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Updated: October 23, 2024
Thankfully, cooler weather appears to be on the horizon. However, for those last remaining warmer days, nothing is more welcome than a cool home on a hot afternoon.
As you may have read in earlier installments of our HVAC 101 series, your air conditioner functions primarily by transforming refrigerant from a liquid to a gas.
To accomplish this feat, the compressor component is absolutely essential.
What is an air compressor?
The compressor’s job is to raise the temperature of the refrigerant. This is done by squeezing and increasing the pressure put on the refrigerant.
Once the temperature is raised to a certain point above the temperature of its surroundings, the refrigerant, in its liquid state, moves throughout the system.
Once the refrigerant is heated, it begins to move throughout the condenser coils on the outside unit. This causes the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to be released into the outdoors.
This then cools the air inside your home.
7 signs your AC unit is low on refrigerant
Is your air conditioner blowing lukewarm air despite being set on high cool? Feeling the struggle to keep your home comfortable? It might be a sign of low refrigerant.
Potential AC compressor problems
The compressor is often called the heart of the air conditioning unit – and with good reason. Without the component that initiates the heating of the refrigerant, the entire air conditioning cycle would not be able to continue.
For this reason, if you’re facing an AC compressor problem, things can break down very fast.
Firstly, if your compressor isn’t working period, several factors could be the cause. The most common is a lack of electricity to the unit. However, the issue could stem from elsewhere.
If you notice the following issues with your AC, your compressor might be to blame:
- Air discharge that is either too low or too high
- Unit is not cooling as it should
- AC unit stutters when starting
If you’re unsure of the issues plaguing your system, contact a professional HVAC technician.
At Richmond’s Air, we offer both the air conditioning installation and maintenance services you need to keep your home as comfortable as possible. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
