Have you been told that you may need HVAC compressor replacement? If your central air conditioner has been on the job for an extended number of years, this situation may present itself. The compressor is the hardest-working component in your AC system and is subject to heat and pressure. While compressors are more reliable and longer-lasting than ever, wear and tear eventually takes its toll and may lead to failure of this critical component.
A defective compressor may display symptoms such as automatically shutting down due to avoid overheating, a tripped circuit breaker, refrigerant leakage, unexplained noises, and overall poor cooling performance.
What follows are some potential scenarios that you may need to consider to make an informed decision.
Can it be repaired?
In some very limited circumstances, an existing compressor may be fixable. However, keep in mind that even if it can be repaired, simply replacing one part in an aging compressor may not be a bargain. Some other part may fail very soon due to accumulated wear and tear. This will then likely require replacement of the entire compressor.
Is it under warranty?
In some cases, HVAC compressor replacement may be covered under warranty. If other components in the system are still fully functional and energy-efficient, and you’re satisfied with the cooling performance, then you may replace the compressor under warranty terms.
Is the compressor no longer under warranty?
If finances are limited, you may wish to schedule an HVAC compressor replacement alone and retain the existing components of the central AC, including the indoor and outdoor coils. However, consider that the compressor is usually the most expensive single component in the central AC system. In that case, it may be a wiser economic choice to take this opportunity to replace the entire system now and receive better cooling performance, improved energy efficiency, and lower operating costs — plus a new warranty for all components in the entire system.
For professional diagnosis and advice about options for HVAC compressor replacement, contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
