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Serving Katy, TX and the Surrounding Areas

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How to Make Sure Your AC Compressor Doesn’t Break Down

All of the components inside of your air conditioner have to work together to provide cooling. When any one of them has an issue, it affects your entire air conditioner. But some components are arguably more important than others. The compressor is one of these. If something happens and you have to replace your air conditioner compressor in Katy, TX, it can be a very expensive project.

But you can stay ahead of air compressor issues by taking good care of your air conditioner and knowing the signs of something being wrong. Keep reading to learn more about taking good care of your air conditioner and compressor specifically as well as identifying the signs that your air compressor is experiencing problems.

Prioritize Airflow

In order for the compressor inside your air conditioner to work its best, there needs to be adequate airflow. Without enough airflow coming into your air conditioner and leaving your air conditioner, your air compressor can experience problems. You can ensure proper airflow by changing the air filter on time each month and even turning on ceiling fans around your home. 

It’s also important to maintain space around the air vents that attach to your air conditioner. We encourage you to allow at least three feet of space around your air vents so that air can flow completely into your home without getting trapped in the ductwork. Furniture that blocks air vents can have a major impact on your air conditioner and especially the compressor.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Airflow leaving your air conditioner is just as important as the airflow coming into your air conditioner. Heat gets released via the outdoor unit. One problem with that is the outdoor portion of your air conditioner is exposed to elements around the clock. It’s very easy for dirt and debris to clog the outdoor unit and prevent adequate airflow out, potentially trapping heat in your home.

Once a month when you change the air filter on your indoor unit, you can gently hose down your outdoor unit with low water pressure. This helps to get rid of some of the dust and dirt so the heat does not get trapped inside of the system and potentially have a negative impact on the air compressor and the rest of the unit. 

Professional Inspections

No matter how great you are at homeowner maintenance, it is equally important to invest in professional care. By the time there are signs that something is wrong with your air compressor, the problem may already be significant. Signs to watch for include:

  • Vibration when the unit first turns on
  • Ticking or rattling sounds
  • A lack of airflow without an obvious reason
  • Refrigerant leaks

Our team can usually identify problems before you even know that anything is wrong. This gives us an opportunity to fix something before it becomes irreversible and we have to replace an entire component, like your air compressor.

Your comfort is our business here at AC Comfort! Serving Katy, TX, and the surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment today for AC service.

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