What Makes an AC Compressor Stop Working?

There are several reasons why your AC compressor can stop working. Often, an AC compressor failure is due to preventable problems.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go without a working air conditioner in West Volusia County, Florida, for long. These tips from Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning can help you fix your AC compressor or prevent future damage.

How Does an Air Conditioning Compressor Work?

An air conditioning compressor works in two ways: It squeezes the molecules of the refrigerant together and works as a pump to circulate the refrigerant through the system.

As the refrigerant enters the evaporator in your house, it absorbs the heat from inside your home and turns into a gas. This gas is squeezed and heated further by the compressor, turning it into a hot liquid that’s then cooled by the condenser coil outdoors.

As the refrigerant goes back to the evaporator to repeat the cycle, pressure is reduced at the expansion valve, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat easier and turn into a gas. Any leaks or damage to the compressor can hinder this process.

Why Did My AC Compressor Stop Working?

If your compressor or heat pump isn’t working, the first thing to do is check the power supply. The unit could have simply become unplugged, or there may be a more serious problem.

For homeowners who feel handy, this is a good time to take a look at your AC compressor or schedule AC repairs for a more comprehensive assessment.

You’ll want to have the unit examined for signs of a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, broken thermostat, or dirty air filters. Dirty or clogged filters commonly make AC compressors stop working.

When it comes to operating your cooling system properly, be realistic with the temperature setting on your thermostat. When it’s 110 degrees outside, don’t set your thermostat at 65. It just isn’t designed for that. Also, keep in mind that heat pumps don’t perform as well on very cold days.

They work by moving warm air from one place to another. When the mercury drops below about 30, there isn’t as much heat for these systems to work with.

Top Reasons Your AC Compressor Stopped Working

Not every AC repair problem is costly to fix. Knowing what the problem is will help you determine the cost of repairs and how to prevent similar problems in the future.

Some of the most common reasons AC compressors stop working include:

• Dirty condenser coils
• Blocked suction lines
• Low refrigerant charge
• Incorrect suction line size
• Too much refrigerant
• Electrical problems
• Contaminants in the system
• Insufficient oil lubricant

Before AC compressors stop working altogether, they often display warning signs, like:

• Blowing warm air
• Frequently tripping the circuit breaker
• Shaking when the system is started
• Making strange noises

Regular air conditioner maintenance is the key to catching and fixing the problems that raise these red flags and to preventing future AC compressor failures.

How Do I Know if My AC Compressor Problem Is Serious?

It can sometimes be difficult to decide when to call professional HVAC technicians for AC repair versus when to attempt a DIY fix. If you notice any of these problems, however, it’s best to contact experts for a professional diagnosis:

• Frequent on and off cycling: This is often referred to as a “hard start” and can be caused by an electrical problem within the compressor.
• Reduced cooling: If your home or office doesn’t seem as cool as usual, your AC compressor may have stopped working properly due to suction issues. This should be addressed by a professional.
• Overheating: Overheating can certainly make your AC compressor stop working due to faulty wiring or motor issues. Anytime your AC compressor stops working and you notice ice or extreme heat, call an expert.

There are a variety of basic and complex reasons that air conditioning compressors stop working. These are just a few. In general, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have a professional from Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning check out the unit to ensure a proper diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting AC Compressor Problems

Has your air conditioner or the AC compressor stopped running? While most of the time, a qualified HVAC contractor is needed for in-depth troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs, there are a few simple things you can check before calling a technician:

• Check for tripped breakers: Find the breaker for the AC in your service panel. If it looks tripped, turn it all the way off, then back on. This can often reset the control board and get your system running if the problem is minor.
• Test the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is set correctly and has fresh batteries. Inadvertent changes to the settings could stop the air conditioner from running.
• Listen for buzzing: When the system is trying to start, go outside to the condenser unit. If the AC compressor starts buzzing and the system doesn’t turn on, the start capacitor may need to be replaced. That will need to be done by a professional, as it stores high, potentially hazardous voltages.
• Listen for clicking: As the AC compressor engages, you should hear a noticeable click. If no click is heard, or you hear a repeated clicking, and the compressor fails to start, the start relay may be bad. Have it replaced by an HVAC technician.

Preventative Maintenance & Care

The best way to stay ahead of major AC compressor failures is with regular preventative maintenance. Our experts can perform compressor inspections and tune-ups to ensure proper operation.

We can also regulate realistic temperature settings so you can have peace of mind that your AC system will run efficiently. Other benefits of routine AC compressor maintenance include:

• Replace aging compressors before they fail
• Spot small issues before they become costly AC emergencies
• Maintain energy efficiency with a properly tuned compressor

Repair vs. Replacement Considerations

Trust the Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning team to help you decide when your AC compressor needs repair versus replacement. We’ll help you weigh your options, with considerations like:

• Age of your system: With proper maintenance, your AC compressor should last between 10 and 15 years.
• Warranty status: If your system’s warranty is near expiration, it might be best to consider replacement.
• Efficiency of newer systems: Enjoy improved energy efficiency and costs with modern systems.
• Cost-benefit analysis to compare repair vs. replacement: If the repairs are more frequent and costly, it might be a wiser investment to replace the unit.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance for Your AC Compressor

Of all your Florida AC system’s components, paying attention to compressor issues might be one of the most important. Trust Jacob Heating & Air Conditioning for professional diagnosis, preventative maintenance, repairs, and replacements. We’ll make sure you get the long-term care your system needs to extend its service life.

Schedule AC compressor service with us today. We offer free estimates and can make sure your Volusia County AC keeps you efficiently cool all summer.