The compressor on a residential air conditioning unit is an important component of the entire home air conditioning system. The compressor motor pumps the refrigerant gases from the condenser coil to the evaporator coil, which cools the air inside the home. While there are a number of problems that can go wrong with a compressor, the motor can often fail if the issue isn’t detected early on. Unfortunately, when a compressor fails, it will mostly likely need to be replaced. You should call a professional HVAC contractor as soon as you notice any problems with your air conditioner. If the problem is due to a faulty compressor, it can harm the other parts of your cooling system or lead to hazardous situations when it shuts down.

You can help prevent compressor failure and replacement costs by looking out for a few warning signs.

• Loud buzzing noises or banging sounds coming from the area where the compressor is located could mean that the motor is about to lock up or burn out.
• If the air conditioner in your home has trouble starting, this is usually a problem with the compressor.
• Higher electric bills could also indicate a problem with a home AC compressor, but it’s always a good idea to rule out other causes as well.

Compressor failure can be serious, particularly when the internal wiring has shorted out. Not only will the compressor definitely need to be replaced, but it could cause a fire if you aren’t aware of the warning signals. Once a compressor fails, your entire air conditioning system will shut down. At this point, you will need to call a heating and cooling technician to repair the unit. You will need to replace the compressor only if all the other causes for the breakdown have been considered, so make sure you hire a reputable HVAC contractor you can trust.

Regular maintenance and annual inspections will greatly reduce the potential for costly repairs and a new compressor. You can help by making sure your entire unit is clean and free of any obstructions. Also, give your AC system a visual exam often and pay attention to how it operates. Call a qualified repair technician any time you notice problems or need a repair for the air conditioning unit in your home.

AUTHOR BIO: Ashley W. has published in various print magazines and written extensively for the web. You can find her work at dealnews.com, Punchfork.com, and Wisebread.com, among other sites.  She is currently the full-time web content writer for Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing.