Your air conditioner is made up of several essential components, and one of the most important is the compressor. Often referred to as the “heart” of the system, the compressor plays a big part in keeping your home cool and comfortable. When it begins to fail, your air conditioner system can’t function properly and ignoring the signs can lead to costly repairs or total system breakdown. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will explain what the air conditioner compressor does, why it’s so important, and the key warning signs that it may be going bad.
What Does the Air Conditioner Compressor Do?
The compressor is located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system. Its main job is to:
• Pressurize the refrigerant, turning it from a low-pressure gas into a high-pressure gas.
• Pump the refrigerant through the system so it can absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside.
• Providing heat exchange, allowing your air conditioner to remove warm air and replace it with cool air.
Without the compressor, your air conditioner cannot cool your home at all.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Compressor is Failing
A failing compressor doesn’t usually go unnoticed for long. Here are the most common symptoms:
Warm Air Instead of Cool: If your air conditioner is blowing warm or room-temperature air, it could be a sign the compressor is no longer pressurizing the refrigerant correctly. Check your thermostat settings and air filter first. If everything seems normal and your system still isn’t cooling, call an HVAC technician to inspect the compressor.
Loud or Unusual AC Noises: Grinding, rattling, or screeching sounds coming from the outdoor unit can point to a failing compressor or its internal components. Turn off the system to prevent further damage and schedule a service appointment.
Hard Starting or Stalling: If your outdoor unit struggles to start or frequently turns off on its own, this could be a sign of a failing compressor or a faulty capacitor. An HVAC technician can test your compressor and related parts to pinpoint the problem.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping: If the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner system keeps tripping, it may be because the compressor is overheating or pulling too much current. Don’t keep resetting the breaker, this is a safety issue. Contact a professional right away.
Vibration or Shaking in the Outdoor Unit: Visible vibration or shaking when the outdoor unit turns on can indicate internal damage to the compressor motor. Turn the system off and have it inspected. Continued operation could lead to complete system failure.
What Causes AC Compressor Failure?
Air conditioner compressors are built to last, but certain conditions can shorten their lifespan:
• Dirty coils or filters, which restrict airflow and cause overheating.
• Low refrigerant levels, often from leaks, which make the compressor work harder.
• Electrical issues, including damaged wiring or failing capacitors.
• Lack of maintenance, which allows minor issues to go unnoticed and worsen over time.
Can a Failing AC Compressor Be Repaired?
In some cases, certain components related to the compressor like capacitors or relays can be replaced to fix the issue. However, if the compressor itself has failed, it may need to be replaced. Replacing a compressor can be expensive. If your air conditioner is older, it may make more financial sense to replace the entire system.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
If your air conditioner is showing signs of compressor trouble, don’t wait. Contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today and schedule an inspection and keep your home cool all season long.
