The 5 Main Signs of a Bad AC Compressor (and What to Do)
Without a functioning compressor, your cooling system can’t remove warm air from your home. As such, you’ll usually know immediately if your compressor isn’t working well.
If your vents are producing weak airflow or blowing unusually warm air, a broken AC compressor may be the cause. That said, you may also have low refrigerant, a faulty thermostat, or a weak capacitor. If you need help troubleshooting, our guide will narrow down the main signs of a bad AC compressor.
5 Signs of Air Conditioner Compressor Problems
To get started with your troubleshooting, take a moment to review any issues you’ve been having when you turn on your cooling system. Review the following problems, even if they’ve only happened once or twice.
Warm Air from Vents: While a little warm air right at the very start is normal, you should get cold air within a few seconds. If the air stays warm, your compressor may be to blame.
Loud or Unusual Noises: Do you hear an unusual buzzing sound coming from your AC unit? This sound may indicate a compressor problem, particularly if the compressor is receiving an incorrect or inconsistent amount of electricity.
Frequent Shutdowns: While your AC constantly turning off could indicate a capacitor problem, your compressor can sometimes be at fault.
AC System Won’t Turn on: If your AC fails to turn on at all, it may indicate a significant component failure, including a problem with the compressor.
Unusually High Energy Bills: A malfunctioning compressor might short cycle, turning on and off again without warning. Since turning on requires a significant amount of energy, frequent cycling can increase your bills before you realize there’s a problem.
4 Common Causes of Compressor Failure
Now that you know how to tell if your AC compressor is bad, let’s look at the causes. You’re likely dealing with at least one of these issues, if not multiple:
Low or Leaking Refrigerant: Sometimes your refrigerant simply runs low, whether through constant usage or a leak.
Electrical Problems: Your system may have experienced an electrical surge that fried its components, resulting in inconsistent performance, unexpected shutdowns, or other operational issues.
Poor Maintenance: When was the last time you had your cooling system cleaned and calibrated? A system struggling with dirty coils or wiring problems may eventually develop performance issues.
Heavy Summer Use: General wear and tear can be enough to make your compressor stop working.
Compressor Issue or Another AC Problem?
Sometimes you think you’re dealing with bad AC compressor symptoms, but you’re actually dealing with something else entirely. A few internal problems that cause similar symptoms include:
Malfunctioning thermostats
Faulty capacitors
Broken fans
Dirty filters
Refrigerant leaks
Basic Troubleshooting for Your Compressor
Once you’ve identified the signs of a bad AC compressor, it’s helpful to rule out other possible causes. To learn how to test your AC compressor, you can try a few basic troubleshooting steps to help determine whether another issue may be affecting your system.
Check the thermostat: Make sure it’s turned on and providing accurate temperature readings.
Inspect the circuit breaker: Verify that the breaker for your AC has not tripped.
Replace dirty air filters: A clogged filter can restrict airflow and reduce system performance, so replacing it may help determine whether the filter is contributing to the problem.
Do not attempt to open the AC unit, test the compressor yourself, or replace compressor components. These tasks require specialized tools and expertise and can pose serious electrical hazards. Schedule an appointment with a qualified HVAC professional who can safely inspect the system, identify the underlying issue, and recommend the appropriate repair.
Repair vs. Replacement: Which Should You Choose?
If your unit is only a few years old and generally works well, a professional may suggest AC repair, as repairing the compressor or another faulty component may be the most practical option. However, if your system is approximately 10 to 15 years old, AC replacement may be a more cost-effective long-term solution, especially if your system requires a major repair.
If you’re unsure whether repair or replacement makes the most sense, let Blue Flame Comfort handle the evaluation. Our professionals can inspect your system to determine whether the compressor is contributing to the problem and recommend the best solution for your home and budget.
Call Blue Flame Comfort to Fix Your AC
Homeowners in the Seattle area depend on Blue Flame Comfort to keep their cooling systems operating efficiently. If you’re having trouble determining why your AC is shutting down, making unusual noises, or failing to cool your home properly, our team can help identify the cause.
The sooner you get your system inspected, the better. Leaving the issue alone can potentially make it worse or even increase the risk of an electrical hazard. We offer ongoing specials to help you save money on necessary home repairs, maintenance, or new installation.
Let Blue Flame Comfort take care of your AC so you can get back to your normal routine. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your cooling system!