When you consider an air conditioner system, it’s logical to think of the thermostat as the brains of the entire system. After all, if the thermostat develops a fault or fails entirely you will not be able to control the temperatures in your home. But, a thermostat can be fixed by cleaning the unit sensors or replacing them entirely and they are not expensive to buy. If the thermostat is the brain of your AC system then the compressor is certainly its heart. When the compressor unit fails it’s expensive to fix or replace and your AC system will not work without it. In this article, we will take a closer look at the compressor and three possible approaches when it stops working correctly.
What is the Compressor?
The compressor is arguably the most important component in the entire air conditioning system. Most people believe that their AC system cools their home, but this is actually a side-effect of the function because the heat is removed from indoors to outdoors. This may not seem like a big distinction, but this principle is at the core of the entire air conditioning process. The circulatory system that facilitates this process is a network of pipes that carries refrigerant which is kept under pressure. As the refrigerant moves from a liquid state to gas and then back again, it absorbs heat which is moved outside the home. The refrigerant leaves the evaporator unit as a gas where the heat is released, but the low-pressure gas needs to be placed under additional pressure to the temperature of the refrigerant. This is the role of the compressor, it forces the gas molecules together and the heat can move from a warm to a cool surface. The heat in this higher temperature refrigerant is then moved to the outdoors where the condenser unit releases it. This is a circulatory process and it may occur many times in a typical day.
3 Ways to Dealing with a Failing/Failed Compressor Unit
As you can see, a compressor is an essential component of your AC system. So, when it starts to fail or it stops working entirely, you have an important decision to make. Here are three most common ways to deal with your compressor problem, they are:
1. Replacing the Compressor Unit
If your compressor unit is failing or it’s failed entirely, it’s natural to consider an immediate replacement. In most situations, this is the appropriate response, but there are two main things to consider before you contact your local HVAC specialist.
First, you need to find out if your AC system is still under warranty because this can limit your options. If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old, there’s a good chance that it will have a warranty in place. This is great, because you may discover that you are not financially liable to pay for the compressor replacement. You may only need to pay the labor costs for the compressor replacement.
Second, you need to think about the age of your AC system to avoid wasting money on new components. This may sound counter-intuitive, but if your AC system is 12-15 years old or even older you may be throwing good money after bad. Regular HVAC maintenance by a certified and licensed contractor makes good sense to protect your investment. Regular maintenance should place your system at the upper end of the useful lifespan range. But, like any complex system, your AC system will lose efficiency over time and a failure is inevitable at some point. If your AC system fits into this category, it makes better financial sense to consider a system replacement instead.
2. Replacing the Outdoor Condenser Unit
If your AC system is still on the new side and you haven’t experienced many other component failures this could be a good option. But, there is a potential problem that you need to be aware of before you make a final decision. Air conditioning is a complex system with many components that need to work together for optimal efficiency. If parts are mismatched, it can affect the energy efficiency and performance of the entire AC system. In fact, when parts are not matched carefully it can even cause those components to wear out quickly leading to an earlier than expected replacement. If you have an older AC system, replacing the outdoor condenser unit doesn’t make sense. It’s unlikely that you will find the matching components and the new condenser will probably not last for long anyway. Again, if you have an aging system with an increasing frequency of repair issues despite regular servicing it may be time for an entire AC system replacement.
3. Replacing the Outdoor Evaporator Coil and Condenser Unit
When you adopt this approach you’re going to replace the entire AC system and leave the ductwork in place if it’s in good condition. In fact, if you choose to go with this option, this is the perfect time to assess the condition of your ductwork. Leaky ductwork can be a major cause of inefficiency because treated air can escape which leads to three major outcomes.
First, most people attempt to compensate for the lack of performance due to lost treated air by cranking up the aircon. This wastes more energy and there is no appreciable gain in performance to warrant the extra costs.
Second, leaks, cracks, and breaks in the ductwork can allow critters to access the spaces and dust to enter the air. The presence of these contaminants will lower the indoor air quality (IAQ) throughout your home.
Third, when your HVAC equipment is placed under extra strain, it’s more likely to fail when you need it most. Components can wear out quickly leading to an earlier than expected replacement that is an expense most of us could do without.
If your ductwork is in good shape and you want to replace the evaporator coil and the outdoor condenser unit check the system warrant first. If you still have the manufacturer warranty, it could cover these components for 10-15 years if you invested in a good system. The length of the warranty can vary a great deal, depending on the manufacturer of your heating and cooling equipment.
In many cases, a new HVAC system with matching components and R22 refrigerant makes better economic sense. If you’re experiencing heating or cooling problems, contact your local HVAC specialist today.