6 Signs of a Bad Air Conditioner Compressor

Whenever a component starts to fail in your air conditioner, it usually causes subtle problems. Homeowners often miss telltale signs of trouble, including bad air conditioner compressor parts such as gaskets, valves, and the compressor motor.

Don’t let an air conditioner failure take you by surprise. Keep your eyes and ears open for these warning signs, and call the professional air conditioner maintenance team at Gladiator Services, your go-to Westwood air conditioning repair company.

Sign #1: Weak Airflow From AC Vents

Air conditioners depend on good airflow. If your air conditioning system is clogged, air might not flow easily through your ductwork and filters. If the air cannot circulate, the evaporator coils might freeze, and the condenser coil could overheat.

An overheating air conditioner with poor air circulation will lose the ability to keep the air cool. Decreased air conditioning efficiency will force the air conditioning unit to work harder, which puts stress on the compressor and could lead to complete loss of central air.



Sign #2: Strange Noises From Your AC Unit

Many parts of the AC system can produce strange noises. For example, a coolant leak often produces a distinctive hissing sound, while loose motor mounts can lead to rumbling noises. A trained AC repair technician will diagnose the problems based on the sound’s characteristics and location.

A rattling from your air conditioner could indicate that a crucial AC component has broken loose or bent out of shape. Some rattles can be harmless side effects of an aging system, while others are warning signs of problems that could be causing damage. Your air conditioner could fail unexpectedly or become a fire hazard if you neglect an unbalanced fan blade or a faulty blower motor. 

Some noises can be signs of bad air compressor parts. If the motor is faulty or a seal has become loose, it could lose effectiveness and eventually fail.

Sign #3: Your Air Conditioner Does Not Start

If your air conditioner motor, thermostat, drain line, compressor, or other critical HVAC components have failed, the air conditioner might not start. 

Sometimes, the trouble is easy to fix. A loose wire can prevent the thermostat from detecting high air temperatures. The compressor could be unplugged or disconnected.

In other cases, the compressor or blower motor might be too old or damaged to activate. You might need an AC replacement or extensive repair. 

Since an air conditioning failure can have many causes, a professional will need to inspect your AC system to identify the problem and restart your AC. An experienced AC technician on a service call will thoroughly inspect your AC components, including the air conditioner compressor, to determine which is responsible for your AC failure.

Sign #4: Your Air Conditioner Blows Warm Air

The air conditioner compressor uses pressure to force the refrigerant to release heat outside the home. Warm air is usually a clear sign of a faulty air compressor. A compressor failure will cause the refrigerant to return to the house while still hot, resulting in warm air flowing through the AC vents.

Other AC issues could result in the loss of cool air. Warm air from the vents could indicate that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak or that there is insufficient airflow to the evaporator or condenser coils. The blower motor might successfully circulate air through the ductwork even though the AC did nothing to cool the air. 

Sign #5: Your Air Conditioner Leaks Refrigerant

Listen for hissing noises from your AC system and check that it blows cool air. If you see puddles of liquid around the refrigerant tubing or the evaporator coils, they could be evidence of a refrigerant leak. If you encounter these problems, ask your AC repair technician to check the coolant levels, fix the leak, and top up your refrigerant levels.

Refrigerant leaks can be a problem for the environment and your budget. Some refrigerants are toxic and contribute to ozone depletion. Don’t neglect refrigerant leaks if you pick up on any of these signs.

Sign #6: Your Air Conditioner Trips Your Circuit Breaker

As an air conditioner gets older, loose or frayed wiring can lead to electrical problems that trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse, preventing the AC from working properly (or at all). An AC showing signs of bad air conditioner compressor function can also trip the circuit breaker if it runs continuously, drawing more power as it struggles to keep the home cool.

Is Your Air Conditioner the Problem?

Your air conditioner might not necessarily need repair simply because it trips your circuit breaker or fails to produce enough cool air. Sometimes, the air conditioner or HVAC system might not be a good fit for the house. A poorly functioning air conditioner could indicate an issue with your entire system.

Even an air conditioner in perfect condition that is well suited to the property can have problems providing cool air if the cooling system or blower motor is underpowered. Strain on your AC can occur if the thermostat is set too low, air temperatures are unseasonably high, or a homeowner has increased the square footage of the house without upgrading the air conditioner to a more suitably powerful model. 

Fix a Broken Air Compressor and Other AC Problems With Gladiator Services

If you or a family member spots any of these problems, try raising the temperature on your thermostat to relieve pressure on your air conditioner. Know what the best AC temperature should be for your home and keep your temperature settings in the optimal range. If this does not improve your air conditioner’s performance, turn to the experts at Gladiator Services.

Gladiator Services is a licensed and family-owned business with experience in heating, cooling, and plumbing maintenance. For repair, replacement, and scheduled maintenance in our New Jersey service area, Gladiator Services is your best bet. If you spot any signs of bad air conditioner compressor components, call us today for a free estimate at 201-512-8972.