Your air conditioner compressor is responsible for compressing refrigerant gas, which is then circulated through the evaporator coils to cool your home. If you are having issues with a loud air conditioner compressor, it might be a sign of trouble yet to come. However, there can also be other indicating factors that point to issues, such as the ones that we’ve listed below.
Loud Noises
If you hear loud, unusual noises coming from your air conditioner, the compressor may be failing. Noises like clanking, banging, or grinding can mean that the compressor is struggling to start, or it could be running with damaged internal components. Failure to address the problem can cause further damage.
Warm Air Blowing from Vents
If the air coming from your AC vents is not as cold as it used to be, or it’s warm, then it might indicate that your compressor is failing. When the compressor starts to fail, it can no longer pump refrigerant through the system and will send warm air through your vents.
Short Cycling
The compressor is responsible for regulating the pressure in your AC system. If it begins to fail, it may cause the system to short cycle, meaning it begins to turn on and off too frequently. If you notice that your AC system is short cycling, it could mean that the compressor is failing.
High Energy Bills
When your AC system is not functioning efficiently, it can lead to higher energy bills. A noticeable increase in your utility bills without any other explanation may mean that your compressor is failing. This is because the compressor is one of the most energy-intensive components of your AC system. When it starts to fail, it can cause your energy bills to skyrocket.
Contact A Professional Before It Becomes A Problem
If you notice any of the issues above, there is a good chance that you have an issue with your compressor. While troubleshooting and identifying a potential issue is simple, repairing any issues is best left to an expert. As such, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and diagnose the problem and determine what action to take.
