The last two weeks we discussed spring air conditioning maintenance, and we’re going to address it again this week. There’s a good reason for this focus: routine inspections and tune-ups for an air conditioning system during the spring is one of the best things you can have done to prepare your home for the middle of the year. It’s a huge benefit to you in many ways.
One of those ways, as we’ve mentioned previously, is that maintenance helps to prevent components from breaking down. And no component is more vital to keep in good shape over the summer than the compressor.
The Job of the Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the way an air conditioning system operates. This is the place in the system where energy is applied to the chemical refrigerant, raising its temperature and pressure so it circulates through the outdoor and indoor coils of the system. If the compressor isn’t working, refrigerant doesn’t move, and a home won’t receive any cool air.
Compressor Damage
The compressor can sustain damage due to excess stress as well as malfunctions. A broken compressor is one of the most expensive components to replace in an air conditioner, and often when a compressor burns out, it’s more advisable in terms of cost to simply replace the whole AC. Clearly, you don’t want to be stuck with a broken compressor in the middle fo summer.
Compressors can suffer damage because of loss of refrigerant, which changes the pressure inside the compressor. Los of refrigerant can also mean that cold liquid refrigerant can enter into the compressor (only gaseous refrigerant is supposed to) which will mix with the oil and cause the compressor to burn-out.
Regular maintenance will inspect the AC and find if the compressor is under too much stress or if loss of refrigerant is threatening it. The technician will see that the compressor receives the right care so that it will be at the least possible danger of failing during the summer. Continued care each year will see that the compressor last for 15 years or more.
Schedule your AC maintenance this spring in Ft. Walton Beach, FL with Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc.