7 Common Jacksonville Air Conditioner Compressor Problems

Very often, we think of Jacksonville heating and air conditioning systems as just being the thermostat and the outdoor unit.

However, there is an entire AC system that is working together behind the scenes to keep your house cool.

If you are having problems with your air conditioning unit, call us for Jacksonville AC repair because it might be that there is an AC compressor problem.

Perhaps you have already had an HVAC technician tell you that you have a bad compressor or need a new compressor.

In this article, Von’s Heating and Air will look at seven common AC compressor issues and how they can cause your entire HVAC system to stop working.

What Does an AC Compressor Do?

The AC compressor is often known as the ‘heart’ of an air conditioning system.

This is because AC compressors circulate the refrigerant.  Refrigerant is what absorbs and releases heat, enabling your AC to cool your space. Hence, the air conditioner compressor pumps the refrigerant and keeps things flowing.

Essentially, the AC compressor has two functions:

• Compressing Refrigerant: The compressor takes the refrigerant in a gaseous state and compresses it, increasing its pressure and temperature. This hot, high-pressure gas is then sent to the condenser.
  
• Circulating Refrigerant: The compressor is responsible for moving the refrigerant throughout the entire AC system, ensuring it cycles through the different components (evaporator, condenser, expansion valve) to facilitate the cooling process.

Without a working AC compressor, the refrigerant cannot keep flowing and removing heat from your indoor air.

How Do You Know if an AC Compressor is Bad?

The AC compressor plays a significant part in the cooling cycle of your HVAC system. If you have spoken with an HVAC technician and they explained that you have a bad compressor or that you might need a compressor replacement, it’s good to understand why.

AC compressor failure is often caused by wear and tear over many years, as well as a lack of regular system maintenance.

Just as with other machinery, such as your car, without regular servicing, you can run into major issues.

Very often, a faulty compressor can lead to a breakdown of your entire HVAC system.

With this in mind, here are seven of the most common problems that lead to air conditioner compressor failure.

The 7 Most Common AC Compressor Problems

It is always a good idea to consult an HVAC technician who can expertly diagnose AC compressor problems. However to better understand what causes AC compressor problems, here are seven common causes.

1. Inadequate HVAC System Lubrication

The fan motor in your air conditioning system requires lubrication to move all its parts smoothly.

With proper oil, your cooling system will function optimally. If the compressor has inadequate lubrication, it will begin to be less efficient and eventually lead to wear and tear.

Inadequate lubrication can result from pipe connections, compressor shaft seals, evaporator, or condenser leaks. Regular AC servicing by qualified technicians is vital to prevent this issue.

Our technicians at Von’s Heating and Air will check the lubricant levels to prevent compressor breakdown. If the motor completely wears out, we will professionally install a new one and ensure your system works properly.

2. Dirty AC Condenser or AC Evaporator Coil

Over time, many parts of your HVAC unit accumulate dirt, dust, and other debris. It’s a normal part of airflow, especially when warm and cool air are both passing through.

Your AC condenser coil is one of the components that will naturally collect this debris. Dirt and dust prevent the expulsion of hot air, forcing the AC system to constantly run throughout the day to provide enough cool air in your space.

A dirty condenser unit will have increased pressure and heat that gets trapped in the system. Over time, this dirty AC condenser can overheat the compressor and eventually fail.

If your AC unit keeps running or is overworking to provide enough cooling in your home, seek assistance from our team immediately. We will identify the problem and resolve it as fast as possible. Note that negligence in dealing with compressor issues can lead to equipment failure. Regular air filter replacement also helps prevent dust accumulation in the evaporator coil and allows good airflow.

3. Contaminants in the AC Compressor

Sometimes, AC compressor issues are a result of contaminants from the outdoors.

This problem is more common if your central AC unit has a compressor located in the external unit that is outside your building.

Continual exposure to external elements over a long time period gives contaminants such as dirt, dust, insects, bacteria, bird droppings, soot, leaves, and fungi a chance to find their way into your AC system. The heat produced by an AC system makes it a perfect spot for these particles to collect.

When contaminants enter the AC compressor, they can cause a malfunction.

Regular professional AC maintenance will clean the contaminants from the outdoor unit and the inside to reduce issues that lead to a failing AC compressor. 

As well as cleaning the unit, an AC technician can also inspect for possible pump failures or oil leaks that can cause contamination in your compressor.

4. Damaged or Clogged Suction Lines

In hot, humid areas (such as Florida), the use of your cooling unit around the clock is pretty common. This constant use means that temperature changes on refrigerant lines can cause them to develop holes and cracks.

Problems with your HVAC system suction lines are a significant cause of an AC compressor failing.

When lines get damaged, they hinder the AC compressor from moving the refrigerant in the system. This lack of movement of liquid ends up reducing your AC unit’s cooling capacity.

Clogged lines can also put additional pressure on the AC compressor motor, making it harder to pump adequate refrigerant.

If you notice that your AC is only blowing warm air or the air conditioner is not cooling, it’s worth getting an experienced HVAC technician to check for possible damage to the suction lines.

5. HVAC Electrical Problems

Any issue with the electrical functions of your AC system can permanently damage your compressor.

Damaged wires and contactors in your cooling unit are a significant cause of electrical failure. Electrical problems can lead to a buildup of acids that can easily damage other parts of your air conditioning system, including the AC compressor.

Unfortunately, electrical failures on your AC unit are perhaps the costliest repairs you’ll have to deal with.

Of course, you can prevent this issue from happening again by scheduling AC tune-ups at least twice a year. HVAC maintenance will ensure that your AC system is inspected for acids and that any damaged wiring that could lead to a compressor issue is repaired.

6. Low Refrigerant Charge

Every air conditioner’s compressor pumps a liquid refrigerant gas around several refrigerant lines to produce cool temperatures.

The refrigerant levels in these lines should always remain constant. However, in some cases, the refrigerant line in your AC unit can develop cracks or holes, giving the refrigerant an escape route.

When the refrigerant leaks through these cracks, the charge in your system decreases.  This problem is known as a ‘low refrigerant charge.’

A low refrigerant charge causes your unit to overheat and can lead to the malfunctioning of the air conditioning compressor.

If you notice your AC isn’t cooling your home to your requirements, there could quite likely be a refrigerant leak. Failure to address the issue over time can lead to air conditioning compressor failure, which might be a much more expensive repair.

7. Overfilled or Incorrect AC Refrigerant

A less common problem that causes a compressor issue is that an HVAC technician may have added too much refrigerant. Overfilling an AC system leads to excessively high pressure and puts strain on the AC compressor, lines, and seals, potentially leading to leaks or even system failure.

More commonly, your unit may have topped up with the wrong type of liquid refrigerant.

Every AC system manufacturer specifies the type and quantity of refrigerant needed in every AC unit. Different refrigerants have unique pressure and temperature characteristics. Using the wrong one can throw off the delicate balance within the AC system.

Failure to match this level causes increased pressure in your AC, which leads to premature AC compressor failure.

When this happens, it’s important not to attempt any repairs without the help of a qualified HVAC technician. Having in-depth knowledge about air conditioner repairs is essential if there is a risk of overfilled refrigerant or the wrong type of refrigerant.

AC Compressor Problems? Von’s is Here to Help. 

By understanding these seven common AC compressor problems, you can detect and prevent these issues early. Late diagnosis of an AC compressor means that you may need to pay for a new compressor to ensure proper operation.

Fortunately, you can avoid that by working with a trusted AC maintenance and repair team like Von’s Heating and Air.

Von’s is a family-owned company focused on providing quality air conditioning services. Since 1997, we’ve been providing reliable and trustworthy results to our customers in Orange Park, Florida, all the way to Jacksonville.

All our HVAC maintenance and repair technicians have in-depth knowledge and experience in diagnosing problems with your cooling system.

No matter if you are having an issue with your AC compressor, or you need a quote for repairs on another part of your AC system, we can help.

We provide both heating and cooling repair, maintenance, and installation, as well as air duct cleaning and indoor air quality services. Contact us today to schedule an AC service with our HVAC technicians.