It is very likely that you have experienced this scenario – you have spend a long and difficult day at work, you return to your home and you hope that you can finally de-stress in your cooled home. However, once you step in your home you notice a wave of warm and the compressor of the air conditioner simply won’t turn on. When we notice improper functioning in the AC, we always think that this is the worst time for such situation and this is when we get angry and frustrated. This is no surprise, especially if you live in Florida where having an air conditioner is a must because of the climate. It is true that there are many reasons why your air conditioner is not working properly, but in many cases it is the compressor that makes the problem.
What is the basic function of AC compressors?
It is very important to understand that the compressor is one of the crucial parts of an air conditioning system. Without a working compressor your entire system can’t work. In other words, the compressor’s basic function is to direct refrigerant all over the system. When the AC compressor moves the refrigerant, it actually compresses (this is how this part got its name) the cold gas in order to make it hot and under pressure. This is the moment when the heated air is released outside and your home is cooled.
Frequent AC Compressor problems
Remember that the cooling process can’t start in case the compressor is not turned on. So, in order to keep your AC running you must learn more about the common AC compressor problems. These problems can be separated into two groups – problems that can be fixed with DIY approach and problems that must be fixed by professional air conditioning service. We will mention some of the problems that can be fixed without professional assistance although it is always a better idea to ask for their help.
First and foremost, analyze the power supply. You must see whether there is some kind of damage and whether the air conditioning system is getting sufficient power. This is a very simple task and even if you have no experience in AC repair you should be able to fix it.
Furthermore, you must look for refrigerant leaks. In order to run smoothly the AC compressor needs proper amount of refrigerants. These two elements remove the hot air and release cold air inside your home. If the level of refrigerant in the compressor is too low, the compressor won’t be able to start working. This is a very common and easy problem. All you need to is to find the gauge and see whether there is sufficient level of refrigerants. If the levels are too low, you will have to call a professional service provider.
Another common problem is the valves. In case the AC compressor doesn’t start, you might be experiencing problems with the valves. Valves are used as a canal through which refrigerant is delivered. These elements tend to break down over some period of time.
Remember that these are only some of the common issues related to AC compressors.