What Does An AC Compressor Do?
The compressor is among the most critical components of your home’s air conditioning system. It not only plays an essential role in cooling down your home, but it also helps to ensure that the AC unit works continuously and effectively to keep your house cool all summer long.
To understand how an AC compressor works, it is important to know where it is located and how it functions. It’s also good to know about potential problems as well as its maintenance and repair requirements. Having a good understanding of what an AC compressor does and its requirements will help to ensure that you keep it in good working condition.
Location of the AC Compressor
The AC compressor is located inside your outdoor AC unit. Other important components contained inside of the outdoor unit include the fan, condenser coil, and the condenser.
The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system connects with the indoor part via refrigerant tubes. After the two parts are connected, the hot air inside your house is absorbed and then transformed into cool air.
How the AC Compressor Works
Heat is pulled out of the air inside your home by the air conditioner. This air is then cooled over the evaporator coil before being released into your house. Liquid refrigerant keeps the evaporator coil cold. The refrigerant absorbs the hot air and transforms it into gas. Then, the gas gets transported out to the condenser and is transformed into a liquid once again. The cycle continues to repeat itself.
The AC compressor moves the refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser coils to make sure the refrigerant is changed into a liquid or gas as necessary. The compressor is basically the heart of your air conditioning system while the refrigerant is the blood. The refrigerant is pumped by the compressor through the air conditioning system to keep it running properly and efficiently.
AC Compressor Maintenance
It is critical to keep the AC compressor in good working condition by having maintenance performed on a regular basis. During your maintenance service appointment, the HVAC technician will conduct a checkup on the compressor and look for any signs of failure or damage. The compressor pads will also be checked to ensure that there are no electrical issues with the unit that could negatively impact the compressor.
Potential AC Compressor Problems
An AC compressor is made up of many different moving parts. Therefore, it is susceptible to breakdowns and malfunctioning. If a compressor does malfunction, it can result in issues like hard starts, insufficient cooling, and strange sounds coming out of the unit.
Hard starting refers to when the compressor has a hard time turning on or off. The problem may be due to the AC unit having an electrical problem.
Insufficient cooling can be the result of a worn or loose compressor. This results in your air conditioner not being able to cool down your house sufficiently.
Strange sounds coming from the AC unit could be clanking or banging noises that are the result of a loose part inside of the AC compressor. Hissing or bubbling can be an indication that there is a refrigerant leak in the compressor. However, note that it is normal for a compressor to emit a brief sound at start-up. A malfunctioning compressor can also be the result of a broken air conditioner, a burnt-out compressor, or the outdoor unit running too hot.
AC Compressor Repair
Whenever your AC compressor malfunctions or is not operating properly, you can contact Reed Service Company and have one of our experienced HVAC technicians diagnose the problem. Sometimes, it might appear that you have a broken compressor when it is actually a problem in another part of your air conditioning system. A reputable and experienced AC technician, like the ones at Reed Service Company, will be able to diagnose the problem for you.
Your compressor might need to be repaired or replaced. Depending on how serious the problem is and how old your air conditioning system is, you might want to consider replacing your entire system. Your professional AC technician can help you determine the best solution to fit your individual situation, budget, and needs.
Reliable Professional Services
Reed Service Company has been providing customers in the Beaumont, Texas, area with high-quality professional services for more than 40 years. We offer repair, maintenance, and installation services for all of your heating, cooling, HVAC, and indoor air quality needs. Contact Reed Service Company today for more information on how we can help you.