Don't Get Stuck In The Heat: Signs Your AC Compressor Is About To Fail You

Depending on where you live, you may use your air conditioner well past the typical summer months. In fact, there may be a few days during the fall or early spring when you need to get a quick blast of cool air into your home. When those days occur, you want to make sure that you're not left out in the heat with a broken air conditioner. Unfortunately, if your air conditioner compressor goes out, you'll be left without cool air for a few days while your HVAC technician takes care of the repairs. Luckily, there are a few ways you can tell that your compressor is about to fail you. If you encounter any of the problems described below, contact your HVAC technician as soon as possible. They'll take care of the repairs so that your air conditioner is ready when you need it.

Your Air Conditioner is Ticking Away

If your air conditioner has suddenly started sounding like a clock when you turn it on, you're facing the early warning signs of a failing compressor. Once your compressor begins to fail, your air conditioner will experience hard starts – those moments that take more work to get up to speed. When that happens, your compressor will begin to tick away louder and faster with each passing cycle. As soon as you hear the ticking, it's time for a service call.

You've Never Heard so Much Rattling

Rattling is another sign that you shouldn't ignore, especially when it comes to your air conditioner. The longer your compressor has to work through the hard starts, the more it will vibrate right out of its brackets. Once the compressor is loose, it will rattle around inside the air conditioner. Too much rattling and it will break away completely from its housing brackets. If the rattling has gotten so loud that you can hear it from inside your house, you need to have your air conditioner inspected as soon as possible.

Your Air Conditioner has Sprung a Leak

Unless it's been raining, the area around your air conditioning unit should remain dry. If you're noticing puddles around the base of your air conditioner, it's a good indication that your compressor is leaking refrigerant. If the leak continues, you could end up experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches and coughs. Not only that, but your air conditioner will stop cooling your home. If you've got leaks around your air conditioner, it's time to talk to an HVAC technician, such as from H.R. Stewart Inc.