Some air conditioner issues (like loose wires or clogged air filters) aren't that expensive to fix. However, if your air conditioner breaks down due to compressor failure, you have a costly repair to take care of. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your unit, which makes it one of the most crucial components of your system. So, when the compressor fails, your AC won't be reliable anymore. 

Luckily, most compressor problems are preventable if you detect and address the underlying issues in good time. Below are the common compressor issues.

Failing Electrical Components

Electrical issues can damage your unit permanently. These issues develop if the wiring frays or corrodes due to an acid buildup, which results in system burnout. Bad capacitors are also culprits for electrical problems. Capacitors can malfunction if improper voltage flows through the capacitor, causing your compressor to overheat. When this happens, the compressor can't operate properly.

A qualified HVAC technician can inspect your unit for acids and fix damaged wiring and fuses before these things ruin your compressor. However, electrical burnouts that damage your system can't always be completely fixed, so you'll invest in a new unit. Schedule regular AC maintenance to catch electrical problems early before they destroy your unit. 

Wrong Choice of Suction Lines

This issue occurs if you install the air conditioner yourself without taking the proper measures. When refrigerant lines are too large or small, your system's compressor strains to cool your home, which may cause premature compressor breakdown. A total breakdown can easily set you back a ton of money in repairs. 

Also, your AC's refrigerant lines may develop holes or cracks over time that impede proper refrigerant flow. As a result, your system has to work for longer to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, which ultimately inflates your energy bills and causes fast deterioration of the internal components.

Enlist a skilled technician to install appropriately sized suction lines and repair damaged lines to restore your AC's efficiency. Refrigerant is a dangerous substance, and only a trained professional should handle any related repairs. 

Low Lubricant Levels

Like refrigerant, too much or too little lubricant causes your AC to malfunction and eventually triggers compressor damage. You can tell when your system is low on oil lubricant if it starts to produce strange humming noises.

Oil levels also reduce if a leak develops in the hose pipe connections or compressor shaft seals. Ensure that a professional finds and mends the leak before you add oil to your system. Your technician should also assess the oil pump's condition to ensure it's in the best shape. 

Compressor issues might be to blame if your AC loses cooling efficiency. If left unchecked, these faults could lead to total equipment breakdown. Allow an HVAC technician to maintain your system and repair any issues before they escalate.

For more information on AC repair, contact a professional near you.