One of the most frustrating things that can happen to your St. Petersburg, Florida, home is for your air conditioner to go on the fritz. Sometimes it’s as simple as a filter change; other times, it’s a serious problem that leads to system failure. One major issue that occurs is when an air conditioner’s compressor goes out. There are several ways to tell if this might be your problem.
What Is an Air Conditioner Compressor?
It’s an important part of your AC system that’s usually outside. Essentially, your compressor is where the magical goodness of air conditioning happens when it exchanges heat by compressing refrigerant.
Signs of Compressor Failure
You might notice that your home isn’t staying as cool as it used to or that the air coming out of the vents isn’t cool at all.
Reduced airflow is another sign. When compressors start struggling, they cannot create as much cold air.
If your outdoor unit seems slow to start or shudders and shakes when it kicks on, this could mean compressor failure. It definitely means your AC needs service.
If the circuit breaker connected to your AC keeps tripping, it could be from a bad compressor. Breakers trip when they’re overloaded or from a short-circuit. Frequent tripping is a sign of a more serious issue.
Clicking, ticking, or rattling sounds coming from your AC are signs of trouble. Either your compressor has gone bad or something else is wrong. These sounds are definitely a sign to schedule your air conditioner maintenance.
Puddles or moisture around any part of your HVAC system could mean there’s a refrigerant leak. Eventually, systems will fail because there’s no more refrigerant left to create cool air.
If you suspect that your has kicked the bucket, call Pinellas Comfort Systems at (727) 315-0791. We’ve been helping Floridians stay comfortable since 1957. Our skilled service personnel will quickly diagnose the problem and let you know if you need to replace or repair your air conditioner.