During a hot, humid Nashua, NH summer, your air conditioner might fail to keep your home a comfortable temperature. As a homeowner, few things are more frustrating than having an essential system failure. When it comes to your air conditioner, however, there are plenty of different parts that could be contributing to the issue. One of those problem areas could be the AC compressor. At Paul The Plumber, we have the expertise to diagnose and perform AC compressor repair as needed, helping to restore your home to that comfortable oasis you’ve come to expect in the warmer months.
Dealing with a broken down air conditioner that simply can’t wait? We also offer emergency AC repair, helping keep your family safe from warm temperatures.
What Is an AC Compressor?
The compressor is arguably the most important component of your HVAC system. It’s part of a closed-loop network of plumbing that contains refrigerant. When the refrigerant is compressed it turns to liquid and gets hot. The heat is then removed in the outdoor coil of your AC system as the cooled liquid refrigerant is pumped into your home.
Once inside the home, the liquid is allowed to expand. As it expands it rapidly cools down in the indoor coil in your air handler unit. Air is blown across this coil to remove heat from it, thus becoming cool. From there, the refrigerant returns to the compressor to start the cycle over again. If you heat your home with a heat pump, it works on the same principle, only reversed.
If your air compressor or heater is not performing as well as it used to, you may need an AC compressor replacement. Call Paul The Plumber for an inspection and diagnosis today.
Signs You Need AC Compressor Replacement
Like most mechanical devices, AC compressors rarely fail out of the blue. Almost always, there are signs that it is beginning to deteriorate. Some of these signs include:
- Warm Air
- Grinding Noise
- Low Refrigerant Charge
- Overheating Or Tripping Breakers
Any of these problems indicates that your compressor has either failed or is starting to. It’s important to take action as soon as you notice the problem. When compressors fail they can destroy other components of your AC system, leading to more downtime and costlier repairs.
When your air conditioner is on the older side and starting to suffer from repair issues, in some cases a replacement is better. Ask our technicians whether an AC installation is right for you!
Tips for Preventing AC Compressor Problems
AC compressor replacement is well outside the scope of a DIY project. In fact, you need a licensed professional to perform this repair. However, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to protect your AC system and prevent AC compressor breakdowns.
The first step is as simple as keeping indoor filters changed and making sure the unit is not constantly running. Putting too much of a load on the compressor will cause it to wear out faster. Instead, try raising your thermostat during the day when no one is home. This will save money on utility bills and greatly prolong the life of your compressor.
The second most important thing you can do to protect your air compressor is to hire reliable AC compressor service professionals. At Paul The Plumber we have over 20 years of experience and can help your home as well!