How to Avoid A Costly Air Conditioning Compressor Breakdown

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If you ask a random group of five phoenix air conditioning repair technicians, “What’s the most important part of an air conditioning system?” It’s quite possible you’ll get five different answers. There are so many critical components working together to deliver cool air through your home’s AC system, it’s almost impossible to label a single part as the most critical. However, if you ask those same service specialists, “What’s the most expensive repair on a home AC system?” They’ll all give you the same answer – replacing a faulty air conditioning compressor.

Summer Will Be Here Soon

Phoenix is known as the hottest city in America and with good reason. The summers are long, and the desert sun is unrelenting. There are more 100+ degree days in Phoenix than just about any other major metropolitan area in the U.S. All that heat for much of the year puts a tremendous strain on your air conditioning system.

What Does an Air Conditioning Compressor Do and What Causes It to Breakdown?

Your air conditioning compressor is one of the largest components in your HVAC system and is installed either on the ground outside your home or up on the roof. At the very center of the cooling cycle, the compressor (you guessed it) compresses and pumps refrigerant through highly pressurized pipes throughout your entire system, to achieve cooling inside and to transfer (remove) unwanted heat outside. There are many factors that can cause your compressor to break down, including:

  • Clogged or Dirty Coils – The coils in your compressor facilitate the transfer of heat out of your house into the outside air. Unfortunately, coils are a magnet for dirt, debris and grime. If your coils become covered with dirt, it inhibits proper functioning and your compressor ends up working harder to achieve the same level of cooling. Over time, clogged coils will damage your compressor.
  • Leaks or Punctures in the Coils – If you have ever heard a slight hissing sound coming from your compressor, it could be refrigerant escaping from a tiny leak. Small holes and punctures occur, often due to corrosion. Depending on the age of your air conditioner, corrosion may be affecting the refrigerant level in your compressor.
  • Improper Refrigerant Levels – Your pressurized refrigerant lines are a closed system and require an exact amount of gas to run properly. Too much or too little refrigerant will cause problems within your system. Our trained service technicians will check for correct refrigerant levels in your compressor and system during a spring tune up.
  • Electrical Power Issues/Normal Wear and Tear – Electrical power and the correct voltage (not over, not under) is crucial to the normal operation of your compressor. Over time, depending on how old your AC system is, wires can degrade, and other electrical issues may arise simply due to normal wear and tear. Power surges, not uncommon during the summer in Phoenix, can cause electrical issues with your AC system.

We’ll Check Your Compressor and Your Entire System During a Spring Tune-up

Spring has sprung and summer will be here before you know it. Don’t wait until the hot weather hits to call for an HVAC check-up. The friendly, professional and highly trained service technicians at Bruce’s Air Conditioning will be happy to perform a full inspection of your compressor and entire air conditioning system so you’ll be ready for the long summer ahead. Call us today to schedule an appointment.