Causes Of Compressor Hard Starting | AC Repair Company | Golden Valley, AZ

Although short cycling is the often talked about HVAC problem, another serious problem tends to go below the radar. That is the hard starting of the heating and air conditioning system. Although they seriously impact your HVAC system and home heating, short cycling is often known as it happens when the unit has already been running. HVAC short cycling is when an air conditioning system turns off and on rapidly to the extent that it doesn’t cool or heat your home evenly or even remove humidity. It arises mostly if you have a too-large or a too-small HVAC system for your space. Hard starting refers to when you hear or notice that the heating and cooling system is struggling to start, and when it starts, it “booms.” You should also note that hard starting can severely damage your HVAC system. Either issue should be repaired by an AC repair company in Golden Valley, AZ.

The HVAC Compressor is the Issue

As you may have heard or read, the compressor is like the heart of your air conditioning system. The pump enables the coolant to circulate via the system and supplies it with energy. The compressor is the costliest component of the HVAC system. Hence, its failure means it is time to call an AC repair company to replace the entire heating and cooling system. Hard starting is normally a sign that the compressor is experiencing different issues, and more specifically, it is burning out. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avert this. Using a heat pump system, you can have the HVAC system inspected and serviced by your reliable, licensed AC repair company annually or bi-annually. Below are the Compressor problems that will result in hard starting and how the HVAC technician can deal with each.

Loss of Lubrication

Poor compressor lubrication is one of the leading reasons why most HVAC systems experience this and other mechanical problems that need the attention of an AC repair company in Golden Valley, AZ. This is because it has a direct impact on the system’s operation. When the compressor is not sufficiently lubricated, friction between the moving parts increases. Hence, it becomes hard for the compressor to start.

High friction also generates a lot of heat, overheating, and damage to the compressor’s internal components. This will result in higher compressor resistance, resulting in hard starting. It is also worth noting that the lubricant acts as a coolant for the mechanical parts. It evacuates heat from the compressor, ensuring that the seals remain intact. Hence, if the compressor is poorly lubricated, heat will not be evacuated effectively, meaning the seals could be damaged. This results in hard starting and leaks, further damaging the compressor. However, this is an issue you can avoid by having an AC repair company come over for HVAC maintenance. During the visit, the professionals will lubricate all the system’s mechanical components, including the compressor, averting the issue of hard starting.

Bad Oil

As explained above, lubrication prevents hard starting and other compressor issues. But what happens if the oil used is bad? The same problem will arise. Contaminated or poor-quality lubrication oil can increase strain on the compressor motors, resulting in reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear. The oil may be too thick to the extent that it cannot effectively circulate in the compressor, resulting in heat accumulation and reduced cooling performance. However, the buildup of debris and sludge in the oil will result in a hard start. This is because such oil can clog the coil passages, restricting their flow. Thus, just as you have a mechanic change your vehicle’s engine oil, you must also have an AC repair company empty the compressor oil and refill it with quality, uncontaminated oil. This is also a part of the routine air conditioning service.

Mechanical Issues

A compressor has many mechanical components that ensure your home is properly cooled. The other reason why your HVAC system could be experiencing a hard starting problem is if there are mechanical problems in the compressor. If the compressor’s crankshaft, bearings, and other mechanical components are damaged or worn, your HVAC system will have reduced efficiency. These issues are also enough to result in a hard start. When was the last time you had the AC repair company inspect the compressor for mechanical and other issues? If you cannot recall, now may be about time you have one. Preventative HVAC maintenance is critical for averting issues that could result in hard starting. However, the maintenance should be done by experienced, licensed service providers.

Acid and Moisture

During the air conditioning service, the technicians will check for the presence of other things in the compressor, such as moisture and water. Did you know that water could find its way into the compressor? Unfortunately, this can happen. The excessive moisture could result in moisture seeping into the compressor. Unfortunately, this affects the effectiveness of the lubricant or compressor oil. When the AC repair company in Golden Valley, AZ, determines that the compressor has water or acid, they will empty the oil, water and acid, refill the compressor with oil, and seal and cover it to prevent the problem recurring.

Failed Fan

A malfunctioning or broken outdoor fan is also a problem for your air conditioning system. However, it can result in a burned-out compressor. A broken fan cannot vent the heat when the compressor runs. As a result, the compressor overheats, resulting in hard starting. Have you noticed the fans aren’t running at their normal speeds? Have an AC repair company send a technician for an inspection and repair. You don’t want the compressor to overheat and be damaged because of such a minor problem.

Preventative Maintenance that Prevents Hard Starting

Don’t wait for the problem to disappear because it won’t. Do you need preventative maintenance that protects your system from hard starting? Contact us at Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County.