The Energy Information Association estimates that 87% of American households have air conditioning. Only 43% of Americans actually have AC maintenance done annually.
If you live in Gambier, OH, you may be having AC compressor problems. It is not uncommon for AC systems to experience issues over time.
This can happen for a variety of reasons or from wear and tear. If you suspect that your AC compressor is overheating, you need to address it as soon as possible.
Keep reading to find out what to do if your AC compressor starts overheating.
What Causes an Overheating AC Compressor?
If you suspect that your AC compressors are overheating, you may be wondering why. This is a common question since you may not understand why this issue has popped up.
The reality is that there are a variety of reasons why this could be happening. Understanding what could cause this can help you to prevent it from happening.
Bad Coils
An air conditioner has a variety of condenser coils that go from the inside of the unit to the outside. These coils will become dirty over time as they are used.
A buildup of grime in the condenser coils can start to affect your air conditioner. This can cause the compressor to overheat and not work the way it should.
This will prevent the compressor from absorbing the heat since the coolants are polluted. The compressor will have to work harder to cool your home, but it won’t be as effective.
Not Enough Maintenance
Any machine or appliance in your home requires a certain level of care. An AC compressor is no different and needs AC maintenance at least once a year.
Most homeowners neglect to do this, which can cause overheating. It can start to break down and work harder to cool your home.
When the system has to work harder, there is a higher risk of it overheating. This is especially common if there are broken pipes or damaged filters.
Too Little Refrigerant
An AC unit is made up of a variety of individual parts. One of the things that keeps the system running is the refrigerant level.
The refrigerant or coolant helps the system run efficiently to cool your home. If the refrigerant is running low, this is going to have a negative impact on the compressor.
It will begin to overheat and could even start to fail. This is why it is important to have an HVAC contractor service your AC unit annually.
They check the refrigerant levels and will be able to top it off if necessary.
Air Conditioner Size
Every home is going to need a different kind of AC unit. This often comes down to size since the HVAC unit needs to match the size of your home.
If it is not large enough, the compressor is going to be working much harder. As the compressor works harder, it will start overheating more and more.
This can result in it not cooling your home and eventually breaking down. This is why it is so important to make sure the right-sized AC unit is installed.
Signs of Overheating AC Compressor
As important as it is to understand why an AC compressor overheats, that isn’t enough. You also need to understand what signs to look out for.
This is important because if compressor heating goes unnoticed, it will only become worse. This can result in extensive AC unit damage that becomes very expensive.
Here are some common signs that your AC compressor may be overheating.
It Won’t Turn On
There is nothing worse than having your AC fail during summer. If your AC compressor fails to start, this could be an indication that it is overheating.
It may also require a longer duration between each usage cycle. This can happen if it is taking longer to cool down after each cycle of use.
If you are experiencing either sign, you should immediately call a professional.
The Circuit Breaker Is Tripping
Circuit breakers automatically trip if they sense a risk. This will happen if their circuit breaker senses that the air compressor is overheating too much.
This is why your circuit breaker may be tripping when you try to use your AC compressor.
Excess Wear and Tear
AC units should last for many years after you have installed them. Some wear and tear is normal, but it should not be significant.
Your AC compressor may start to show significant signs of wear and tear. This is common if it has to work very hard to keep your home cool as it overheats.
How to Fix Overheating AC Compressor
If you suspect that your AC compressor is overheating, you may not know what to do. This is a problem that you should not try to fix on your own.
AC units are complex and require professional HVAC services. This is the only way to guarantee that the problem will be discovered and fixed correctly.
You can schedule an appointment with Cosby Heating and Cooling for AC repair and maintenance. A contractor will check your unit to see what is causing the problem.
They can also advise you on how to prevent other AC compressor issues. This is much more cost-effective than paying for a serious repair or a new AC and severe instances.
AC Compressor: Overheating Troubleshooting
If you live in Gambier, OH, you may be worried about your AC compressor. It is not uncommon for an AC compressor to overheat, and you need to know what to do about it.
Cosby Heating and Cooling provides all types of AC services. This includes options like AC repair, installation, and yearly maintenance.
Do you need HVAC services? Contact us today at Cosby Heating and Cooling to schedule an appointment.
