Your home's air conditioner has a lot of moving parts, but the powerhouse of the HVAC unit is the compressor. The compressor is essentially the engine of the system. It helps remove heat from the air so it can be transferred outside, resulting in a cooler interior. To learn more about this seemingly complicated process, consider the brief guide below. 

How Does It Work?

HVAC units don't actually add cool air, they simply remove the heat from your interior and transfer it outside. This is achieved through the help of an air compressor. This component uses compression and evaporation to transform the refrigerant into hot, high-pressure gas and then back to a cool liquid. This change in temperature creates a high pressure, which helps power the other components and eventually results in cool air. The air compressor is the first step in the process. 

What Can Cause It to Fail?

There are several issues that can lead to a failed HVAC system, but if your air compressor breaks down it should be considered an emergency. An air compressor can be expensive to repair and without it, the air conditioning would not work. Some of the things that can cause it to fail include dirty condenser coils, blocked suction lines, low refrigerant charge, too much refrigerant, various electrical problems, contaminants, problems with the suction line size, and improper oil lubricant. Luckily, almost all of these situations are preventable with the right HVAC maintenance. 

Preventative Maintenance Tips 

The best way to avoid problems is to take care of your air compressor over the years. This should include regularly cleaning your HVAC system, changing the filter at least once per month, and having it professionally serviced twice a year. During this time, an experienced HVAC contractor will inspect the parts and look for signs of minor repairs that could cause further problems over time. This will reduce the risk that your air compressor fails before its lifespan, saving you time, energy, and money.

If you experience any HVAC issues, contact the experts at High Tech HVAC in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Their team of licensed and insured professionals has been providing customers with installation, repairs, and maintenance for over 20 years. In addition to regular hours, they also offer 24-hour services for HVAC emergencies. To learn more about their preventative maintenance program, visit them online. You can also call them at (715) 423-4881 to schedule an appointment today.