Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Signs, Causes, and Fixes

From hail storms to drastic seasonal temperature swings, the Northern Colorado climate puts a great deal of pressure on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Eventually, the added wear can cause the AC components to break down. 

The compressor is the workhorse of the cooling system. It’s responsible for compressing low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas, allowing heat to be transferred outside of your home.

Learn more about important warning signs and common compressor-related issues through Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s comprehensive compressor troubleshooting guide.

What the Compressor Does in an AC System 

So, what does an AC compressor do? An AC compressor is like the heart of your cooling system. When it doesn’t work, you’ll quickly notice because refrigerant will no longer be able to circulate and transfer heat.

Your cooling system transfers heat with the help of refrigerant lines. The heat is absorbed in your home. Then, the refrigerant is transferred as a gas to the compressor, which reduces the refrigerant’s volume. This results in increased pressure and a temperature that is hotter than the outdoor air. Afterward, the refrigerant is sent through the condenser, where the extra heat is released.

Signs Your Compressor May Be Struggling 

There are a few common AC compressor problems that can occur. If you notice the following symptoms, you should reach out for AC repairs and maintenance right away.

• Weak cooling performance
• Warm air coming from your vents
• Long run times
• Poor energy efficiency
• Frequent breaker trips
• Ongoing clicking noises
• Hard starts
• Humming sounds
• Inconsistent or strained outdoor unit behavior

Common Causes of Compressor Problems 

There are several compressor failure causes in Colorado that we tend to see the most.

• Failed Start Components: If the capacitor or contactors aren’t functioning properly, they won’t trigger the compressor to start up. Left untreated, this can lead to added wear on the compressor.
• Low Refrigerant: When refrigerant leaks occur, it places an added strain on the compressor and causes it to overheat.
• Dirty Coils and Restricted Airflow: Both of these issues increase pressure levels and make the compressor work harder.
• Electrical Issues and Voltage Stress: When electrical problems occur, they can cause the motor to burn out.
• System Age and Repeated High-Load Summers: Long-term wear can eventually cause the compressor to break down. In Colorado, our hail, dust, UV rays, and extreme daily temperature swings can also place an added strain on compressors and lead to premature failure.

What Homeowners Can Safely Check 

As a homeowner, there are a few problems you can safely check on your own. However, many Fort Collins AC compressor issues can only be handled by a professional. For your safety, you should never open panels or perform repeated breaker resets. Additionally, all electrical and refrigerant work should be left to the professionals.

Step 1: Check the Thermostat

Sometimes, the real problem is your thermostat settings or an increased cooling demand. If your settings are too high on a hot day, the unit may struggle to keep up. Alternatively, your AC won’t kick on if the mode is wrong or the thermostat’s batteries are dead.

Step 2: Replace the Filter

Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons why HVAC systems struggle. We recommend changing the filter every 30 to 90 days to protect your unit. During periods of peak heat, this should be done more often. To make caring for your AC easier, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing also offers a maintenance membership plan that includes complimentary tune-ups and discounted repairs.

Step 3: Inspect the Breaker

Check the breaker to see if it has been tripped. If it has, you can reset it one time. Never reset the same breaker multiple times because this type of repeated tripping indicates an underlying electrical issue that must be addressed.

Step 4: Clear Obvious Debris Around the Outdoor Unit

To prevent the unit from becoming clogged, clear obvious debris, plant matter, and weeds that are within 2 to 3 feet of the outdoor unit.

Step 5: Note What Happens at Startup

Pay attention to any unusual sounds, smells, or AC behaviors. When you reach out to our HVAC technicians for help, we’ll have an easier time diagnosing the problem if we know what is going on. 

Fixes vs. Professional Repairs 

Knowing when you need an AC compressor repaired or replaced is essential. Some common complaints that seem like they’re due to the compressor are actually because of the capacitor, thermostat, airflow, or refrigerant issues. We’ll typically consider the following factors to help you decide between an AC replacement and repairs.

• The AC is already 10 years old or older.
• You’ve had to get it repaired multiple times over the last two seasons.
• Your energy bills have increased without an obvious cause.
• The cost of repairs is expected to be 50% of the price of an AC replacement.
• Your cooling performance has declined significantly.

When Compressor Trouble Starts the Replacement Conversation 

If your AC compressor troubleshooting guide and basic repairs aren’t effective, it may be time to consider a replacement. Major compressor-related issues can be expensive, so a new AC may be the best long-term option. A new unit can help you avoid emergency calls and reduce your spending on repairs. 

Planning for an HVAC upgrade isn’t a part of most families’ budgets. To make getting repairs or replacements easier, you can take advantage of 100% no-interest financing. We also offer a money-back guarantee, so you can be fully satisfied with the quality of your services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad? 

There are common AC compressor signs and symptoms that will occur when the compressor is faulty. Warm air, frequent breaker trips, hard starts, and poor cooling performance are common indicators. However, these symptoms can occur because of other causes as well, so it’s important to get a professional to diagnose the issue.

Can a compressor problem be something else? 

Absolutely. You can experience similar symptoms from capacitor, refrigerant, thermostat, and airflow problems. That’s why it’s so important to have unusual symptoms checked out by an HVAC technician.

Diagnose and Repair Your Compressor-Related Problems

If some of the signs and symptoms in our compressor troubleshooting guide sounded familiar, our team is just a phone call away. Through our same-day services and upfront pricing, Balance Point can quickly diagnose the problem.

Once we’ve inspected your unit, our team will explain whether the smarter path is repair, component replacement, or a larger replacement conversation. Learn more by contacting our team today.