Preparing for Summer

The compressor is a vital AC component that circulates the coolant for heat exchange. Therefore, if it fails, the system might be inoperable, resulting in no airflow from the vents. Since the compressor is a component paramount for effective cooling, it is crucial that you employ an AC specialist when it starts behaving abnormally. They will evaluate your unit, determine the source of the malfunction and fix it for your compressor's maximum performance. Below are the causes of AC compressor failure.

Electrical Failure

If your system experiences electrical failure or burnout, several components in your AC may get damaged. For instance, a power surge may blow the fuses and damage the contactor and wires. Additionally, if your system is not properly serviced, contaminants may enter the compressor forming an acid build-up that burns it out. Therefore, it is imperative that an AC technician diagnoses your compressor and replaces blown fuses and frayed wires for effective current flow. In addition, they will test your system for acid build-up and neutralize it using an acid-scavenging solution to prevent compressor burnout.

Compressor Overheating

If outdoor elements clog your condenser coils, they will impede heat dissipation to your exterior. This causes the compressor to discharge excess pressure hence overheating your compressor. Consequently, the high limit switch will trip, cutting power to the AC. Additionally, when the compressor is not properly ventilated, it may overheat due to the warmth of the indoor air. Finally, if the oil quality diminishes and hardens, compressor parts will grind against each other, resulting in burnout. It is advisable you engage an AC technician to clean the compressor, monitor the oil levels, and allow enough ventilation.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Your refrigerant levels do not decrease with time as your AC does not use up the coolant. Therefore, if there are insufficient coolant levels, a leakage could have sprung in the line set. This results in low suction pressure that causes overheating and damages the compressor. Therefore, it is vital that an AC repair expert diagnoses the line set for holes and cracks, seals them, and recharges the refrigerant to the appropriate level for effective heat exchange.

Dirt and Debris Stuck in The Outdoor Unit

Since the outdoor unit is on your exterior, pollutants and moisture may enter the compressor, causing the internal components to strain in emitting heat. This causes the components to generate heat, resulting in compressor failure. Furthermore, the compressor will overheat if air clears the coolant in the line set. Hiring an AC contractor is crucial to clean the outdoor unit for the interior component's efficient operation.

Proper maintenance will extend your compressor service life and incur less on its operational costs. Therefore, you should schedule an appointment with an AC specialist for regular servicing to spot underlying issues before they compromise the unit's function. 

For more information about air conditioner repair, contact a local company.