6 Signs of a Failing HVAC Compressor

08 Jun 6 Signs of a Failing HVAC Compressor

Kingsport, TN

The average summer temperatures in Kingsport and the surrounding area ranges between 85 and 87 degrees. That doesn’t account for those 90-plus-degree days or those high humidity days. Having a well-functioning air conditioning unit is a must during the warm weather.

An air conditioner or heating system often won’t get our full attention until it’s no longer working properly. Depending on the unit’s age and level of wear-and-tear, the best resolution to problems may be simple maintenance, or total replacement altogether. Many HVAC issues can simply be a matter of the unit’s compressor beginning to fail. Here are 6 warning signs.

Sign 1) Strange Noises

The compressor resides inside the unit and remains very quiet, when working properly. However, other components inside the unit can begin to break down over the years, impacting the compressor’s ability to operate most efficiently. Strange noises will often be one of the earliest symptoms. If you detect unusual sounds and general sluggishness when turning the unit on or off, this may be a sign that the compressor is beginning to fail.

Sign 2) Leaking Fluid

The unit’s refrigerant is the liquid responsible for turning hot air into cold air. When the compressor’s bearings begin to loosen over time, fluid can leak through them and out of the unit. This can lead to potential health hazards, and also will be a clear indicator that the compressor’s bearings need replacing. That fluid loss reduces the unit’s efficiency, causing the compressor to work harder in order for the unit to maintain the desired temperature.

Sign 3) Higher Energy Bills

If you notice your electric bills going much higher, without a noticeable increase in consumption, this is a surefire indicator of compressor malfunction. A failing compressor will cause the unit to run longer, to maintain its usual effectiveness. The compressor uses the most energy of anything inside the unit, so longer running times means higher electric bills for you.

Sign 4) Less Powerful Airflow

When flow begins to weaken, it’s almost unnoticeable at first. However, over time, the flow degrades to the point that the unit no longer impacts the room temperature as efficiently as it once did. The best advice is to seek a professional to check on your unit at the earliest sign of decreased airflow.

Sign 5) Warmer Airflow

If you notice the air coming from your vents is warmer than usual, the unit may be running low on refrigerant. Or, it may be a sign of a refrigerant fluid leak caused by a failing compressor. Either way, contacting an HVAC professional in Kingsport to have a look is the best option.

Sign 6) Outdoor Unit Overheats

If you have an outdoor unit and discover that it’s overheating, a faulty compressor is a possible cause. To prevent overheating, ensure that there is at least three feet of space on all sides of the unit, to maximize airflow. If the flow is blocked on any side, it’s possible that this can burden the compressor and lead to potential failure over the course of time.

Comprehensive HVAC Maintenance and Repair in the Tri-Cities

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance every fall and spring goes a long way in extending the lifespan of your system.Maintaining your unit well will be much more cost-effective than the price tag that would come with replacing your HVAC, which means paying several thousand dollars.

Remember the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. At Thompson Electrical Service, our expertly trained HVAC technicians remain available to help with your preventive maintenance needs. We are licensed and insured in every aspect of electrical work. Our expertise is readily available to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. In case of need for emergency service, we keep HVAC technicians on-call 24 hours a day. To schedule an on-site consultation with one of our experts at your home or business, call our office today at (423) 343-5726.