4 Signs Your Air Conditioning System's Compressor is Faulty

Your air conditioning system is made up of plenty of important components, but one of the most vital is the compressor. This is the part that keeps your system pressurised, thereby allowing air to move throughout your property. If it isn't working, the cool air will simply stay in one place.

Unfortunately, the compressor is a part that tends to experience the most wear. It cycles on and off and is in use every single time the air conditioning is turned on. Eventually, it will fail and need to be replaced, and sooner is always better than later. Here are four signs that your air conditioning compressor might be on its last legs.

1. Metal-on-Metal Sounds

There's no such thing as a soundless air conditioning system, but you should keep your ears tuned for any unusual or excessive sounds. Compressor problems often make their first signs through odd sounds since these parts use a sealed bearing to turn. If something is wrong, you'll often find that you can hear the sound of metal-on-metal contact. Other problem sounds include squeals and bumps. If you hear something amiss, make sure you have someone look at your system.

2. Air Conditioning Turns on Without Cooling

If your air conditioning system can be turned on and seems to be working normally but without actually circulating cold air throughout your home, a faulty compressor is the most likely suspect. If you find this happening, or if the flow of cool air simply seems reduced, try finding the compressor area of the central unit and placing your hand against it. If that area is cold but the air isn't circulating, the compressor isn't doing its job.

3. No Noise of Compressor Starting

On the flip side, you might find that the compressor isn't turning on at all. This might sound like the sort of problem that can only be detected by a professional, but it's relatively easy to check for yourself. All you need to do is listen to the air conditioning unit when you turn it on. You should hear the clicking noise that occurs when the compressors clutch is activated. If this sound cannot be heard, there might just be something wrong with the compressor.

4. Stuttering Starts

Finally, your compressor might come on with a stutter instead of running efficiently. Since the compressor cycles on and off continuously throughout the periods when your AC unit is turned on, you might hear this hard starting every couple of hours.

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