Signs of a Bad or Failing AC Compressor

Signs of a Bad or Failing AC Compressor

Your air conditioner’s compressor plays big role in the functionality of your ac unit. The AC compressor transforms the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back, creating the cool air in a cycle. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your ac compressor is bad:

#1 A clattering or ticking noise. In a furnace you’ll hear a rumble, pop, or bang noises if it starts to go bad. The thing about a noisy air conditioner is it’s also a sign of trouble, specifically with your compressor. Just before this component fails, it begins to hard-start, which means it’s struggling to turn on. When you first turn on your AC, if you hear a chattering or rattling noise, it’s likely that the electrical relay switch that starts your compressor may be wearing out. As with all electrical components, fixing this is specialized work that only an HVAC professional should handle.

#2 A clicking, tumbling, or rattling noise. Similar to the noises above, a clicking sound when the AC starts could mean that the compressor motor mounts have failed and the motor that distributes cool air from within the compressor has come loose and started tumbling around inside the sealed area that houses it. Also similar to the issue above, it’s important to have a professional come out to fix it because it’s dangerous to deal with loose motors around high voltage.

#3 Moisture leaks. If you find puddles or large deposits of moisture around any area of your HVAC system, it could mean that refrigerant is leaking out of the compressor, posing potential health risks and cause health symptoms including irritated eyes, headache, nausea, coughing, and more. Also, if it continues for a while, your AC will stop working completely because it will run dry of the chemicals it needs to create cool air.

Subtle Symptoms of a Bad Home AC Compressor

Loud noises and chemical leaks are obvious ways to spot signs of common compressor failure, but there are far more subtle ways that this component lets you know that it’s going bad. These symptoms are easy to ignore, but you should keep a close eye on them or they’ll be likely to lead to a shutdown of your ac system.

#1 Reduced airflow. The first sign that a compressor is weakening or going bad, and often hardest to spot, is diminished air flow from the AC vents. Cold air is generated by the compressor, and if it’s beginning to struggle, it won’t be able to generate as much air as it usually does. As a result, less air will be coming out of your vents. It’s a good idea to have a trained HVAC professional as soon as you notice this because reduced airflow also means you might have clogged ductwork.

#2 Warmer air. Some compressors will break in a way that reduces air flow, others will have a different problem that lets them continue distributing air. Unfortunately, this air will no longer be cool. Warm air coming out of your vents while your AC is on means that your compressor is low on refrigerant.