AC Compressor Issue Signs: Not Turning On, Blowing Warm Air

Among the important components that are involved in your air conditioner’s operations, the condenser unit is one of the single most vital. Serving as the “heart” of the AC system, the condenser is a hard and fast requirement for any air conditioner — but it may fail after a long enough period of time, and being able to identify this in your system can go a long way.

At Accurate Air, we’re happy to offer quality air conditioning installations, repairs and maintenance programs for all our clients. Compressors are some of the most important components involved here, and we pay close attention to them on your behalf. What exactly is the compressor, and what are some signs that your AC’s compressor might be in need of repairs or replacement? This two-part blog series will dig into everything you need to know.

What is an AC Compressor

For those just learning about air conditioners and how they work, the compressor might seem confusing. What is this component, and what does it do? We’re happy to explain.

The compressor is a motor that’s responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout your AC system. It’s usually located outside the home near the condenser unit, and it operates continually whenever your air conditioner is turned on.

This part is absolutely essential for your system’s operation — without it, your AC would be unable to function at all. As such, any issues with the compressor can lead to big problems down the road if they aren’t addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Our next several sections will go over some of the signs that may point to an AC compressor that requires repair or replacement.

Refusal to Turn On

The first and often most obvious sign that something is wrong with your AC compressor is if the unit flat-out refuses to turn on when you attempt to lower the temperature in your home. If this happens, there’s a good chance that an issue exists with the compressor itself.

It’s possible that a blown fuse is to blame here. This part is responsible for supplying power to the compressor, and if it’s blown, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Blowing Warm Air

What if the system is running, but is only blowing out warm air rather than cold? Once again, this is likely an issue with the compressor.

There are a few different things that might be going on here. It’s possible that the compressor is overheating due to low levels of refrigerant, or there might be an issue with the compressor’s valves. In any case, it’s best to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.

For more on how to spot AC compressor failure, or to learn about any of our HVAC, air quality or other services, speak to the team at Accurate Air today.