AC Compressor Troubleshooting Guide for Denver Homeowners

Poor cooling performance, unusual sounds coming from the outdoor unit, and frequently tripped breakers are common signs that you may have a faulty AC compressor. However, these signs can also occur because of other problems as well. By working with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician from Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, you can get a professional diagnosis of your AC problem.

To get a better understanding of what’s going on, read on to see common symptoms and solutions in our compressor troubleshooting guide.

What the Compressor Does in an AC System 

So, what does an AC compressor do? Compressors are an integral part of your air conditioning system. They pressurize the refrigerant so that it can condense from a gas to a liquid in the condenser. Refrigerant is a special chemical compound that is used in ACs to absorb heat. Thanks to the compressor, the refrigerant can release heat outdoors before it is circulated back into your home. 

If there are problems with your compressor, it can hinder this pressurization and heat transfer. As a result, your cooling performance can be dramatically affected.

Signs Your Compressor May Be Struggling 

As a homeowner, there are a few common signs that indicate your AC compressor may be struggling.

• Warm air from your vents
• Lower energy efficiency 
• Hard starts
• Extended run times
• An outdoor unit that hums but won’t cool
• Ongoing clicking sounds
• Inconsistent indoor comfort levels
• Tripped breakers when cooling starts

Common Causes of Compressor Problems 

There are a few common compressor failure causes in Colorado that our team sees most often. By scheduling routine maintenance, you can prevent these problems from happening. When they do occur, tune-ups also allow us to catch the malfunction before it escalates into a compressor failure.

• Electrical Issues: If the capacitor or contactor is faulty, it makes it more difficult for the compressor to start and leads to premature wear.
• Low Refrigerant Charge: When refrigerant leaks out, the compressor has to work harder to achieve the same temperature level. As a result of the added strain, the compressor can break down.
• Dirty Coils and Airflow Restriction: Both of these issues make the system work harder than it is designed to.
• Aging Equipment and Repeated High-Load Cycles: Repeated periods of high use put an added strain on the AC compressor. Similarly, aging equipment has worn down over time, leading to a lower capacity and more repairs.

In Colorado, there are other factors that impact the longevity of your AC installation. High UV exposure, hail damage, and dust buildup cause increased wear and tear. Colorado also experiences extreme, rapid weather shifts, which makes HVAC systems work overtime.

What Homeowners Can Safely Check First 

As a homeowner, you can use our compressor troubleshooting guide to safely check key systems. If the following tips do not fix the problem, you can contact our team for diagnostics instead.

Step 1: Check the Thermostat

Make sure the mode and set point are set appropriately.

Step 2: Replace the Air Filter

To avoid airflow issues and a dirty evaporator coil, homeowners should replace clogged air filters.

Step 3: Inspect the Breaker

If your outdoor unit isn’t starting, see if the breaker has tripped. However, do not keep resetting it if it trips again. Repeated trips indicate an underlying problem that must be addressed by a professional.

Step 4: Clean Around the Condenser

For proper airflow, clear away any obvious debris that is around the condenser.

Step 5: Listen for Noise Patterns

When you call our team for repairs, it helps to know the AC compressor signs and symptoms you’re experiencing. Note any unusual noise patterns and what happens when cooling starts.

For the safety of your home, HVAC system, and family, never open panels or cabinets. Additionally, any refrigerant-related components should be handled by a certified technician.

Fixes vs. Professional Repairs 

When we arrive at your home, our first goal is to determine whether the problem is your AC compressor or something else. As a part of our diagnostics, we will test your refrigerant pressure. We will test electrical components, such as the capacitor, and verify the amp draw.

These tests are essential because many symptoms that appear to be common AC compressor problems are actually related to other components. Airflow issues, faulty capacitors, and thermostat malfunctions can sometimes be mistaken for a compressor problem.

When Compressor Trouble Points to Replacement 

In Littleton and the South Metro area, many of our homes were built between the 1980s and 2000s. Many of these older homes have aging compressor issues. Because of the declining performance, more frequent repairs, and reduced energy efficiency involved, it often makes more sense to replace these older units.

At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we’ll provide a professional evaluation to help you determine if you need an AC compressor repair or to replace it completely. Our 100% no-interest financing allows you to make the right choice for your family, regardless of the upfront cost. Afterward, our convenient Whole Home Comfort Plan offers complimentary tune-ups and repair discounts, so your new system can last as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad? 

An AC compressor won’t just break down without some type of symptom. Tripped breakers, warm air, hard starting, and unusually long cooling cycles commonly occur when the compressor is failing. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms can be due to other problems, so they don’t confirm a compressor failure on their own.

Can a compressor problem be something else? 

Sometimes. When you have a failed capacitor, low refrigerant levels, or a thermostat issue, it can mimic the symptoms of a faulty compressor. This is why it’s so important to get your Denver AC compressor issues diagnosed by one of our Comfort Specialists.

Troubleshoot Your AC Compressor Issues

If your AC is experiencing some of the symptoms from our compressor troubleshooting guide, we can help. Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can diagnose your AC problems with our same-day services and upfront pricing.

Ask our Comfort Specialists about whether a repair, component replacement, or larger system upgrade is right for you. Contact us today.