Every air conditioner has a compressor, it’s true! If you have cooling equipment in your home that doesn’t use pressurized refrigerant, then you’re probably thinking of fans or dehumidifiers. Air conditioning systems, as we know them today, always have to have some kind of compressing component that uses pressurized refrigerant to absorb heat and move it.
So, it might make perfect sense that we end up talking about this vital component of your AC system. The phrase “problem with your compressor” is probably one of the scariest things a homeowner can hear when they call for a diagnosis, because it’s usually going to mean an expensive repair bill is on the horizon. However, we’d like to give this kind of AC repair in Wellington, FL a silver lining.
Let’s talk about compressor problems, why they’re so expensive, and how you can plan ahead when you’re dealing with one!
What Does the Compressor Do?
First, let’s talk about what exactly your AC’s compressor does and why it’s so important. An air conditioner cools air by using refrigerant to draw heat into it and deposit it outdoors. In order for refrigerant to do this, it needs to be pressurized so that it evaporates and condenses in a cycle that we call the cooling process. Your compressor is the component that’s in charge of performing this vital function.
The vast majority of energy that your air conditioner consumes when it runs goes to the compressor component. This is easily the most energy-intensive and modern part of the air conditioning process, and it’s one that your system just can’t do without.
Why Compressor Repairs Are So Expensive
So, when trying to parse through the details and understand why compressor repairs are so expensive, we need to understand what exactly it is. The compressor is built out of a lot of intricate electrical equipment that’s responsible for pressurizing refrigerant, which means it’s easily the most complex part to your whole system. Fixes to this component can be laborious and time-consuming.
The compressor is equivalent to the engine in your car, it’s the piece that the car just can’t do anything without.
Should You Repair Your Compressor, or Replace the Whole AC?
Here’s the interesting part—if you’re confronted with a compressor problem that requires expensive repairs, you should take a step back and evaluate your system. Here are a few points to consider.
- If your system is relatively new, then compressor repairs are a good idea. The other components of your air conditioner might still be in great shape, so there’s no reason to throw the baby out with the bath water!
- If your system is older, inefficient, or constantly has problems, replacement might be better. Air conditioners are only supposed to last up to 10-15 years in age. If your system is reaching this age, it should probably be replaced.
- If the cost of repairs are more than half the cost of a replacement, get the replacement. This is a great rule of thumb to consider when faced with a very expensive repair need!
Don’t hesitate to contact Seaside Air Services for more information on compressor repairs!