3 Major Signs That Your AC Compressor Is Failing

May 11, 2021

3 Major Signs That Your AC Compressor Is Failing

Spring is in full bloom in Edmonton and the rest of Canada, and summer is right around the corner. With temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius in the summer season, requiring continuous running of your air-conditioning system around the clock your HVAC system needs to be in its best condition to perform efficiently, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable throughout the day.

To ensure there won’t be any sudden surprises waiting for you this summer, you should schedule an appointment with your local air conditioner service provider as soon as possible.

People generally don’t give enough importance to the repair and maintenance of their air-conditioners until it stops working properly. In many of these cases, the problem usually lies with the failure of the compressor starting. Your compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the air conditioning system of your home, much like how your heart pumps blood to your body. Your air-conditioner loses its ability to provide cool air to your home if its compressor stops working.

Your AC system may show some signs that should tell you if there is a problem with it. Read this post to find out what these are to ensure the timely maintenance or repair of your air conditioner.

Strange Noises

Your compressor is located in the outdoor unit of your air-conditioning system outside of your home. When it’s functioning properly, it usually makes a low, humming noise when running. However, any damage to its interior components or possible wear and tear over time can make it difficult for the compressor to operate efficiently. Usually, the occurrence of strange noises coming from the external unit is one of the first signs that there is an issue with your compressor.

The following list will give you an idea of some of the noises a failing compressor can make and what issue it might indicate:

  • A rattling noise coming from the compressor’s fan indicates a loose part that is damaging the system.
  • A humming sound means that the connection between the motor and the capacitor is failing.
  • A squealing sound may be normal when the compressor starts. However, if it changes to a ticking or screaming noise, it means that your compressor’s electrical relay is going to give out at any moment.

If you experience any of these sounds from your AC compressor, then it’s time you call your HVAC provider.

Leaking Fluid

The bearings of your AC’s compressor may begin to loosen over time, which means that the refrigeration fluid can leak through them and onto the ground easily. This will cause your AC unit to malfunction and potentially cause serious health concerns for you and your loved ones. Health symptoms may include headaches, irritated eyes, nausea, cough, and more.

Therefore, if you find a puddle of water or extra moisture around any section of your air conditioning system, it could mean that you have a problem with your refrigerant. If the refrigerant is leaking from your air conditioning unit, it will fail to cool the hot air inside the room. This will result in warm air blowing through your vents, and you won’t feel comfortable inside your home.

Eventually, the compressor will run out of the required refrigerant needed to generate cool air, leading to a complete shutdown of your system. This means that you will need to call a professional to repair the bearings and to fix the problem.

Less Air Flow

You need to ensure that the amount of air flowing from your vents remains consistent. If the airflow from your air-conditioning system is less than usual, it can mean that the compressor is either low on refrigerant or is slowly weakening.

This problem is not easy to spot because your airflow will only decrease slightly at first. However, the flow will gradually become weaker with time, and the AC unit will not cool the room efficiently the way it normally does.

Your air conditioning system plays an important role in making your home comfortable for you and your family throughout the warm summer climate. Air conditioning unit maintenance will cost you much less than getting a complete replacement compressor or buying a new system altogether.

A well-maintained unit will work efficiently and can keep your home cool for longer periods. So, if you recognize any of these warning signs, you need to call in a professional HVAC system repair and maintenance service provider immediately.

At Nor-Can Heating & Air, we provide 24/7 emergency HVAC services to ensure your heating and cooling systems are working properly throughout the year. Whether you are looking to update your heating or cooling system or looking to get a maintenance check for your home’s air conditioning system in Edmonton, contact our team for personalized service.

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