Depending on where you live in the United States, the summer months can be brutally hot and humid. However, nobody wants to experience air conditioner problems on a warm summer day no matter where they live. Your air conditioner is complex equipment that relies on several moving parts and components to function correctly. Unfortunately, even with proper care and maintenance, some things can still go wrong.
Your air conditioner relies on several parts to function correctly. From the thermostat in your home and quality ductwork to an adequate blower fan, there are a few pieces that all have to work together. Your AC compressor is another important element that must function properly for the AC to work. The purpose of the compressor is to circulate refrigerant throughout the air conditioning unit. If the refrigerant is like the blood inside your unit, the compressor is the heart of the AC system. As an essential part of your AC system, your compressor must work correctly for cool air to pump into your home. While your AC unit should last around 20 years or more, it is possible that the compressor could wear out sooner.
Everything from low refrigerant levels to an overheating system could cause issues with your compressor. If you suspect that your AC compressor is malfunctioning, you will need the services of an HVAC technician. Let’s look at some things to consider for replacing home AC compressor.
What are the signs that you need a compressor replacement?
Little or no cool air in your home is a major sign that your compressor is not working correctly. While there could be other reasons for the lack of cold air, the AC compressor is one of the likely suspects. Aside from this, you may notice a few other issues if you have a bad compressor. The outside AC unit will often shake when it turns on and produce a loud noise if the compressor is going bad. Additionally, you may also notice that your AC is constantly tripping the circuit breaker and shutting off during a cycle. Finally, you may also notice refrigerant leaking from the outdoor unit. If you notice any of these issues coupled with air temperature issues, you may need to have your AC compressor checked out by an HVAC professional.
What is the compressor replacement cost?
An HVAC technician will probably offer you a few solutions once you have identified the AC compressor as the culprit behind your air conditioning problems. One way to fix your problem will be to replace the compressor. This can be a costly solution, as the compressor itself is usually an expensive part and typically takes four or more hours to replace. That being said, the cost to replace your compressor will depend on factors like size required, the type of equipment you have, and if you have a valid warranty. When considering a replacement, you need to weigh the replacement cost versus the cost and benefits of a new AC unit.
Can a compressor be repaired?
While qualified HVAC technicians are skilled at repairing many of the parts in your system, they may not be able to repair the compressor. Your AC compressor is a hermetically sealed, airtight device that requires specialty equipment to access. In general, a field technician will not be able to access and repair a compressor. The only option for a repair to anything on the inside of the compressor is to send it to the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this means that you can either replace the compressor or opt for a new AC unit.
If you suspect an issue with your AC unit’s compressor, it is important that you have an HVAC technician look at it as soon as possible and come up with other ways to beat the heat while you wait for repairs. From replacement costs to the costs and benefits of a new AC, there are a few things to consider if the compressor has failed.
