Compressor Failure: Repair or Replace?

Over the years, there are a number of problems that can crop up with your home cooling system. Especially since it has to work so hard, for so long, given our climate. You can find yourself facing refrigerant leaks, failed capacitors, and even damaged ductwork. There is no shortage of potential Sugar Land, TX air conditioning repair needs. Fortunately, many of these needs could be fairly easily reparable and maybe even preventable.

Compressor Failure Repair or Replace

One repair need that is particularly unpleasant to face, however, is a broken down or damaged compressor. With most AC components, replacement is usually the best option. However, if you have a broken down compressor, then the question becomes, “should I replace just the compressor, or my entire cooling system?” Our staff can help you make an educated decision in this regards. But we may very likely recommend replacing the entire system, and here’s why:

Your Compressor is the Most Costly Part to Replace

This is the number one reason we recommend looking at your cooling unit as a whole, and determining if its more economically feasible to just upgrade the cooling system. But first thing first—before you do anything, make sure you are working with trustworthy professionals who have proven themselves capable of diagnosing AC issues accurately. When you work with us, there’s no need to worry!

Compressors, which compress the refrigerant within an AC system, are often some of the most commonly misdiagnosed component problems. But assuming you’ve already determined that you’re definitely dealing with a compressor problem, the first thing you’ll want to know is if it’s still under warranty. If the compressor is still under warranty, you won’t have to pay for it—only the labor necessary to conduct the replacement.

In this case, a compressor replacement could be worth considering. However, the likelihood of a compressor breaking down entirely while still under warranty is fairly slim. So, in the absence of warranty coverage, it’s time to consider full system replacement.

You’ll want to consider factors such as your budget, but in the long run, replacing the entire cooling system at once, instead of a single indoor or outdoor unit, is recommended. These units are made to interact with each other, and accumulate wear and tear in tandem. In other words, pairing an old evaporator unit with a new condenser/compressor unit can lead to long-term operational problems.

How Do I Know if My Compressor is Bad?

There are a few telltale signs you can watch out for that indicate a failing compressor. For instance, you may not be receiving enough cooling. Your air conditioner needs the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator coils to be under very high pressure, and if this is not the case then your system can’t cool the air enough.

There are also some noises you can listen for. For instance, a hissing noise could be coming from a malfunctioning compressor. You may also hear the compressor motor struggling or humming loudly to try to compensate for the failing component. If you’re not sure, but suspect something is amiss with your compressor, it’s a good idea to give us a call!

Contact Fresh Air, LP for quality air conditioning services today.

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