Your air conditioner unit won’t accomplish much without a functioning air compressor. This critical piece of equipment is what the system uses to remove hot air from your home and send it back outside. You must schedule an air conditioning compressor replacement when it goes out if you want to continue enjoying cool air on a hot Arizona day.
Mountainside Air is the superior AC repair specialist in Cave Creek, AZ. We specialize in all things heating and cooling. If you’re not sure if it’s time to replace your AC compressor, here are eight signs to watch out for.
1. The Air Isn't Cool
You can’t beat the heat of Arizona if hot air blows from your vents. Hot air usually means the refrigerant can’t cool down air effectively, often due to the compressor not functioning properly.
2. The Unit Stays on Forever
When an air conditioner can’t cool down your home as efficiently as it used to, it will stay on longer to compensate. You’ll have to pay for more electricity as a result, meaning you’ll see a spike in the energy bill until you get a cooling system compressor repair.
This problem is a bit tricky. It could be time to replace the AC compressor, or it could be due to one piece inside the compressor causing problems. An experienced technician will have the right diagnostic equipment on hand to find and resolve the problem.
3. The House Cools Unevenly
If you notice the air seems to be blowing out weaker, or your home doesn’t cool down as efficiently as it used to, it could be due to the compressor or parts of the compressor. Changing the air filter could improve the situation, but more often than not, uneven cooling is the result of a struggling compressor that can’t push cool air through the home.
4. You Notice a Hard Start
Hard starting is when the air conditioner doesn’t turn on easily. It may take a few times to start, or it could sputter or cause a delay. This happens because the compressor can’t engage and is on its way to breaking completely.
5. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Electrical overloads can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Air conditioner compressors require a lot of energy but cause the circuit breaker to trip if they take in too much power at once. You need to have your air conditioner assessed immediately, as overloaded systems can be dangerous.
6. You're Paying More for Energy
If you’re suddenly paying more for electricity but your electric company hasn’t raised their rates, you probably have an air conditioner problem. Compressors use more energy when they start to fail, causing you to pay more for energy. You won’t even get to feel the effects of the unit being on all of the time because the air isn’t cool enough, so it’s probably time for an HVAC compressor swap.
7. The Unit Sprung a Leak
There are two reasons you might notice liquid dripping from your air conditioner: condensation and refrigerant. Condensation is merely an accumulation of water droplets and isn’t much to worry about unless you start smelling mold in your home.
Refrigerant, however, is a hazardous substance you should never touch. If you’re unfamiliar with where refrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid in the compressor, do not touch any liquid dripping from the unit. You may suspect it’s condensation but will feel the burn when you find out it’s condensation.
8. You Hear Weird Sounds
Common sounds you shouldn’t be able to hear coming from your compressor include:
- Clicking: This is often an indicator that the compressor has electrical issues.
- Rattling: If your air compressor has loose or broken pieces, it may vibrate in place and cause a rattling sound.
- Noises when starting: Various sounds may occur when the unit starts up. This is a sign you need an AC compressor upgrade or an entirely new unit.
Let Mountainside Air Replace Your AC Compressor
When it’s time for a new AC unit compressor installation, choose Mountainside Air. We excel in cooling and heating services and can diagnose and replace your AC compressor quickly and efficiently. We understand how miserable it is to be without a functioning air conditioner in Arizona, so we work hard to schedule you quickly and get the job done right the first time.
Call us for exceptional service from a veteran-owned company. We’re proud to serve the Phoenix, AZ, area with unmatched service you can’t find anywhere else.