It’s A/C season in West Texas, and if you haven’t noticed, this is already one of the hottest summers in Odessa and Midland in recent memory. At The Darville Company, our certified technicians can explain exactly how your air conditioning works. But if you’re a novice homeowner (don’t worry – most of us are), it may be difficult to understand. In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of one of the most important components of your A/C: the compressor.
WHAT’S THE COMPRESSOR?
The compressor is the primary engine that drives your A/C. It “compresses” the refrigerant, turning it into a gas, which then runs into the evaporator coil where heat is absorbed. Most people know that refrigerant is necessary to keep cool – but it doesn’t do you much good without a properly working compressor!
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Here are a few common symptoms that indicate you have an issue with your compressor:
- Loud noise coming from your A/C unit. Screeching or fluttering sounds are common with a failing compressor.
- There’s often a delay when the A/C turns on.
- The A/C seems to turn on, then shut off more often than needed (sometimes called short cycling).
- Circuit breakers tripping.
- Air does not feel cold, or the flow of air is weak.
REPAIR OR REPLACE
If your air conditioner compressor is not working properly, you’ll definitely need to do something. Repairs on this critical part of your A/C can be expensive, and in many cases it makes more sense long term to replace your entire system. However, you always have options when it comes to the comfort in your own home!
When to REPAIR: If your system is still pretty new, there’s a good chance that the parts (including the compressor) are under warranty. It’s definitely worth checking out before springing for a new unit. Another reason to go with the repair would be if it’s possible to only replace the outdoor portion of your unit, which would include the compressor, instead of an entire new system.
When to REPLACE: If you have a major issue with your HVAC (such as a broken compressor) and your unit is more than 10 years old, it is strongly advised that you replace the entire system. This will be more expensive up front, but will be less expensive in the long run because you won’t be dealing with regular repairs as they become more frequent.
THE HIGHER STANDARD
The certified HVAC technicians at The Darville Company have the knowledge and experience to tackle any of your A/C problems, from compressors to anything else. If you’re not as cool as you think you should be this summer, make an appointment online or call us today at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.