Blocked suction lines will often cause problems. You’ll notice a lack of cooling when your air conditioner’s refrigerant lines become damaged or blocked. 

Regular AC Preventative Maintenance is Important 

When you take good care of your compressor with regular AC preventative maintenance, you will reap the benefits in the form of good-quality, cool air throughout your space with reliable and consistent production and operation. You should have your air conditioning system serviced at least once every six months by a reputable air conditioner compressor service company. It is very important to choose a service provider with experienced and knowledgeable technicians with MSCA or NATE certification. That way you’ll be sure they are qualified to pinpoint and prevent the problems that can cause AC compressor failure.

Investing in an annual service contract might be one of the best ways to get a good deal on AC preventative maintenance. You’ll also get a customized maintenance plan that’s designed specifically with your budget and your needs in mind.