July 2019 - AC Man Houston - HVAC & Air Conditioning Repair

8 AC Compressor Failure Causes That Can Be Prevented In Houston

There many issues that can cause your air conditioning system to break down. Fortunately, not all of the fixes are expensive. The problem might be a loose wire that has caused your air conditioner to experience a power failure. Or your air filter might be clogged that is impeding air flow into your air conditioning system.

However, if your AC compressor failure causes the system to breakdown, then that is a major AC emergency service issue and a huge expense that you will be forced to deal with. The compressor is an expensive and critical component, and when it breaks down you might find yourself spending a lot of money on a new air conditioning unit.

Fortunately, up to 80 percent of AC compressor failure causes can be prevented if the problems that lead up to the failure are fixed in a timely fashion. During the regular AC preventative maintenance process, those problems can be discovered and eliminated.

What Is The Compressor?

The compressor on your air conditioner is frequently considered to the heart of the entire system. There are a couple of different reasons why it is a good analogy:

The compressor is one of the critical components that the system cannot function without.

Usually, it is very reliable, and if it did fail before the expected life span (10-15 years), it most likely will be due to an underlying cause that frequently could have been prevented.

If it does fail, it will be expensive and at times will be impossible to repair.

Just as your heart pumps blood throughout your body, the job of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant gas and then pump it throughout the system so it removes humidity as well as heat out of the air.

So now you see why it is so crucial to maintain your compressor in great condition. Now let’s take a closer look at some of the main things that may cause AC compressor failure and steps you can take to avoid them.

Issues That Cause The Failure Of The AC Compressor

When the AC compressor does fail, it frequently occurs based on an underlying problem that places stress on your system. There are two reasons why this is important to know:

By discovering the repairing of the underlying cause, it can help you prevent the failure of your AC compressor.

If a failed compressor is replaced without repairing the underlying cause, then your new compressor will also likely fail.

There are two common issues that can cause your AC compressor to fail:

1. Dirty Coils

Whenever grime, mineral scales, and dust build up onto the condenser coil, then the air conditioner will not be able to expel a sufficient amount of heat from the system and will be forced to constantly run in an attempt to cool down your home. The increased temperature and pressure may cause your compressor to overheat and then fail eventually.

2. Blocked Suction Lines

Whenever the refrigerant lines on your air conditioner become damaged or blocked, the first thing that you will notice is the unit is not cooling your home as effectively as it used to be. If you don’t fix the problem, then the increased temperature and pressure will once again cause it to overheat and the AC compressor will fail.

3. Low Refrigerant Charge

If the refrigerant lines on your system develop cracks or holes, the air conditioner will leak refrigerant. Soon the level will become so low the compressor is forced to work harder in order to pump a sufficient amount of refrigerant through its system in order to cool down your home. The strain will cause your compressor to break down eventually.

4. Incorrect Size Of The Suction Line

If leaks develop in the refrigerant line it will need to be replaced, and be sure to have the job done by an experienced AC technician. A line that is too small or too large for your system it may cause your AC compressor to fail prematurely.

5. Too Much Refrigerant

If an individual who is less-than-qualified works on your air conditioning system and mistakenly adds the wrong type or too much refrigerant, then it could be a fatal mistake for your compressor.

6. Electrical problems

When an electrical failure occurs that may result in acid builds up that may cause extensive damage to other parts along with the compressor. If you do have a failed compressor on your hands, be sure your technician tests to see if these acids are present. If they are discovered, the damage has been caused throughout the system by an electrical burnout that probably is not worth the money to fix it.

However, electrical problems are frequently preventable when your system is inspected by an experienced technician. He will be able to detect and repair damaged contractors, fuses, and wiring before your system breaks down and causes the AC compressor to fail.

7. Contaminants Inside Your System

The oil and refrigerant circulate throughout the refrigeration loop while the compression is operating. Over time, it can become contaminated with rust due to metal particles, desiccant, and moisture due to a failed compressor. Those impurities will travel along with the mixture of the refrigerant oil and settle through the system.

If a new compressor is put into a refrigerant system that is dirty, the new compressor will end up sucking in loose contaminant particles and will fail rather quickly. Inspect the expansion devices and oil for signs of foreign particles or grit.

8. Inadequate Oil Lubricant

To take our heart analogy one step further, consider the oil lubricant in your air conditioner as the blood inside of your body. If that is not enough, then the system will not work correctly and all types of problems may result, which include the AC compressor failing. When your system is maintained on a regular basis by a trained AC professional, this problem can be prevented by him checking the oil pump’s condition and lubricant levels.

Provide Your Compressor With AC Preventative Maintenance

If you care for your compressor properly, it will do a good job with the air in your home by providing you with reliable, consistent cool. This means your air conditioning system should be serviced twice a year at minimum, by an experienced, knowledgeable technician such as AC Man Houston. Then you will know they have the necessary expertise to detect and prevent problems that may cause your AC compressor to fail.

Were you aware that you can get the best deal on your AC preventative maintenance if you invest in an annual service contract? That will also provide you with a maintenance plan that is specifically designed for your budget and needs. Would you like to learn more? Check out our free guide. For dependable AC repair service call on AC Man of Houston and let our experts assist you with all of your AC repair, replacement, and maintenance service need. We can service all makes and models of air conditioning systems, You can rely on us for a wide range of air conditioning services other than window units. We are one of the very companies that are certified. We are one of the very best around!

How To Repair An AC Unit That Is Frozen In Houston

Of course, you would like your air conditioner to keep your home cool, but what happens if there is a malfunction and your air conditioner freezes up?

Although it might seem counter-intuitive for an air conditioning system to freeze when it is operated during the hottest weather, it can happen and does occur every year to many unprepared homeowners. On a very hot day, a frozen air conditioner might leave you and your entire house very uncomfortable.

Has Your Air Conditioner Frozen Up?

The very first sign that there might be ice buildup in your air conditioner can be when your system is not reaching your desired thermostat setting. You might notice it in the upstairs part of your house more quickly. If the air conditioning system is not properly cooling your home, put your hand over a supply register to see if you feel any air coming out of it. If the air is warm instead of cool, turn the system off and open up the evaporator’s access panel (for the evaporator’s location, check the manufacturer’s system diagram). If you notice there are frozen ac coils, or if any of the panels or equipment are encased in ice, your system’s refrigeration might have dropped under 32 degrees, which can result in a frozen AC.

What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Freezes?

Quite often, you can defrost the AC unit on your own. If you think there is a frozen evaporator coil you should not run the air conditioner since that can place strain on the compressor and cause it to become damaged and burn out. Locate the electrical breaker box and then turn the switch off that controls the power on your air conditioner to get the thawing process started on the coils. The process can take as long as 24 hours. You also can just turn the system off and turn the blower on to help thaw out the evaporator coils. Or you can just turn the system off and turn on the blower to help thaw out the evaporator coils. It is better to not attempt to clear away the ice by hand since that can end up damaging the components. After the coils and condenser have thawed, any standing water should be removed that might have pooled around the AC equipment.

Once the system has thawed out, the coils will need to be dried. If you haven’t turned the system’s blower on yet, restore the system’s power if necessary, and set the control on the thermostat to operate the fan or blower only. That will help to circulate air throughout the coils and system. You also might be able to speed the process up by using a hair dryer that is set on low. Just be careful to not use high heat or get too close to the unit’s coils with the hairdryer since that could potentially end up cracking them.

How Do You Repair A Frozen Air Conditioner?

There are a number of different things that can cause a frozen air conditioner and might require the expertise and experience of a qualified HVAC technician to repair them, but there are some things you can try to do on your own first.

1. Check Out The Vent Filters

Examine the vent filters to find out if they are clogged. That can restrict air flow. An air conditioning system may freeze due to a dirty filter. If the filter looks discolored or dirty, change them and then seek if that solves the problem.

2. Inspect The Fins and Coils

You also can inspect the cooling fins and coils around the evaporator to find out if they are dirty and need to be cleaned. If they use, gently remove any debris or dust using a soft brush. Check to see if all of your home’s supply registers are open in every room. Blocked registers might restrict air flow and that can affect the temperature of the evaporator and cause issues.

3. Check The Coolant Levels

If the coolant is low that can also affect the cooling efficiency and pressure of the AC system, which can cause the unit to freeze. At your local home improvement store, you can buy a coolant installation kit to check the refrigerant levels on your system and correct the levels. Call a professional HVAC technician if you suspect that your system has a refrigerant leak.

4. Reset The Power

After you take the proper steps to thaw out and correct the frozen ac unit, conduct a test to see if it once again cooling properly. If you have shut off the breaker, restore the power and turn down the thermostat to cool. After a couple of minutes, you should start feeling the cool air blowing out of the vents. If the system cycle for a really long without reaching your desired temperature or the air is warm still, there might be additional damage to your unit or you might have a refrigerant leak, then you will need to contact a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.

How Can You Prevent Future Frozen AC Lines?

Although a frozen ac might be caused by damaged equipment or malfunctions, some issues can be avoided by proper maintenance. Keep your evaporator coils clean, since dirty coils may restrict the airflow across them. Your system’s air filters should be replaced on a regular basis. Most manufacturers recommend that you change the air filters every three months at least. However, you might have to change them more often if you have pets. Set reminders on your computer or phone to remind yourself to change the air filters, or link your air filter changes with other regular home maintenance tasks. When you buy filters, purchase several at the same time so you have extra ones on hand to change them. Keep your air supply registers open to have good air circulation and flow, and then have your HVAC professional show you where the refrigerant lines are located on the system so you can check them on a regular basis to ensure they are not bent or blocked.

It is also good to keep shrubbery and trees trimmed away from your outside equipment in order to avoid leaves, twigs, and branches from getting into the system and cause problems. Consider getting your HVAC equipment serviced and inspected every year by an experienced technician who can assist you in making sure your system is properly maintained and might be able to troubleshoot any potential problems.

Keep in mind that, along with helping to avoid problems such as frozen systems, providing your air conditioning system with proper maintenance can also help to ensure that your unit runs efficiently, and that can help to reduce your cooling costs. If you discover that your system needs to be repaired, AC Man Houston can help to protect your budget from the costs that are associated with getting your AC unit back on track and operating properly once again.

Call or contact us today for more information. Visit our blog for more related articles.

Month: July 2019

A Guide On How To Prevent Failure Of Your Houston AC Compressor