What causes an AC compressor to overheat?

Sep 7

The compressor of your air conditioner is an essential part of the unit. The compressor is housed in the outside unit. It cools your home and circulates refrigeration. Sometimes, the compressor can stop working due to overheating. This is a common problem that local HVAC companies can fix.

What causes the unit's overheating? The answer to this question is not always straightforward because there may be many reasons your unit might overheat. Continue reading to find out more about this common HVAC problem.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The tubes that run from the inside to the outside air conditioner unit contain the coils. The condenser coils become dirty over time, and pollutants can get into them. The coils become dirty, and the refrigerants cannot absorb heat from indoors. This causes the compressor's work to be more complex, eventually leading to the compressor overheating.

Low refrigerant

Did your refrigerant level be checked in the last few months? Regular HVAC maintenance includes refrigerant inspections. This helps prevent compressor problems caused by low refrigerant. The compressor can overheat if the refrigerant levels don't meet the required standards.

Maintenance issues

Lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of overheating compressors. These maintenance issues can lead to excessive heat:

Filters that are dirty or damaged
Broken pipes
Condensed inner layers

If these problems are present, the compressor will slow down and stop performing its task effectively. What next? It's obvious. You end up calling for HVAC repair because your compressor has overheated.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioners are not universally compatible. Many Cartersville homes have too tiny units. If the unit isn't correctly sized for the home, it will work harder to cool it. This can eventually lead to overheating and breakdowns. You should check your air conditioner to see if it takes longer to cool down your home or if it makes louder sounds that suggest it is working harder.

Short Circuits and High Voltage

There is a possibility of compressor problems if your home experiences high voltage surges. The unit could overheat and trip a circuit. Call commercial air conditioning company mesa az immediately if your outside unit has trouble turning on or tripping the circuit.

Although it is uncommon, short-circuiting compressors do happen. If you smell a burning sensation from your AC unit, it signifies you have a problem. You might smell the compressor heating up, or wires burning.

Poor Insulation

Insulation problems can be a problem with older units or those exposed daily to intense sunlight. The compressor will heat up if there is not enough insulation. The compressor will burst if it is exposed to too much heat.

Solutions for AC Compressors that Overheat

If a compressor problem is caught early, it doesn't necessarily require a new outside unit. Call a commercial air conditioning company mesa az immediately if you suspect your outside unit is heating up. You have a better chance of avoiding costly repairs or replacements if you call a technician as soon as possible. Call your local experts to have your air conditioner serviced.