Air conditioning is one of the most useful inventions of modern times, greatly improving people’s health and well-being. As with many other technological improvements, we usually don’t give enough importance until something goes wrong and the air conditioner stops working properly. Many such cases are simply a matter of the compressor starting to fail. Here are six warning signs that indicate that your Raleigh, North Carolina, AC compressor needs repair.
Strange Noises
The compressor is located in the air conditioning unit placed outside the home and is usually quiet. However, many interior components can get damaged or suffer from wear and tear over the years, making it difficult for the compressor to operate at optimum efficiency. Usually, the first symptom of this happening is the occurrence of strange noises coming from inside the unit. This, combined with an unusual sluggishness when turning it on or off, can be a sure sign that your compressor is starting to fail and that you should call a professional to fix it.
Leaking Fluid
As the name suggests, the compressor’s role is to compress the refrigerant, which is a chemical that helps the unit turn the hot air into cold air. Over time, the compressor’s bearings start to loosen, meaning that the fluid can easily leak through them and onto the ground. This will not only cause your air conditioning unit to malfunction, but it will also potentially cause serious health concerns. Signs of leaking fluid are a clear indication that the compressor’s bearings need to be replaced or another repair is needed.
Higher than Normal Electric Bill
One of the surest ways of spotting an air conditioner compressor malfunction doesn’t even involve the unit itself, but the monthly electric bill. If you notice an unusual increase in your bill without any obvious rise in consumption, there’s a big chance your compressor is starting to fail. A faulty compressor will be less efficient, making the unit run for a longer time and therefore increasing the electric bill.
Less Powerful Airflow
This is not an easy sign to spot because the airflow is only marginally decreased at first. However, in time, the flow will gradually become weaker and weaker and the air conditioning unit will no longer efficiently cool the room. That’s why any decrease in airflow, no matter how seemingly insignificant, should prompt you to call a professional so they can send a specialist to check on your unit.
Warmer Airflow
Aside from less powerful airflow, warmer air coming from the unit is also a potential sign that something may be wrong with the compressor. If the air feels warmer than it should be, this indicates that the respective unit is running low on refrigerant. This can occur naturally over time, in which case simply calling a professional to add refrigerant should fix the issue. However, another reason may be a leak caused by the compressor. Call us and schedule an appointment if you feel your air conditioning unit is pumping warmer air than it used to.
Outdoor Unit Is Overheating
If you discover that your outdoor unit is overheating, the cause may be a faulty compressor. One way to help prevent overheating is to ensure that the unit has at least three feet of space on all sides to allow proper airflow. If the airflow is partially blocked, the result will be an extra burden placed on the compressor, which in time will likely cause issues.
Air conditioning plays a major role in your home comfort. Maintaining your unit is much cheaper than replacing it as a well-maintained unit can keep a room cool for a decade or more. If you notice any of these warning signs, call our trusted team at Cape Fear Air Conditioning, Heating, & Electrical Company, Inc. at 910-216-9394 in Fayetteville and 919-246-5801 in Raleigh to have your unit inspected by one of our professional technicians.
Image provided by Bigstock
