6 AC Compressor Dangers
Is your AC not cooling your home like it should? When it comes to cooling your home, the compressor is in charge of pumping refrigerant (the cooling agent) through your unit.
Being that the compressor is a vital part of your HVAC system, it can be costly to repair or replace. Before searching for Atlanta cooling services, check out these reasons why the compressor could be in danger.
Dirty AC Coils
Your unit’s coils are key to keeping your home cool because they are responsible for removing heat from the air and expelling it outdoors. However, over time, they can get clogged with dirt and debris.
This makes it harder for your unit to operate efficiently. If you don’t clean your coils, pressure may build up, resulting in your compressor overheating and burning out.
Blocked Refrigerant Lines
If you notice your home is warmer than it should be, it could be a block in the refrigerant lines. These lines cycle refrigerant in between the evaporator coil and the condenser coil.
Just like dirty AC coils, a blockage in the refrigerant lines can lead to an increase in pressure and temperature, causing your unit to overheat, and ultimately leading to compressor failure.
Refrigerant Leak
Contrary to common misconception, your AC unit starts off with a specific amount of refrigerant and should not need to be refilled unless there is a leak. The refrigerant your unit comes with is supposed to last a lifetime since it’s continuously recycled.
Cracks and holes in the refrigerant line need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent too much refrigerant from seeping out. If it gets too low, the compressor will be working overtime to continue pumping the remaining amount through the system.
Lack of Lubricant
A loss of lubricant usually goes hand in hand with refrigerant leaks since both can escape through a break in the refrigerant line. Oil lubricant helps keep the compressor cool by reducing friction within your unit. When checking for a refrigerant leak, your HVAC personnel should also check for oil leakage as well.
Refrigerant Overload
Along with lacking refrigerant, having too much in your system can also cause your compressor to overheat and break down. This often happens when an unqualified technician works on your AC unit. When it comes to your refrigerant levels, be sure to contact an HVAC professional to have them inspect the problem.
Electricity Issues
Electrical problems such as damaged wires or fuses can wreak havoc on your HVAC system and can be costly to fix. Therefore, regular maintenance visits from your HVAC company are vital to keeping your system running properly.
Contact the HVAC Professionals
There are many reasons your home may not be cooling properly, but if you suspect your compressor is in danger, it’s time to call one of Anytime’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing specialists. Having a service technician check your system regularly will prevent issues from building up into costly repairs. Call 770-504-5881 today to schedule a maintenance visit.
