Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on many parts working together to remove heat and moisture from the air to cool an indoor space. Unfortunately, several problems can arise that cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in air conditioning performance issues. As such, you might wonder, “Why is my AC compressor overheating and shutting off?”
As a top AC installation service in Savannah, GA, we at Georgia Air Cooling & Heating have plenty of experience diagnosing compressor problems and cooling system shutdowns. Though a problematic air conditioning compressor might seem like a unique situation, it’s more common than you may realize. Keep reading for more details about what causes this crucial component to overheat and what you can do about it.
Most Common Reasons for Compressor Malfunctions in Savannah
Whether your home or business in Savannah has a window air conditioner, a centralized unit, or a ductless mini-split, it uses a compressor to help remove heat from indoor air. The component is like an engine for an air conditioner; it helps transfer the warmth the refrigerant absorbs from inside air to the condenser, which disperses the heat outdoors.
Want to know “Why Is my AC compressor overheating and shutting off?” Though you’ll need a thorough inspection and diagnosis from a qualified HVAC contractor to uncover your specific compressor problem, one or more of the following conditions could be a contributing factor.
Low Refrigerant
A primary component of a cooling system is refrigerant. It’s a complex chemical compound that absorbs moisture and heat from the air that passes over the system’s evaporator coils. Refrigerant changes from gas to liquid and back to gas within a closed loop so it shouldn’t need replacing or topping off.
The exception to that rule is if the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. A specific amount of refrigerant is necessary to facilitate the heat transfer and chill indoor air. If your system has a leak, even a small one, it will result in reduced cooling performance and problems with the compressor.
Refrigerant is a potentially hazardous material so you should never add more to your air conditioning unit. Instead, contact a Savannah HVAC contractor to inspect and repair the leak before recharging the refrigerant to the appropriate level.
Dirty Air Filters
Clogged filters might not seem like a major issue for heating and cooling equipment, but they are. The filter traps airborne debris and contaminants as air circulates through your home and the air conditioner. When they become too filthy, air filters can cause several problems.
First, they restrict airflow, which forces the air conditioning system to work harder to keep the home at the temperature set on the thermostat. Second, the clogged filter traps air inside the cooling unit’s air handler, which can cause ice to develop on the evaporator coils. The frost or ice prevents the refrigerant and compressor from working properly.
When an air conditioner can’t work correctly due to the effects of a dirty filter, the system compressor will overheat and constantly cycle on and off. In the worst-case scenario, the cooling unit will break down completely.
Cooling System Age
When asking, “Why is my AC compressor overheating and shutting off?” be sure to pay attention to your cooling system’s age. Air conditioners have an average life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. The better maintenance you provide for your system, the longer it’s likely to last.
Unfortunately, an air conditioner’s performance will decline with age. By the time it reaches its fifteenth year, you should consider replacing it with a newer model. If your compressor displays problems years before it should, you should call a professional to assess the situation and make possible repairs or adjustments.
Degraded Oil or Low Oil Levels
Some air conditioners have reciprocating compressors that lubricate moving parts with oil to minimize friction and keep internal temperatures down. Like refrigerant, insufficient oil levels will keep the compressor from dissipating the heat it generates from friction. The same problem happens when oil becomes old or degraded due to contaminants.
Excessive friction from degraded or low oil levels not only causes the compressor to overheat. It can also lead to premature wear and tear of other air conditioning components, which increases the risk of total system failure. Oil changes must occur on a consistent basis to prevent these problems.
Insufficient Space for Compressor Venting
Another problem that can cause an air conditioner compressor to overheat and shut down is the lack of venting space. When the equipment produces hot air, it must have enough space for disbursement. Otherwise, the heated air will hover around the equipment, increasing the chances of it overheating.
Consider the placement of your air conditioning equipment. Do its vents face a wall, or is something blocking it? Does the room containing the compressor lack ventilation?
If the answer is “yes” to those questions, the air conditioning compressor might not have enough venting space and will need repositioning.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are the air conditioning parts that disperse the heat the system’s refrigerant collects from the indoor air. These coils must have a clean and clear surface to do their job. If they’re too dirty, the warmth from the refrigerant will stay in the system.
Routine HVAC maintenance can prevent this problem. One of the services a heating and cooling technician provides when servicing an air conditioner is cleaning the condenser coils. If your Savannah home is overly humid and having trouble cooling down, dirty condenser coils could be the root of the problem.
How to Tell If Your Savannah Property’s Air Conditioner Has a Failing or Overheating Compressor
A malfunctioning air conditioner compressor will prevent your Savannah home from cooling down on hot summer days. So how can you tell if the compressor is the problem and not another cooling unit component? Here are several warning signs that your system’s compressor is experiencing heating problems and needs immediate attention from a skilled HVAC technician:
- Compressor Takes Too Long to Turn On: An inability to turn on is a clear indicator that something is wrong with your compressor. When these parts overheat, they take longer between cycles to cool down.
- Compressor Shuts Off Too Soon: Premature shutdowns are another warning sign. This situation occurs when the compressor’s internal temperature triggers the thermal cutoff switch that stops the motor.
- Premature Wear and Tear: An air conditioner compressor should last as long as the entire system with routine maintenance and timely repairs. If its performance declines too quickly and leads to frequent repairs, the equipment likely has a major problem that isn’t getting the proper attention.
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: Your Savannah home’s air conditioner can trip your property’s circuit breakers for several reasons including an overheating compressor. Other culprits include dirty filters, low oil levels, and an electrical short.
Tips for Keeping Your AC Compressor From Overheating
After learning the possible answers to “Why is my AC compressor overheating and shutting off?” you must know how to keep your air conditioning equipment in good condition. Here are some tips to consider.
Improve Ventilation
A lack of ventilation in and around the air conditioner’s compressor can quickly cause problems for your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Ensure each vent is open without blockages to ensure it can provide the ventilation your system needs. If it’s damaged or inadequate, it’ll need a replacement.
Monitor Oil Levels
Unlike refrigerant, you must regularly replace the oil in your air conditioner’s compressor if it uses it for lubrication. Oil collects dirt, dust, and other debris as it circulates throughout the equipment, which causes its degradation and reduced levels over time.
Periodically changing the oil ensures that your compressor has enough lubrication to prevent unnecessary friction heat. When assessing the material every six months, ensure it’s not too watery, thick, or discolored. These symptoms may indicate that the compressor is overheating due to the oil not being clean with the right viscosity.
Change Filters Regularly
Though you can change compressor oil every six months, it’s best to replace your air conditioner’s air filter at least once every three months. You may need to replace filters monthly if you have pets in your Savannah residence or if a household member has allergies.
Inspect Thermal Valve
Air conditioning compressors have thermal valves that prevent heat buildup within the refrigerant. When inspecting your air conditioner, be sure to replace malfunctioning valves to make sure the system works correctly.
Contact Georgia Air Cooling & Heating to Ensure Your Savannah AC Compressor Runs Smoothly
After learning that there are multiple answers to “Why is my AC compressor overheating and shutting off?” you can count on our professionals at Georgia Air Cooling & Heating to diagnose your air conditioner’s precise problem. Our HVAC company is highly rated due to our ability to diagnose and repair common AC problems throughout Savannah, GA, and the surrounding communities.
We strive to provide comprehensive HVAC services that improve each customer’s comfort and indoor air quality. With us, your satisfaction is a guaranteed priority so call (912) 513-3741 today for a consultation.