The compressor is an important part of your air conditioning unit. It helps move the refrigeration of your unit throughout the system to keep your home cool.
The compressor can overheat sometimes causing it to stop working, which means your AC no longer works
So, in this article we'll talk about what's causing your compressor to overheat, some of the common signs to look out for, and what to do if you notice this issue.
Top Reasons For An AC Compressor Overheating
Here are the usual culprits for a overheating AC compressor:
Bad Coils
Condenser coils run from the inside unit to the outside unit of your air conditioning. These get dirty, which can happen over time.
This is one of the major AC compressor overheating symptoms
They'll stop allowing the compressor to properly absorb the heat because the coolants are polluted. Ultimately your compressor starts to work harder to do less causing it to overheat.
Learn More: All You Need To Know About Air Conditioner Components
Not Enough Refrigerant
Just like a car, your air conditioning needs refrigerant to keep moving parts inside running at a lower temperature.
If the coolant runs low, then your compressor is likely to overheat, which could cause breakage. You should have a professional HVAC professional come out, check your coolant levels to top it off, or provide other maintenance if necessary.
Speaking of maintenance:
Lack Of Proper Maintenance
Like any other machine, an air conditioner unit needs proper consistent maintenance to continue running.
If not, it can break down causing really costly repairs or replacements. So common maintenance issues that might cause compressors to overheat are broken pipes, inner layers condensing, or damaged filters.
Luckily, these are fairly routine fixes for a professional. And again, it's a lot less of a dent in your budget to have maintenance than to replace an entire unit.
The Size Of Your Air Conditioner
You need to have a properly sized air conditioning unit for the home that you're living in. HVAC services in Atlanta can help you determine this.
If it's not large enough, the compressor is going to have to work much harder to heat a large home. Again, the harder that the compressor works, the hotter it gets and the more likely it is to overheat.
If you notice that your home isn't getting as cool as you'd like to, or it's taking a long time to reach your desired temperature, have a professional look at it.
Electrical Issues
A surge in voltage can cause a short circuit or a wire to burn out. Since everything is connected within an AC unit, one thing can lead to another.
If you notice a burning smell, have someone look at it right away. Air conditioner compressor overheating is not something to ignore.
Bad Insulation
Particularly with outside units, they're exposed to sunlight and additional elements. This can cause the unit to heat up as a whole.
You need proper ventilation and insulation to ensure that the compressor doesn't heat up. If your AC is not getting as cold as it used to, have it maintenanced. You might even need a better sized air conditioner.
Fixing an Overheated Compressor
Because there are various potential causes of an overheated compressor, diagnosis is best left to the experts. Call a HVAC service in Atlanta today. They can quickly tell you exactly what's wrong and potential AC compressor overheating solutions.
The end result is ideally performing a small repair rather than a much more costly replacement. But either way, you won't know what to do next without the right information. So, contact us today for a free estimate for HVAC in Roswell, Sandy Springs, or Dunwoody.