If you are a homeowner in Pace, Florida, your central air conditioning system will be in heavy use in your home because of our warm climate. The compressor is the center of the whole air conditioning system, so if it fails, the entire system will, as well. Fortunately, in most cases, the compressor will give you some signs of a problem before this happens. Below are seven telltale signs of a failing AC compressor.
You Hear a Ticking or Chattering Noise
When your air conditioner starts making unusual noises, this is usually a sign of trouble. Your HVAC unit will usually make a humming noise while it’s running, and you can hear it when it kicks on and off, but if the noise changes to a ticking sound, this is a sign that the compressor is struggling to turn on and off. This might mean that the electrical relay is failing. Call your HVAC professional to come in to inspect the system and repair the electrical components.
You Hear a Rattling or Rumbling Noise
Rattling noises could mean that the mounts in the compressor are failing, and the motor that sends out the cool air is loose. As the mounts fail, you will likely hear the motor rumbling around inside the compressor as it’s moving around inside its housing.
There Is Less Air Flow
The compressor is the unit that generates cold air. Make sure that the amount of airflow coming from your vents stays consistent. If there is less airflow than usual, it can mean that the compressor is weak. If you notice a diminished airflow, make sure to call your AC professional as soon as possible.
Warmer Air Is Flowing Out
When your AC turns on, you expect cool air to come out of the vents. Warmer airflow, just like diminished airflow, is also a sign of AC compressor failure. If you feel warmer air, call your professional to inspect the compressor for leaks.
At least two problems can cause the air to warm up. One problem is that the compressor is low on the refrigerant chemical that cools the air. This is an easy fix, and your HVAC professional can just add the refrigerant. Another possible cause is that the unit has a leak and the refrigerant is coming out.
The Refrigerant Is Leaking
If you find puddles of water or extra moisture around your air conditioning system, you might have a problem with the refrigerant. The refrigerant is the part of the system that turns the warm air into cold air. If refrigerant leaks from your air conditioning unit, you will feel warm air blowing through your vents and your home will not be comfortable. The compressor will eventually run out of the chemical it uses to create the cool air and completely shut down, but it is more likely that you’ll be uncomfortable long before that happens.
The Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Your AC compressor might be failing if your outside unit keeps losing power and trips your circuit breaker. Your compressor might be overheating, which causes it to draw too much power. As a result, the breaker trips.
It is important to realize that this is a problem with the compressor and not the circuit. You don’t want to just keep resetting the breaker because it is doing its job and protecting the house from a potential fire hazard.
The Unit Vibrates When It Starts Up
If your air conditioning unit vibrates or shakes every time it turns on, this is called a hard start. Hard starting means that the unit is having difficulty turning on and it often occurs right before the unit fails. If you believe that your unit is hard starting, call your HVAC professionals as soon as possible.
In Florida, it is never a good time of year to have your AC stop working, so make sure you recognize the seven signs of a compressor failure. If you need someone to repair your AC unit, call Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating at 850-203-3200.
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