Summertime in Schaumburg, IL, is hot and humid. If your air conditioning system starts to malfunction, your comfort and well-being will be adversely impacted. One of the most common problems in air conditioners is a malfunctioning compressor. Read on to learn about the indications that your AC’s compressor is malfunctioning so that you can get help from a qualified HVAC professional before the whole system fails.
Loud or Unusual Sounds
Loud or unusual noises are one of the first indications of problems with the compressor’s fan, motor, or electronic controls, explains the Department of Energy. An electronic problem often causes a humming sound. Mechanical problems, such as a loose or broken part, may cause banging or clanging sounds. If you hear loud or unusual sounds from the outdoor unit, shut down your air conditioner and make a call for prompt repairs.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A malfunctioning compressor may cause your circuit breaker to trip. If the outdoor unit won’t turn on, check the circuit breaker box. If the breaker to the unit has tripped, reset it. If it trips again, it’s probably related to a compressor problem. The compressor’s capacitor or motor may be drawing too much electrical current, which the breaker is designed to prevent. This problem requires urgent attention from a qualified HVAC professional.
Shaking or Vibration of Outdoor Unit
Just before a malfunctioning compressor fails, the whole outdoor unit may shake or vibrate at the start of a cooling cycle. This commonly happens during a hard start. A hard start is when the unit turns on after being inactive for a while. Vibrations and shaking can also happen if the outdoor unit is off-balance or has debris in it, so it’s best to have a technician take a look.
For more information about the signs of a malfunctioning compressor, take a look at our air conditioning repair services or reach out to the qualified professionals at Ray’s HVAC today.
