When an air compressor fails in the midst of a scorching Modesto day, there’s no time to waste. But how do you tell if your AC compressor is bad, or if the issue lies somewhere else in your system? In this guide, we’re going over the top signs of an AC compressor issue, the average lifespan of an air conditioner compressor in California’s intense summer heat, and how to fix the issue with help from a pro like the team at Loves Air.
Key Summary
- AC compressors are under increased stress in Modesto’s hot climate, leading to more frequent issues and malfunctions.
- Failing compressor symptoms include an AC running but not cooling, strange noises, excessive vibrations, and visible refrigerant leaks.
- Compressor repairs should be left to trained professionals to ensure your safety.
- AC compressors last 10-15 years in Modesto, at which point it will be more cost-effective to replace your air conditioner.
- The team at Loves Air can repair AC compressors or replace your system in just a few short hours.
7 Signs Your AC Compressor Is Failing
If your unit is starting to malfunction, there are a number of potential AC compressor issues that could be at the root of the problem.
1. Your AC is running but not cooling
One common sign that the AC compressor is in need of attention is if the system is failing to cool your home despite being turned on. When the compressor fails, it can no longer pressurize and circulate the refrigerant. The fans run, but cool air is never delivered through your HVAC ducts.
2. Strange noises from the outdoor unit
Another sign of a problem with the AC compressor is noticing loud, unusual noises from the system while the AC is running. Some sound is normal while using your AC, but if it develops into grinding, rattling, or whining noises, there’s a bigger problem with your system. This most often happens when internal bearings get worn out, leading to friction between parts, worsening damage over time, and eventually, a full AC shutdown.
3. The outdoor unit is shaking or vibrating on startup
If your compressor is starting to fail, you may notice intense shaking and vibration in your outdoor unit when you start up the system. This can happen for a few reasons, such as loose fasteners, misaligned fan blades, or other deteriorated parts inside the system.
4. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping
Another sign that your compressor is in need of Modesto AC repair is a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. If the compressor is overheating or otherwise failing, it can draw more power than your breaker panel can supply. The circuit breakers will trip as a safety precaution, but this leads to the troubling issue of having to constantly reset the breaker to keep the AC running.
5. Warm or hot air from vents despite the system running
Is there anything more frustrating than switching on the AC to beat the heat on a Modesto summer day, only to realize your air conditioner is heating the house? Before you make your escape to Turlock Lake or prematurely buy a whole new air conditioner, talk to an AC repair professional and have them inspect your compressor. If the compressor is the reason for your AC blowing warm air, an HVAC tech from Loves Air can likely repair the problem in under a day of work.
6. Ice or frost on the refrigerant lines
Another common failing AC compressor symptom is ice buildup or frost on your refrigerant lines. When the compressor is working normally, it pressurizes the refrigerant, allowing the system to cool the air. But if the compressor is struggling to keep up, the pressure will drop, resulting in frozen coils and freezing along the refrigerant line. This can be a double-down issue in this farm town; frost and ice buildup can act as glue for all the dust, cottonwood snow, and other airborne particulates, making the problem that much worse.
7. Visible refrigerant leak around the outdoor unit
Refrigerant leaks pose a hazard to your safety and health, which means any suspected leaks need to be addressed right away. Kinks, cracks, and loose connections allow for refrigerant leaks from the closed-loop system. This appears as an oily or slimy substance around the outdoor unit, which accumulates dust and dirt over time. Refrigerants are hazardous to handle without the right tools, training, and experience, so you should call an expert as soon as you suspect an issue with this system.
Can You Fix AC Compressor Problems Yourself?
Now that we’ve looked at the top signs of compressor issues, is it possible to fix them yourself? Unfortunately, repairing an air conditioner compressor isn’t a DIY-friendly job. Attempting repairs on your own carries many risks, including electric shock, damage to your air conditioner, or exposure to refrigerant.
With that said, there are a number of preventative steps and DIY-safe AC troubleshooting methods that homeowners can try to solve the issue and prevent further damage:
- Reset tripped breakers
- Make sure the system is turned on
- Replace thermostat batteries
- Wipe down the outdoor AC unit
- Change air filters every 60-90 days
If your system is still misbehaving despite the thermostat working, the breakers and system being on, and the air filters having been changed, it’s time to call for help from a pro, like the team at Loves Air.
We’re no strangers to the issues homeowners face with their air conditioners. Summer temperatures here in Modesto are no joke, and that’s why it’s essential to work with a team that understands what your system goes through. This foundation of local knowledge means we can diagnose and repair your issue quickly and reliably.
Here in Modesto, we’ve learned that the dust kicked up by nearby farms can clog AC airflow more quickly than in other California areas. The same goes for the yearly ‘cottonwood snow’ that we get from April through July, where massive amounts of fluffy seeds settle across the city and wind up clogging outdoor AC units. When you add in the oppressive summer heat, it’s no wonder that compressor issues are so commonplace in Modesto.
How Long Do AC Compressors Last in Modesto’s Climate?
Generally, you can expect an air conditioner’s compressor to last for 10 to 15 years, though considering the environmental factors of Modesto, it’s common for them to start showing signs of failure around the 10-year mark.
To help your system last for as long as possible, work with qualified HVAC professionals for installation, ensuring the system is set up and connected properly. It’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance, especially when you prepare your AC for summer. This includes both professional AC service as well as DIY upkeep like cleaning the outdoor unit and changing air filters.
Should You Repair or Replace Your AC Compressor?
When you work with Loves Air to get help with a malfunctioning air conditioner, we always begin with an in-depth examination of the system, which helps us determine the cause and nature of your issue. From here, we’ll explain the problem to you in detail, including detailed images of the issue and a breakdown of the necessary repairs.
Whenever possible, we advocate for repairing AC compressors rather than replacing the air conditioner, but this isn’t always the best option. In some cases, the expensive AC repairs may only get another season or two out of your system. So if the cost doesn’t justify the repair, we’ll strongly advise against it. In general, it will be more cost-effective to replace systems that are older than 10-15 years rather than attempting to repair the compressor.
If we’ve uncovered signs that your AC needs to be replaced soon, we can help you choose the right new system for your home size, efficiency needs, and budget. Our NATE-certified HVAC techs undergo continuous, daily training onsite to ensure our AC installation services are quick, reliable, and performed to the highest possible standard. Plus, we can help you take advantage of flexible financing to break up the upfront costs of an efficient new air conditioner.
Beat the Modesto Heat with Loves Air
Since 2009, our family-owned and operated company has been helping Modesto homeowners with AC issues like this one, ensuring outstanding service and a high-performing system by the end, because ‘average’ just isn’t acceptable. While there may be bigger HVAC companies in California, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better one. We’re a modern, fully-equipped team that still has the old-school soul of doing right by our customers, and that’s why we can proudly say you’ll love us, guaranteed.
If you’re in need of AC compressor service in Modesto, Manteca, Stockton, Tracy, Ceres, Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, Ripon, Turlock, or anywhere else in the 209, we’d love to welcome you to the Loves family. Ready to find out why we’re the best in the Central Valley? Get in touch, and put a little Love into your home.
