The compressor is one of the core components of an air conditioning unit, changing the refrigerant from a low-pressure, cool liquid to a high-pressure, hot gas before helping it turn back again. This temperature change allows your air conditioner to create cool air and cool your home.
Air Conditioning System Parts
Typically, air conditioning systems are made up of a condenser, evaporator coils, air filters, and a compressor, with the compressor serving the vital function of pressurising the refrigerant that cools the air coming into your home or office.
The Air Conditioning Process
When your air conditioning system’s refrigerant leaves the evaporator, it does so as a low-pressure liquid – in order for the refrigerant to have its desired effect, it needs to be in a pressurised form, ready to absorb heat from the air coming in.
The Role of the Compressor
The compressor has the vital function of pressurising the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. This refrigerant is pressurised into a higher pressure and temperature form. The refrigerant will then move towards the lower-pressure cooler air outdoors, where the role of the condenser unit takes over in helping to release heat from the unit.
Troubleshooting Common AC Compressor Issues
Below are some of the most common things that can go wrong with an air conditioning unit’s compressor, with tips on what to do if you’ve found yourself with one of these problems.
It’s always best to leave air conditioning problems to qualified professionals such as those at Accurate Mechanical Services. If you need help with your air conditioning or HVAC system, please get in touch with us today.
Air conditioning compressor won’t turn off
If your air conditioner compressor problems are causing it to refuse to turn off, you should check for ice at the evaporator. A build-up of ice could suggest you’re losing refrigerant through the system. Alternatively, the evaporator/condenser coil could be blocked by dirt and debris.
If either of these are the case, it could be a serious problem that needs to be correctly handled by an HVAC professional.
Air conditioning compressor isn’t cooling
If the indoor unit of your system is producing hot air rather than cold, and you haven’t turned your unit into heating mode, this may be because the refrigeration cycle isn’t working properly, or you could have a refrigerant leak.
Air conditioning compressor is loud
If your air conditioning system is running very loudly, it may be due to loose or poorly lubricated parts. If this is causing a problem, then it’s advisable to get in contact with a professional HVAC engineer who will have experience in maintaining air conditioning systems to resolve the problem.
Air conditioning compressor is ticking
If your compressor is making a slow or fast ticking noise, this is likely to be due to an electrical problem, such as faults with the inverter or circuit breaker trips.
Alternatively, this could be due to a mechanical problem in one of the system’s parts. It is strongly advised that you leave internal air conditioning maintenance to a professional engineer and don’t try to fix it yourself.
Air conditioning compressor has a damaged or blocked fan
If your system’s fan is damaged or blocked, this may cause the system to work harder as it struggles to expel warm air, failing to complete the refrigeration cycle properly. If your fan is badly damaged, you may need to contact an air conditioning professional for a replacement. However, if there is simply dirt and debris blocking the fan from spinning or expelling air, it’s advisable to turn the system off and clear the blockage safely.
Is Replacing the Aircon Compressor Worth It?
The compressor is one of the most expensive and vital parts of an air conditioning unit; this means that when it goes wrong – the entire system tends to stop working. However, compressors typically have a long lifespan and rarely fail in newer systems. This means that replacements can be costly, especially when labour costs are factored into the equation. Because of this, it’s usually recommended that you replace your air conditioning unit with a newer system if the compressor fails.
AC Units and Maintenance From Accurate Mechanical Services
The professional engineers at Accurate Mechanical Services are experienced in installing and maintaining air conditioning units within and around London and the South of England. Please get in touch with us today if you have any queries about the installation or ongoing maintenance of your air conditioning system.