Have you noticed that your air conditioner is no longer blowing cold air, or strange noises occur when it turns on? If so, you’ll need a professional to inspect your commercial air conditioning unit.
Over the years, your commercial air conditioning unit can encounter a wide variety of issues, most often due to normal wear and tear. Some of the problems you may run into are refrigerant leaks, failed capacitors, or damage to the ductwork. None of these areas frustrating as having to deal with the air compressor.
For most commercial air conditioning unit components, replacement is the best option. However, when it’s the compressor, the question becomes whether you should repair it or replace it. This decision is difficult because the air compressor is the most expensive part of your commercial air conditioning system. Our experienced staff will help you make this decision by discussing the pros and cons. For further information, visit our website at https://hvacrepairgarland.com/.
There are three things we advise you to consider when making this decision.
- The age of your commercial air conditioner
- Repair or replacement costs
- If it has needed a lot of repairs over the last few years.
Repair Or Replace Your AC Compressor
You should consider the age of your commercial air conditioning unit before making this decision. If your unit is old, you may want to invest in a new unit. However, if it is still relatively new, it may be better to repair the AC compressor.
It’s no secret that replacing the air compressor on your commercial air conditioning unit can be quite expensive; in fact, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $40,00, depending on its size. In most cases, it’s less costly to have it repaired, but there are times when replacing the unit is the better choice. The costs depend on your particular situation, and a professional company can help you understand everything involved in repair costs.
Another consideration is how many times its needed repairs over the last few years. Think about how long it’s been since the last time you had your commercial air conditioning compressor repaired and the costs. There are times when the problem could be something as simple as a buildup of dirt, and all it needs is a good cleaning. This is why having a professional look at it is a good idea before making any decisions.
What Causes An AC Compressor To Fail?
There are a few different things that can cause an AC compressor to fail. The first is that it doesn’t have the proper refrigerant level. When the commercial air conditioner was installed, it was filled with enough refrigerant to last a lifetime. However, while it’s rare, there are times when the unit can have too much refrigerant, or it was incorrectly charged. Another possible cause is that it has a refrigerant leak; this occasionally happens in old units with small holes or damage to the refrigerant line. Contamination, oil leaks, or oil pump failures can cause oil to go into places that it’s not supposed to, including the compressor. Other contaminants can include air, moisture, and dirt.
Constricted or partially blocked tubes or suction lines can also lead to industrial AC compressor issues. The most common cause of this is the accumulation of debris, leakage, or structural failure of the unit. Electoral or power malfunctions can occur due to an unreliable power source, or occasional surges can make the compressor unit fail. Power surges can damage the electrical wiring or short out some components. If the electrical problems only affect certain areas, they can be difficult to notice until too late. Having your commercial air conditioning unit regularly inspected by a professional will help prevent minor issues from turning into significant problems.
Common Commercial Air Conditioning Compressor Problems
Before determining if your commercial air conditioner compressor can be repaired, you must know the problem. Below are three of the most common AC compressor problems.
- The motor not starting is a common issue we come across, and typically, it’s due to a faulty start capacitor.
- If the AC unit is turning off and on frequently, it could be due to several reasons. You may have a frayed wire or other damages causing it to function incorrectly. Also, it could be something as simple as a build-up of dirt.
- If your commercial air conditioner is overheating, it may be due to similar AC damages or pressure issues causing a decrease in cooling capacity. This is best handled by a certified AC repairman.
- Dirty coils and contamination are common issues for AC compressors, and both of these issues will prevent your AC from running cool air and may cause the compressor to fail.
How To Prevent Commercial Air Conditioning Compressor Problems
While not every AC compressor issue can be prevented, you can do some things to help prevent them.
- Clean the air filters – if your compressor has dirty air filters, you’ll want to have them replaced quickly. It’s a good idea to have someone come out to clean and change the filters on your commercial air conditioning unit every few months to prevent damage.
- Cleaning the air ducts – when was the last time you have had your air ducts cleaned or inspected? Having clean air ducts helps to ensure that your entire system is working efficiently.
- Schedule maintenance – one of the biggest mistakes business owners make is waiting until there’s a problem before calling a professional. These issues could have been preventable by regular maintenance on your commercial air conditioner.
Signs Your Commercial Air Conditioning Compressor Is Bad
If you notice it’s too hot in your company and you haven’t heard the AC kick on even after changing the setting, it could be due to the AC compressor. Before doing anything else, you need to call a professional to evaluate the unit to find out what’s happened.
If your system is turning on and working but blowing warm air, this is another sign that your AC compressor is about to fail. When the compressor is unable to pump refrigerant through the system, it cannot cool the air. However, this could also be due to a refrigerant leak. If you’ve noticed that the unit has slowly been blowing warm, this could be the reason.
If you notice any of these signs, you need to call a professional to come out and inspect your AC compressor immediately to find out the issue and help you determine the best course of action.
