10 vzrokov za okvaro kompresorja AC &7 načinov, kako se izogniti okvari kompresorja
Zadnja stvar, ki si jo želite v poletni sezoni, je, da na vroč in žgoč dan ugotovite, da vaša klimatska naprava ne deluje. Čeprav nekatere težave z klimatsko napravo niso tako drage, če se izkaže, da je razlog okvara AC kompresorja, bo to zagotovo močno zarezalo v vašo denarnico.
Dobra stvar je, da je večino težav mogoče preprečiti, če jih odkrijemo pravočasno.
Sestavili smo obsežen seznam, ki vam bo pomagal zgodaj diagnosticirati težavo in vam ponudil korake, s katerimi lahko preprečite težavo v prihodnosti.
Kaj počne AC kompresor?
Kompresor je pomembna komponenta in velja za srce vašega HVAC sistema. Odgovoren je za stiskanje hladilnega sredstva, hladilne snovi, tako da lahko teče v AC in odvaja toploto (ali hladen zrak v primeru reverzibilnih AC).
Zdržijo lahko precej dolgo – 10 do 15 let, če jim zagotovimo ustrezno nego.
Vendar pa bo neuspešno vzdrževanje klimatske naprave povzročilo večjo obrabo. Puščanje prahu, ostankov ali hladilnega sredstva ima večji vpliv na delovanje vašega kompresorja za izmenični tok.
Torej, ko se kompresor pokvari, to pomeni, da imate HVAC nujno! V nekaterih nesrečnih scenarijih je ne boste mogli popraviti in zamenjava je edina možnost.
Kako deluje kompresor klimatske naprave?
Toplota teče iz območja z visoko temperaturo v mesto z nizko temperaturo. Klimatske naprave delujejo po enakem principu.
Kompresor vaše klimatske naprave ima glavno vlogo pri procesu hlajenja. Hladilno sredstvo zbira toploto iz uparjalnika. Po tem teče do kompresorja, kjer zmanjša prostornino hladiva in ga spremeni v tekoče stanje. Ko je hladilno sredstvo stisnjeno, njegova temperatura naraste in se pretvori v visokotlačni plin. Nato teče do kondenzatorske tuljave, da odda toploto, ki se sprosti zunaj. Nato se ponovno pretvori v tekočino, ki teče do notranje enote. Postopek se znova in znova ponavlja, da se zaključi cikel hladilnega sredstva.
Če želite izvedeti več o delovanju klimatske naprave, preberite ta članek:Kako deluje klimatska naprava?
5 opozorilnih znakov okvare AC kompresorja
Popravilo ali zamenjava kompresorja je drago in želeli bi čim prej odkriti vsako težavo, ki bi lahko povzročila okvaro kompresorja vaše klimatske naprave. Torej, tukaj je pet zgodnjih opozorilnih znakov, ki kažejo, da se bo vaš kompresor kmalu pokvaril:
1. Šibek pretok zraka
Zmanjšan pretok zraka je eden od zgodnjih simptomov okvare kompresorja AC. Vendar pa je to morda zelo težko opaziti, saj boste prvih nekaj dni še naprej zniževali temperaturo, če se vam zdi, da vaš dom ni dovolj hladen.
Najboljši način, da ugotovite, ali je pretok zraka šibek, je, da položite roke pod zračnike. Če čutite malo ali nič pretoka zraka ali čutite topel zrak, ko bi moral biti hladen, to pomeni, da ima vaša klimatska naprava težave s kompresorjem. Takoj se obrnite na strokovnjaka za HVAC in ga popravite.
Preberite ta članek, če želite izvedeti več o težavah s pretokom zraka HVAC.
2. Glasno pokanje
Če se vaša enota HVAC začne z glasnim pokom ali godrnjanjem in opazite, da jo spremljajo tresljaji, morate biti takoj opozorjeni. To je lahko znak različnih težav in okvara AC kompresorja je ena izmed njih.
Ti zvoki izmeničnega toka nakazujejo, da ima kompresor težave z zagonom in da bo verjetno v prihodnosti odpovedal. Pokanje pomeni tudi okvaro električnih komponent v kompresorju.
Takoj izklopite enoto in se obrnite na strokovnjaka za temeljit pregled sistema.
3. Puščanje hladilnega sredstva
Kaznivi znaki puščanja hladiva vključujejo šibek pretok zraka, sikajoče zvoke, vodo okoli vaše HVAC enote ali nastajanje ledu na tuljavah uparjalnika. Puščanje hladilnega sredstva bi bilo najbolje rešiti takoj, saj lahko povzroči različne težave. Lahko vpliva na hlajenje vašega sistema in dolgoročno povzroči okvaro kompresorja. Mesečno vzdrževanje lahko pomaga pri zgodnjem odkrivanju puščanja hladilnega sredstva, preden bi lahko poškodovalo vaš kompresor.
4. Visoki računi za elektriko
Če se mora vaš kompresor za izmenični tok bolj potruditi, da ohladi vaš dom, bo porabil več energije in deloval pogosteje, kar bo drastično povečalo vaše račune za elektriko.
Torej, če opazite nenadno povečanje računov brez povečane uporabe, je to zaskrbljujoče. Takoj odnesite svojo enoto HVAC na pregled, da ugotovite, ali deluje normalno in potrebuje popravek.
Tukaj je 16 izjemno enostavnih načinov za zmanjšanje stroškov klimatizacije.
5. Sprožen odklopnik
When a circuit breaker trips, it is a measure to protect your appliances from an electrical overload. It happens when you have too many devices running simultaneously or due to a power surge.
However, if your outdoor unit is constantly tripping the circuit breaker, it is not a good sign and indicates AC compressor failure. It means that the compressor needs more power to run because it is overheating.
Turning it back on won’t help in this case; you must contact an HVAC professional immediately.
What Causes AC Compressor Failure? – 10 Common Reasons
AC compressor failure is usually due to an internal problem that impacts the performance of your compressor over time.
Here is the list of 10 common causes of air conditioner’s compressor failure that require your immediate attention:
1. Electrical Failure
An electrical failure can be caused by damaged contactors, wires, and fuses. Acids build up in your system as a result of electrical problems causing other parts of your AC to malfunction as well. Power surges can also result in electrical issues in your air conditioner.
Acid and oxidation buildup is usually a prominent sign of electrical problems in your HVAC system. A trained professional can detect acid buildup during a routine inspection, making the repairs before it gets out of hand.
2. Blockage of Condenser Coils
Lack of maintenance plays a big role in blocking your condenser coils. When they are clogged with grime and dust, they cannot release heat which puts pressure on the compressor. If you continue to run your system in this condition, your compressor can overheat and stop functioning completely.
3. Compressor Overheating
Overheating is a common cause of compressor failure, and there are many factors at play.
If direct sunlight falls on your outdoor unit and there is inadequate ventilation around it, it makes your unit’s compressor overheated. High voltages can also damage the motor causing the compressor to overheat.
Moreover, dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, and lack of insulation; all can contribute to compressor overheating, ultimately resulting in compressor failure.
4. Evaporator Motor Displacement
If your AC’s evaporator motor is displaced, it can force the refrigerant to return to the compressor. This pushes the compressor oil out of its place, and your system can face lubrication issues. It causes the compressor to lose its efficiency over time, and eventually, it will cease to operate.
5. Low Refrigerant Levels
You won’t cool your home without an adequate amount of refrigerant in your air conditioner. It is a common misconception that refrigerant levels decrease with time. Your air conditioner doesn’t use up the refrigerant. If the levels are low, there is likely a leakage that needs to be sorted urgently.
Low refrigerant levels decrease the pressure, which causes the compressor to work harder to push the refrigerant in the system. Eventually, the entire compressor will collapse.
Lack of maintenance can increase corrosion and cause cracks in the AC coils. Therefore, regular maintenance is the only way to avoid this issue in the future.
6. Too Much Refrigerant in Your Unit
Wondering how the excess amount of refrigerant got in your unit? Have you ever had an issue of low refrigerant level and called a technician to fix it?
A less qualified person may not know how to fill it up properly and end up filling it more than what is needed. The refrigerant levels must match exactly with the quantity specified by the manufacturer. High levels of refrigerant can lead to increased pressure in the system, causing premature AC compressor failure.
It’s always recommended to call an experienced HVAC expert to deal with air conditioner issues.
7. Lack of Lubrication
Your HVAC needs the correct amount of lubrication to function optimally. Without adequate lubrication, the wear and tear will increase, making your compressor work harder. When there are low levels of oil, your compressor parts rub against each other. This makes small parts come apart and are let loose in the system.
Loss of lubrication is mostly due to leakage from the evaporator, condenser, pipe connections, or the compressor shaft seal. An overstressed compressor is likely to break down earlier than its expected lifespan.
Getting your air conditioner serviced is the key to prevent this problem. The experts will check the lubricant levels, make any necessary adjustments and see if the oil pump is working fine.
8. Clogged or Damaged Suction Lines
Over time, the suction lines of your refrigerator can develop cracks and holes, hindering the refrigerant flow in the system. This puts stress on your compressor as now it has to use extra power to pump enough refrigerant through the unit resulting in a breakdown. One of the evident signs is a decrease in the cooling capacity.
If you notice your unit is not cooling like it’s supposed to, call an HVAC expert to have a look at the suction lines.
9. Dirt &Debris Stuck in the Outdoor Unit
Outdoor pollutants, dust, debris, soot, and moisture can enter your outdoor unit and cause issues for your compressor.
Moreover, air can also be introduced, and it can dispel refrigerant in the condenser. This can increase the temperature inside the compressor and can cause oil carbonization on the discharge valve. Oil carbonization results in residue buildup and makes the valves leak. Leaking valves further increase the temperature, causing more damage to the compressor.
You can avoid this problem by scheduling annual AC tune-ups.
10. Incorrect Sizing of Suction Lines
If your suction line is too long or too short, it can cause AC compressor failure. Wrong sizing can build pressure and overheat the compressor.
This issue mostly arises when an untrained or amateur technician attempts to repair the line and installs the wrong size. It is always best to call a professional for any AC repairs. They know what type of suction line is best suitable, and they will install the right length of the suction line.
7 Ways You Can Prevent AC Compressor Breakdown
If compressors fail before their expected life, the issue is mostly internal and can be avoided with proper care.
Here are seven steps you can follow to prevent AC compressor failure:
1. Inspect the Wiring
You need a regular professional inspection to check the wiring as you won’t be doing it on your own during monthly maintenance. Wiring issues can lead to acid accumulation which deteriorates many components of your air conditioner, including the most important one – your compressor.
During the inspection, the technician can check and replace any faulty wires and fuses before they lead to acid buildup.
2. Install Voltage Monitor or Surge Protector
You can install a voltage monitor or a surge protector to guard your unit against sudden high voltage, low voltage, or power surges. Some surge protectors even give you a compressor warranty in case of damage or compressor failure.
3. Remove Clutter Around the Outdoor Unit
Leaves, dust, grime, and other pollutants can get stuck inside the outdoor unit interfering with its functioning. Periodic cleaning of the outside unit is crucial to keep it running properly.
4. Keep the Suction Lines Clean
Temperature and pressure changes can impact the normal operation of your compressor. When suction lines become blocked due to excessive dirt, the pressure and the temperature increase, leading to overheating. An overheated compressor can fail quite rapidly.
5. Only Call Qualified Professionals
An unqualified technician can pose fatal problems for your air conditioner. As discussed above, they can fill the refrigerant too much, which can cause compressor failure. Similarly, while repairing suction lines, they may install a short or long suction line which can interfere with the compressor pressure.
Air conditioner repairs are a sensitive matter and should always be handled by HVAC experts.
6. Lubricate Your AC Thoroughly
Considering that the compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, keeping it lubricated is the key to its better health. Lubrication can help in avoiding compressor failure before the expected time.
7. Frequent Cleaning of AC Coils
AC coils collect a lot of debris and need frequent cleaning; failure to do so can interfere with the heat exchange process. When this happens, the compressor has to do extra work to remove the heat.
Now that you know all the causes of AC compressor failure, the lesson is never to ignore any warning signs. The delay will not make the problem go away; it will only add to the damage. If you cannot manage to take care of your system on your own, you can go for an HVAC preventative maintenance contract. This will help in getting the underlying issues fixed before they have a chance to damage the compressor.