An AC system is complex. There are a lot of components which all have to work together in perfect harmony to accomplish the job of cooling your home. Something going wrong with a single component can generally be resolved with repairs, even if a part such as the blower fan motor has to be replaced entirely. But there’s one component you really don’t want to damage: the compressor.
An AC compressor can’t really be repaired once something’s gone seriously wrong with it. It would have to be replaced—but it’s such an expensive component that replacing it in an older air conditioner is a waste of money. You’d be better off investing in a whole new system. What can cause harm to an AC compressor? What can you do to ensure those things won’t kill your air conditioner? Read on to find out.
Lack of Maintenance Increases Wear and Tear
Simple things like an excess of dust in the system or a lack of lubrication will cause increased friction in the air conditioner’s moving parts. This leads to the compressor having to work harder, or having to run for longer or more frequent intervals. The more the compressor runs each year, the fewer years it will be able to continue to perform.
It’s critical to get annual AC maintenance to avoid this outcome. Your technician will clean away all the dust and grit. They will apply fresh lubricant to the moving parts. They’ll also check over and test every bit of the system to make sure nothing is causing unnecessary wear and tear. This is generally done in the spring, but having it done every year is more important than having it done during a certain season.
Unrepaired Issues Cause Compressor Strain
Many AC problems force the compressor to strain harder. A refrigerant leak will cause the system to absorb heat less effectively, so it must run more of the time. An overheating component will trip the limit switch, shutting the AC down for safety, but allowing it to come on again moments later. Starting up requires a big kick of electricity, so doing it much more frequently will waste costly electricity… and strain the compressor.
Your best bet is to get repairs as soon as you notice that there’s a problem with your air conditioner. Odd noises or smells, poor performance, uneven distribution of cool air, or the system running more of the time or turning on and off very frequently are all signs that it’s time for air conditioning repair, so you won’t end up needing air conditioning replacement in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Poor Air Circulation Overworks the Compressor
The outdoor unit is where the compressor lives. It’s also where the heat must dissipate from after the refrigerant carries it out of your house. This unit needs plenty of airflow around it! Trim back plants and branches. Rake away lawn clippings or leaf litter. And if there’s dust or dirt on the coils, rinse them down gently using your garden hose. Your compressor will really appreciate it!
For professional AC services, look no further than Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. Contact us today!