10 causas de falla del compresor de CA y 7 formas de evitar la falla del compresor

Lo último que desea en la temporada de verano es descubrir en un día caluroso y abrasador que su aire acondicionado no funciona. Si bien algunos problemas de CA no son tan costosos, si la razón resulta ser una falla del compresor de CA, seguramente hará una gran mella en su billetera.

Lo bueno es que la mayoría de los problemas se pueden prevenir si se detectan a tiempo.

Hemos compilado una lista extensa para ayudarlo a diagnosticar el problema desde el principio y brindarle los pasos que puede seguir para prevenir el problema en el futuro.

¿Qué hace un compresor de CA?

Un compresor es un componente vital y se considera el corazón de su sistema HVAC. Es responsable de comprimir el refrigerante, una sustancia refrigerante, para que pueda fluir en el aire acondicionado y eliminar el calor (o el aire frío en el caso de los aires acondicionados reversibles).

Pueden durar bastante tiempo:de 10 a 15 años si se les brinda el cuidado adecuado.

Sin embargo, la falta de mantenimiento de su AC conducirá a un aumento en el desgaste. Las fugas de polvo, escombros o refrigerante tienen un mayor impacto en el funcionamiento de su compresor de aire acondicionado.

Entonces, cuando un compresor se descompone, ¡significa que tiene una emergencia de HVAC! En algunos escenarios desafortunados, no podrá repararlo y el reemplazo es la única opción.

¿Cómo funciona un compresor de aire acondicionado?

El calor fluye de un área de alta temperatura a un lugar de baja temperatura. Los acondicionadores de aire funcionan con el mismo principio.

El compresor de su aire acondicionado juega el papel principal en el proceso de enfriamiento. El refrigerante recoge el calor del evaporador. Después de eso, fluye hacia el compresor, donde disminuye el volumen del refrigerante y lo convierte en estado líquido. Cuando se comprime un refrigerante, su temperatura aumenta y se transforma en un gas a alta presión. Luego fluye hacia el serpentín del condensador para ceder el calor que se libera al exterior. Luego se vuelve a convertir en un líquido que fluye hacia la unidad interior. El proceso se repite una y otra vez para completar el ciclo del refrigerante.

Para obtener más información sobre el funcionamiento de un acondicionador de aire, lea este artículo:¿Cómo funciona un acondicionador de aire?

5 señales de advertencia de una falla del compresor de CA

La reparación o el reemplazo del compresor es costoso, y querrá detectar cualquier problema que pueda provocar la falla del compresor de su aire acondicionado lo antes posible. Entonces, aquí hay cinco señales de alerta temprana que indican que su compresor está a punto de fallar:

1. Flujo de aire débil

El flujo de aire reducido es uno de los primeros síntomas de la falla del compresor de CA. Sin embargo, puede ser bastante difícil notarlo, ya que seguirás bajando la temperatura durante los primeros días si sientes que tu casa no está lo suficientemente fresca.

La mejor manera de saber si el flujo de aire es débil es poner las manos debajo de las rejillas de ventilación. Si siente poco o ningún flujo de aire o siente aire tibio cuando debería estar frío, esto significa que su aire acondicionado tiene un problema con el compresor. Debe comunicarse con un profesional de HVAC de inmediato y repararlo.

Lea este artículo para obtener más información sobre los problemas de flujo de aire de HVAC.

2. Fuertes ruidos de golpes

Si su unidad HVAC comienza con fuertes golpes o gruñidos y nota vibraciones que lo acompañan, debe recibir una alerta de inmediato. Podría ser una señal de varios problemas, y la falla del compresor de aire acondicionado es uno de ellos.

Estos ruidos de CA indican que el compresor tiene problemas para arrancar y es probable que falle en el futuro. El ruido de golpes también significa la falla de los componentes eléctricos en el compresor.

Debe apagar su unidad inmediatamente y ponerse en contacto con un profesional para una revisión exhaustiva de su sistema.

3. Fuga de refrigerante

Los signos reveladores de una fuga de refrigerante incluyen un flujo de aire débil, silbidos, agua alrededor de la unidad HVAC o formación de hielo en los serpentines del evaporador. Lo mejor sería solucionar una fuga de refrigerante de forma urgente ya que podría acarrear varios problemas. Puede tener un impacto en el enfriamiento de su sistema y causar fallas en el compresor a largo plazo. El mantenimiento mensual puede ayudar con la detección temprana de fugas de refrigerante antes de que puedan dañar su compresor.

4. Altas facturas de electricidad

Si su compresor de CA tiene que trabajar más para enfriar su hogar, consumirá más energía y funcionará con más frecuencia, lo que aumentará drásticamente sus facturas de electricidad.

Por lo tanto, si nota un aumento repentino en sus facturas sin ningún aumento en el uso, es motivo de preocupación. Inmediatamente debe revisar su unidad HVAC para saber si está funcionando mal y necesita una reparación.

Aquí hay 16 maneras súper fáciles de reducir sus costos de CA.

5. Disyuntor disparado

Cuando salta un disyuntor, es una medida para proteger sus electrodomésticos de una sobrecarga eléctrica. It happens when you have too many devices running simultaneously or due to a power surge.

However, if your outdoor unit is constantly tripping the circuit breaker, it is not a good sign and indicates AC compressor failure. It means that the compressor needs more power to run because it is overheating.

Turning it back on won’t help in this case; you must contact an HVAC professional immediately.

What Causes AC Compressor Failure? – 10 Common Reasons

AC compressor failure is usually due to an internal problem that impacts the performance of your compressor over time.

Here is the list of 10 common causes of air conditioner’s compressor failure that require your immediate attention:

1. Electrical Failure

An electrical failure can be caused by damaged contactors, wires, and fuses. Acids build up in your system as a result of electrical problems causing other parts of your AC to malfunction as well. Power surges can also result in electrical issues in your air conditioner.

Acid and oxidation buildup is usually a prominent sign of electrical problems in your HVAC system. A trained professional can detect acid buildup during a routine inspection, making the repairs before it gets out of hand.

2. Blockage of Condenser Coils

Lack of maintenance plays a big role in blocking your condenser coils. When they are clogged with grime and dust, they cannot release heat which puts pressure on the compressor. If you continue to run your system in this condition, your compressor can overheat and stop functioning completely.

3. Compressor Overheating

Overheating is a common cause of compressor failure, and there are many factors at play.

If direct sunlight falls on your outdoor unit and there is inadequate ventilation around it, it makes your unit’s compressor overheated. High voltages can also damage the motor causing the compressor to overheat.

Moreover, dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, and lack of insulation; all can contribute to compressor overheating, ultimately resulting in compressor failure.

4. Evaporator Motor Displacement

If your AC’s evaporator motor is displaced, it can force the refrigerant to return to the compressor. This pushes the compressor oil out of its place, and your system can face lubrication issues. It causes the compressor to lose its efficiency over time, and eventually, it will cease to operate.

5. Low Refrigerant Levels

You won’t cool your home without an adequate amount of refrigerant in your air conditioner. It is a common misconception that refrigerant levels decrease with time. Your air conditioner doesn’t use up the refrigerant. If the levels are low, there is likely a leakage that needs to be sorted urgently.

Low refrigerant levels decrease the pressure, which causes the compressor to work harder to push the refrigerant in the system. Eventually, the entire compressor will collapse.

Lack of maintenance can increase corrosion and cause cracks in the AC coils. Therefore, regular maintenance is the only way to avoid this issue in the future.

6. Too Much Refrigerant in Your Unit

Wondering how the excess amount of refrigerant got in your unit? Have you ever had an issue of low refrigerant level and called a technician to fix it?

A less qualified person may not know how to fill it up properly and end up filling it more than what is needed. The refrigerant levels must match exactly with the quantity specified by the manufacturer. High levels of refrigerant can lead to increased pressure in the system, causing premature AC compressor failure.

It’s always recommended to call an experienced HVAC expert to deal with air conditioner issues.

7. Lack of Lubrication

Your HVAC needs the correct amount of lubrication to function optimally. Without adequate lubrication, the wear and tear will increase, making your compressor work harder. When there are low levels of oil, your compressor parts rub against each other. This makes small parts come apart and are let loose in the system.

Loss of lubrication is mostly due to leakage from the evaporator, condenser, pipe connections, or the compressor shaft seal. An overstressed compressor is likely to break down earlier than its expected lifespan.

Getting your air conditioner serviced is the key to prevent this problem. The experts will check the lubricant levels, make any necessary adjustments and see if the oil pump is working fine.

8. Clogged or Damaged Suction Lines

Over time, the suction lines of your refrigerator can develop cracks and holes, hindering the refrigerant flow in the system. This puts stress on your compressor as now it has to use extra power to pump enough refrigerant through the unit resulting in a breakdown. One of the evident signs is a decrease in the cooling capacity.

If you notice your unit is not cooling like it’s supposed to, call an HVAC expert to have a look at the suction lines.

9. Dirt &Debris Stuck in the Outdoor Unit

Outdoor pollutants, dust, debris, soot, and moisture can enter your outdoor unit and cause issues for your compressor.

Moreover, air can also be introduced, and it can dispel refrigerant in the condenser. This can increase the temperature inside the compressor and can cause oil carbonization on the discharge valve. Oil carbonization results in residue buildup and makes the valves leak. Leaking valves further increase the temperature, causing more damage to the compressor.

You can avoid this problem by scheduling annual AC tune-ups.

10. Incorrect Sizing of Suction Lines

If your suction line is too long or too short, it can cause AC compressor failure. Wrong sizing can build pressure and overheat the compressor.

This issue mostly arises when an untrained or amateur technician attempts to repair the line and installs the wrong size. It is always best to call a professional for any AC repairs. They know what type of suction line is best suitable, and they will install the right length of the suction line.

7 Ways You Can Prevent AC Compressor Breakdown

If compressors fail before their expected life, the issue is mostly internal and can be avoided with proper care.

Here are seven steps you can follow to prevent AC compressor failure:

1. Inspect the Wiring

You need a regular professional inspection to check the wiring as you won’t be doing it on your own during monthly maintenance. Wiring issues can lead to acid accumulation which deteriorates many components of your air conditioner, including the most important one – your compressor.

During the inspection, the technician can check and replace any faulty wires and fuses before they lead to acid buildup.

2. Install Voltage Monitor or Surge Protector

You can install a voltage monitor or a surge protector to guard your unit against sudden high voltage, low voltage, or power surges. Some surge protectors even give you a compressor warranty in case of damage or compressor failure.

3. Remove Clutter Around the Outdoor Unit

Leaves, dust, grime, and other pollutants can get stuck inside the outdoor unit interfering with its functioning. Periodic cleaning of the outside unit is crucial to keep it running properly.

4. Keep the Suction Lines Clean

Temperature and pressure changes can impact the normal operation of your compressor. When suction lines become blocked due to excessive dirt, the pressure and the temperature increase, leading to overheating. An overheated compressor can fail quite rapidly.

5. Only Call Qualified Professionals

An unqualified technician can pose fatal problems for your air conditioner. As discussed above, they can fill the refrigerant too much, which can cause compressor failure. Similarly, while repairing suction lines, they may install a short or long suction line which can interfere with the compressor pressure.

Air conditioner repairs are a sensitive matter and should always be handled by HVAC experts.

6. Lubricate Your AC Thoroughly

Considering that the compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, keeping it lubricated is the key to its better health. Lubrication can help in avoiding compressor failure before the expected time.

7. Frequent Cleaning of AC Coils

AC coils collect a lot of debris and need frequent cleaning; failure to do so can interfere with the heat exchange process. When this happens, the compressor has to do extra work to remove the heat.

Now that you know all the causes of AC compressor failure, the lesson is never to ignore any warning signs. The delay will not make the problem go away; it will only add to the damage. If you cannot manage to take care of your system on your own, you can go for an HVAC preventative maintenance contract. This will help in getting the underlying issues fixed before they have a chance to damage the compressor.