Should You Be Worried about Compressor Burnout?

Compressor burnout is certainly something you never want to happen to your air conditioner, so our short answer is going to be a resounding, “yes!”

We may not experience as hot or as long of summers as other parts of the country, but our air conditioners certainly get their deal of stress and strain, and the peak of summer is when your air conditioner is most likely to suffer from a catastrophic problem—unless of course, you had it maintained recently.

Read on to learn more about compressor burnout, including how to avoid, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Denver air conditioning at experts if you need help with your AC unit or have any questions!

What is an AC Compressor & What Does it Do?

Your compressor is essentially the “heart” of your air conditioner. It’s a pump that enables refrigerant to circulate through the air conditioner and applies energy to the refrigerant. If that compressor fails, it’s the most expensive part of the AC system to replace. In fact in many cases, particularly with aging air conditioners, we often recommend a more cost-effective solution—replacing the entire air conditioner.

What Causes Compressor Burnout?

So, what causes a compressor burnout? There are a few possibilities:

Loss of Lubrication:

If the compressors’ moving parts aren’t adequately lubricated—which is an important step in the maintenance process—then the system can seize up and burn out. If you notice your compressor hard-starting, be sure to call for professional assistance right away to see if lubrication is necessary.

Bad Oil:

Just like with a car, if the oil in the compressor becomes viscous, it will ruin the motor and cause a system failure.

Acid and Moisture:

When the weather becomes too humid, moisture can build up in the compressor, a huge concern to its functionality. Another problem is acid buildup. During your maintenance session, our technicians check for both of these problems.

Failed Fan:

A broken outdoor fan is a problem for any air conditioner in general, however, it can also lead to a burned-out compressor since the fan will not be able to vent heat out as the compressor runs. This can lead to the compressor overheating.

How to Avoid Compressor Burnout

Annual maintenance (or biannual, if you have a heat pump system) is one of the most important air conditioning services you can invest in. At Bell, our comprehensive AC maintenance in Denver involves inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting your system while identifying any pressing repair needs. Neglecting this essential service leaves your cooling system susceptible to numerous issues, including the dreaded compressor burnout.

Aside from keeping on top of maintenance, the best way to fend off a failed compressor is by staying alert over the summer. If you hear any weird noises such as a hard-starting compressor (you’d hear grinding and clicking) when the cooling season starts, it’s time to call in a pro.

The Denver AC Experts Are Here to Help!

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major expense. Contact Bell today to schedule your AC maintenance and keep your system running smoothly all summer long. Our expert technicians are here to ensure your compressor stays healthy and your home stays cool and comfortable.

Get peace of mind by calling Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, the company metro area homeowners have been trusting for nearly a century!