A broken AC compressor is not a common problem with air conditioning equipment in the true sense of what I am talking about in this Katy, Texas AC blog post, but when it does happen it will get your attention pretty quick as there is no cooling being performed with a compressor that isn't working. Sometimes a bad compressor is misdiagnosed. That doesn't occur that often either, but it does happen once in a while. An AC compressor is a major component in an air conditioner and can fail the odds that is does fail (compressor itself) is maybe 10% to 20% of the time. This requires knowledge and skill to fix and it's complicated as to what you should or should not do to fix this problem. (waste of money can be a big factor) If your AC compressor failed there's a reason your air conditioning compressor failed. If that reason isn't remedied, the new AC compressor will fail too. It's easy to keep treating the symptom of your problem if you have a fat wallet. (The symptom keeps appearing, the cause is often ignored.) Treating a symptom doesn't really fix anything. In addition to all of that there is this: Older technology versus new technology. If your air conditioner is of the older variety it may be incompatible with the newer technology. Newer Technology uses different refrigerant and in some cases requires newer parts and pieces that will allow it to work properly. If it doesn't work properly, it won't work properly when you need it most... the hot heat waves of August and in some cases the cooler muggy weather of November thru February. We use are air conditioners nearly 10 months of the year in our climate, in some form or fashion. It's in your best interest to make sure it's done properly. What is done properly? Would you know the difference? The internet is a dangerous place. Keep that in mind.
AC Breaker Keeps Tripping
These kinds of problems can be related to one another. If your breaker keeps tripping, it's a strong possibility it could be your AC compressor is doing this. This is something to call me for and have me investigate the reason. Notice I say 'keeps tripping' the breaker. It's not uncommon during a thunderstorm for your AC breaker to trip if it's running during the storm and the power goes out suddenly. If you reset it and it doesn't trip again, it is probably OK. But if you haven't had the AC checked for the summer you should get it serviced to make sure all is well. Little things like this can add up over time. Air conditioners do fail and require replacement. We live in a high use AC climate in Katy, Texas the more you use it the sooner you will either have to repair it or eventually replace it. The better you take care of it thru proactive service and maintenance you can extend the life of the air conditioner. Provided the maintenance is performed properly. (You get what you pay for in this realm) Anyone can do this kind of work, but that doesn't mean they should. This isn't to belittle others, facts are facts based on what? 'Experience'
Causes Of AC Compressor Failure
Things that cause compressor failure are often times improper or the lack of timed maintenance. Because we operate our HVAC equipment so much in the cooling mode, improper maintenance or the lack thereof can cause a myriad of bad things to happen.
The primary thing that happens is that the compressor runs 'hot'. What this essentially means is that it can not get rid of the heat that it extracts from your home. When the compressor runs hot, the Freon runs hotter than it should as well. This causes acids to form in the refrigerant, those acids in turn eat the protective coatings of the windings of the compressor. Once that happens, you breaker will trip. The compressor won't run. The seize up: this type of failure can happen a number of ways and in most cases this often old age. If this happens in a newer unit and the compressor seizes up it is likely due to poor oil return to the compressor. It can happen regardless of brand chosen. All brands break, there is no such thing as a perfect air conditioner that never breaks. Improper Service: HVAC companies know this business is extremely competitive. So one easy way to be very competitive is to hire unskilled people to work on your air conditioner. It's either that or you hired an unlicensed person yourself, think you would save some money. I can't tell you how many times I've heard sob stories in this regard. Remember a registration with the state of Texas is not a HVAC License. Send in your $20 you can be a registered AC Tech too. (Yes, it's that simple) An real HVAC license has a number attached to it, takes years to qualify for, then you requires knowledge to pass a very hard test, plus insurance requirements on top of that. We live in a hot humid climate (Katy, Texas area) and often times we depend on this AC equipment upwards of 10 months of the year. That use wears equipment out. Always has, always will. If someone claims their AC brand doesn't break, they are selling you to sell you. Air Conditioning is big business in Texas, don't kid yourself. Gimmicks are rampant in this industry.
If My AC Compressor Doesn't Run Then It's Bad (Broken)
Not necessarily. Sometimes I am able to get a cranky AC compressor to work for a while longer. The older the equipment is, the less likely that is. I'm not here to sell you a gimmick. There are limitations as with anything.
The better you take care of what you do have, keeping it clean and servicing it often can help you get the most life out of your air conditioner. A clean well serviced AC lasts much longer than a dirt caked one. Heat and run time can break an air conditioner. Any Air Conditioner.
But my AC was working 5 minutes ago? Yes, that's the difference from a working AC and a broken one... 5 minutes.
Thank you for visiting with me today, I hope your day is comfortable.
About the author of the #1 Katy, Texas Air Conditioning blog:
My name is Ray Austin. I am the owner and operator of Austin Air Companie, a HVAC Service Company serving Katy, Texas | Cypress, Texas | Richmond, Texas and some surrounding areas. I am a Texas Licensed HVAC Contractor (TACLB28416E) with 25 years experience in Air Conditioning and Heating Systems as of the time this AC blog article was written. I hold an AOS degree in HVAC/R, EPA universally certified to handle any refrigerant and NATE certified in HVAC installations and repairs. I also own and operate a home rental business... I know real estate!
Austin Air Companie
832-475-6895
"Your home comfort from A to Z"
Air Conditioning | Controls | Heating | Zoning
A Ray Austin HVAC Service Company
For more Air Conditioning Information:
Katy, Tx AC blog, service and repair videos,
tips and everything air conditioning and heating
for your home you can always visit me on my main website @
Better Service. Done Right. On Time. Guaranteed.
Comentários