Were you aware that the compressor of your air conditioner is the most important component, and the most expensive component, in your air conditioner? Its job is to compress the refrigerant that makes the cooling process in your system actually possible. Without a functioning compressor, your air conditioner literally cannot do its job, no matter how well all the other components of the system are operating.
If you’ve discovered or suspect that your compressor is damaged, the question becomes, do you repair the air conditioner by replacing just the compressor, or do you replace the entire air conditioner?
It really depends, to be honest. Read on as we uncover what it depends on, and when you need quality AC service, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Looking At Your AC As a Whole
Because the compressor is the most vital part of your air conditioner, when it breaks down or malfunctions, we advise looking at your air conditioner as a whole and deciding if it makes more financial sense to replace the whole air conditioner.
First things first, though. Before you take any steps, ensure you’re working with trustworthy professionals who are highly experienced with AC services and capable of leading you to make an educated decision based on your specific needs–like our team!
Often Misdiagnosed
Compressor issues are actually misdiagnosed pretty frequently. Assuming that you’ve already determined that you’re dealing with a compressor issue, the first thing you want to consider is if it’s still under warranty. If the compressor is still under warranty, you won’t have to pay for it, you’ll only need to pay for the labor needed to replace the part.
If this is the case, it could be worth it to just replace the compressor, and therefore repair the air conditioner. But the chances of your compressor breaking down within that warranty window are slim. So, in the absence of warranty coverage, we recommend AC replacement.
Why We Suggest Replacement
Of course, there are other things to consider, such as your budget. In the long run, however, replacing your entire cooling system at once, instead of just the section that houses the compressor, or the compressor itself, is recommended.
The reason for this is because these units are made to interact with each other… plus an indoor unit manufactured 10 years ago is going to work with a different refrigerant than one manufactured this year. Mismatched pieces can cause a whole host of problems that may have you replacing the system in a year or two anyway.
“How Do I Even Know If I Have a Bad Compressor?”
There are a few signs you can watch out for that signal a failing or malfunctioning compressor. For example, you might not be receiving enough cooling. Your air conditioner needs the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator coils to be under very high pressure, and if this isn’t the case then your air conditioner can’t do its job–cool the air.
If you hear a hissing or bubbling noise, it’s a sign that you have a refrigerant leak, which will also impact the compressor, and is as good of a reason as any to give our pros a call!
For professional AC Repair in Jersey Village, TX, contact Cool Care Heating and Air Conditioning. “The Best Care for Your Air!”