A properly functioning air conditioner maintains cool comfort during Georgia's hot summers. When your compressor fails, your entire AC system may stop cooling effectively. Recognizing these warning signs early can help you avoid costly AC repairs and complete system breakdowns.
Watch for these 11 common symptoms of compressor trouble:
When your AC runs but blows warm air, this often indicates compressor failure. The compressor circulates refrigerant to remove heat - without it, your system can't produce cool air.
Weak airflow forces your system to work harder. While blocked filters or ducts can cause similar symptoms, persistent airflow issues after checking these components typically point to compressor problems.
If your outdoor unit stays silent while the indoor unit runs, your compressor may be:
A clicking sound during startup attempts indicates the compressor is failing to engage.
Different sounds indicate specific issues:
Turn off the unit immediately and call for professional help.
Healthy compressors activate immediately. If yours requires multiple attempts to start, this "hard starting" accelerates wear and may lead to complete failure.
Compressors draw significant power. Frequent breaker trips indicate:
Never continuously reset breakers - this risks further damage.
Moisture around your unit may indicate:
A failing compressor forces longer run times and higher electricity consumption, often showing as unexplained bill increases.
Compressor failure disrupts refrigerant circulation, creating:
An excessively hot exterior unit suggests compressor overwork. If you notice smoke or burning smells, shut off the system immediately.
Violent shaking indicates:
A faulty compressor often causes:
These problems typically stem from:
If you notice any warning signs:
At Superior Air Management (Athens, GA), our NATE-certified technicians provide:
Don't wait until complete failure occurs! If you suspect your AC compressor is failing, contact the experts at Superior Air Management (Athens, GA) for professional HVAC service.
