Are you thinking about replacing an AC compressor? Contact our experienced crew for expert guidance today.
Your air conditioner is an invaluable companion in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Temperatures rise to around 90 degrees on the hottest summer days here. Therefore, it’s almost unthinkable to go day to day without an air conditioner in excellent shape.
Modern systems are highly durable. However, they can still develop problems from time to time. While some of these issues are easy fixes, others, like compressor problems, require complete part replacement.
What are the most common signs that you need to pay attention to if you’re thinking about replacing an AC compressor? Coral Air Conditioning, the top provider of AC repair services in Fort Myers Beach, FL, covers the details.
Your Unit Experiences Difficulty With Starting a Cooling Cycle
Homeowners in Fort Myers Beach, FL, often call AC repair technicians with questions about how long it should take for an AC unit to start a cooling cycle. The answer? Not too long. Most air conditioners will start a cooling cycle within a minute of switching on.
If yours takes forever, it’s time to start thinking about replacing an AC compressor — especially if you are certain that your thermostat settings are fine.
Your System Produces No Cold Air or Reduced Airflow
Reduced airflow or no cold air is one of the top signs of compressor issues and one of the most common air conditioning problems homeowners have to navigate. However, many people don’t know they have a compressor issue because there are many other possible reasons for airflow problems. So, it’s always a good idea to rule out other possible causes before you start to consider replacing the AC compressor. Check for a dirty air filter or blocked vents. Clean the dirt and debris off your condenser and evaporator coils.
If none of the above is the problem, you may have a compressor issue. An AC with a damaged compressor can’t move refrigerant through the system. Once the refrigerant can’t flow through the coils freely, your AC will struggle to run efficiently and keep your home cool.
Your Unit Makes Odd Noises While Running
Your compressor shouldn’t make any standout noises while the unit is running. You’ll need to start considering replacing an AC compressor if you hear any clicking sounds or rattling noises while your air conditioner is in use. A rattling noise indicates your compressor has a loose or damaged expansion valve, compressor clutch, or O-ring seals while clicking sounds often point to loose parts or belts.
Ignoring the noise in hopes that it will go away isn’t a good idea. The problem will only worsen until you find yourself without air conditioning on one hot summer afternoon.
Your System Regularly Trips the Circuit Breaker
If your circuit breaker trips repeatedly while your air conditioner is in use, that’s one of the clearest signs that you need to replace the compressor. Bad compressors cause the unit to draw more power than expected at the start of a cooling cycle. The circuit breaker will trip depending on the severity of the overload.
Refrigerant Has Started Leaking From Your Unit
Refrigerant leaks do not always point to a bad compressor. However, if the unit has worked with inadequate refrigerant levels for a while, there’s a high probability that your compressor constantly overheats. Such a compressor is most likely on its last legs.
Should You Replace the AC Compressor or Get a New Air Conditioner for Your Home in Fort Myers Beach, FL?
Replacing an AC compressor is capital-intensive. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many homeowners often consider getting a new air conditioner instead of just replacing the compressor. So, what’s the right thing to do?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You should consider replacing the compressor if your unit is still less than 10 years old and if it’s still under warranty. If your unit is too old and no longer under warranty, you’re always better off installing a replacement air conditioner. The cost of replacing a compressor is too close to the cost of installing a replacement unit. Therefore, you don’t want to change the compressor only to find yourself in need of a replacement air conditioner a few months later.
Get Expert Guidance From Your Local HVAC Experts in Fort Myers Beach, FL
Replacing an AC compressor is a costly and challenging endeavor. You should work with experienced technicians like us here at Coral Air Conditioning to ensure you’re not making any costly mistakes.
Call us today to say goodbye to those cooling and AC breaker tripping problems.
