In a tropical country like Singapore, the need for an aircon unit is a non-negotiable requirement. Aside from providing comfort in Singaporean homes, it also improves our overall productivity in the workplace. Without it, the image of uncomfortable living and working conditions is not hard to imagine.
Ever wonder what drives air conditioners to perform to their fullest potential? Enter the air conditioner compressor. Considered as the heart of air conditioners, a compressor is in charge of several functions that all contribute to the clean and cold air that you sleep or work on a daily basis.
As one of the main parts in an aircon unit, it comes as no surprise that a compressor is also one of the parts that most easily develop faults or breaks. If an air conditioner compressor is not at it most perfect shape, then chances are your unit will start showing signs of performance problems and breakdowns. In this article, we will be showing you the many functions of an aircon compressor and how to detect its most common problems.
1. Air Transfer
One of the most important functions of your aircon is transferring heat into the unit. As soon as the air rises above the default room temperature, the aircon’s vent proceeds to suck humid air into the unit. This is where the air conditioner compressor enters — by pushing the humid air to the condenser coil.
Once the air has been absorbed by the unit, the air conditioner compressor starts pushing it to the condenser coil. It is during this process where the magic happens: the production of cold air as the refrigerant transforms the balmy air into the chilly and breezy air that you are familiar with.
2. Humidity Elimination
Aside from transferring air, another important function of the compressor is that it helps your unit to eliminate humidity. When it is not functioning properly, you can expect your room to start getting damp and moist.
3. Liquid Compression
When the balmy air has been absorbed by your unit, the compressor does its job of turning it into liquid. From here, it makes its way down an expansion valve that cools the warm liquid. The next step is for aircon fluids to enter into the compressor in the form of low-pressure gas.
If your compressor is faulty, then the liquid won’t be fully processed, resulting in warmer air production despite cool mode being turned on.
4. Removal And Condensation of Hot Refrigerated Gas
The compressor is also responsible for removing and condensing hot refrigerated gas in your unit, enabling it to have a much higher pressure and temperature.
Now that we’ve talked about the basic and essential functions of air conditioner compressors, it is time to discuss its common problems and most noticeable signs that you can pay close attention to.
1. Aircon Not Cooling
Has your aircon started showing signs of reduced cooling? If your answer is a resounding yes, then consider this as an indicator that your compressor needs repair or changing. This problem can be due to a broken compressor, so it is recommended to schedule an appointment immediately with an aircon expert.
2. Aircon Turning On And Off
If you start seeing signs that your air conditioning unit has been turning on and off frequently, don’t panic. It is not a ghost nor someone from your house pulling some scary prank on you — it could very well be an air conditioner compressor problem that is plaguing your unit. Failure to take action on this right away may result in higher electricity bills due to increased energy consumption by your unit.
It is also important to note that this problem can’t be solely attributed to a faulty compressor. There are a multitude of reasons that can be pinpointed to this. Sometimes, the problem could be as simple as a busted fuse or a broken wire. If ever your unit starts malfunctioning by turning on and off frequently, it is recommended to first look at the fuse and other wiring. However, after doing all the necessary troubleshooting steps possible and the problem still persists, then it is time to consider consulting a professional air conditioning expert and booking an appointment to remedy this problem right away.
3. Compressor Motor Not Starting
Your compressor’s motor still not functioning despite numerous attempts? Then it is time to consider the possibility of a problem within its start capacitor. If your unit doesn’t have one, it is best to install one. However, if your unit has one and is still showing signs of performance issues, then the next step is to call an air conditioning technician to take a look and offer the necessary steps for repair or replacement.
4. Overheating
As a nation famous for its tropical weather, Singaporean aircon owners are well familiar with this problem. With air conditioners in constant use and placed in fairly sultry external positions outside homes, there is a high possibility of overheating. An easy way to spot an overheating aircon is to spot if the unit starts exhibiting signs of extreme heat after turning it on for a few minutes. The usual causes for this problem include clogging of internal parts, defective parts that need replacement, busted wiring, irregular maintenance, and issues within the compressor unit. If you ever find yourself confronted by the inconvenience of an overly heating air conditioning machine, then it’s best to leave the matter to an aircon technician or a licensed aircon servicing company to make the professional fix.
5. Worn-out Compressor
In other cases, spotting a faulty air con compressor can be as easy as checking its overall form and function instead of looking for red flags such as overheating and intermittent cooling issues. To do this, you have to directly inspect your air conditioner compressor— you will then easily be able to tell if it needs to be replaced if it’s broken, damaged, and worn-out.
To get a new compressor, just look for the serial number and the model number on its metal plate to help you determine the exact model that you need to look for. Another option is to also replace it using your valid warranty. Valid warranties will be honored by your air conditioning unit’s manufacturer for a free repair or replacement given that it falls under their warranty terms and conditions. However, in the case that your warranty has already expired, you can start exploring your other options through purchasing a new one in the vast selection of air conditioning parts shop in your area.
6. Ensuring Your Aircon's Performance and Lifespan
A lot of factors make up for your air conditioning machine’s total performance and overall lifespan. This includes regular maintenance checks, constant cleaning and dusting, and preventive measures such as detecting early signs of performance issues. If you want to ensure your aircon performs well by giving you cool and clean air every day, consider doing all of these steps and you’ll be surprised at how long it will take you until your next unit.
