Here at AC Designs Inc., we often get called to repair air conditioners, and the compressor is one of the most common components to break down. Here is a quick explanation of what it does and some of the things that can go wrong with it. In some cases, the compressor can’t be replaced, which means that you might need to install a new air conditioning system.
What Does the Compressor Do?
If you’ve ever used one of those cans of compressed air to clean your computer, you likely noticed that the outside of the can gets very cold. This is because the remaining air inside the can has to expand in order to fill the space left by the air that got released. This expansion absorbs heat from the space around it. The energy that it absorbs is heat thus making the surface of the can cold.
Your air conditioning system operates under a similar set of principles. Instead of compressed air, though, it uses a compressed refrigerant. The refrigerant gets compressed by the compressor, and then the expansion valve changes the pressure of the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate in the evaporator coils. The coils get cold and the fan in your AC unit blows the warm air of your home across them in order to cool the air.
Signs of Compressor Problems
There are a few signs that indicate that you need air conditioning repair for the compressor.
- Not enough cooling – If your compressor isn’t compressing the refrigerant enough, it will result in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. The more the compressor can compress the refrigerant, the more cooling your AC can deliver. But the opposite is true: if you compressor can’t compress the refrigerant, then it won’t be able to cool your home.
- Strange noises – Your compressor uses a motor in order to compress the refrigerant. This motor can start to make some unusual noises when it begins to break down. If you hear banging, clanking it could be the piston, crankshaft or some other internal part. Hissing can be caused by a leak in the motor or the compressor. Buzzing can indicate a loose wire or fitting.
When you need repairs or air conditioning repair or installation in Jacksonville, FL, make sure that you call the experts at AC Designs Inc..