10 uzroka kvara kompresora izmjenične struje i 7 načina za izbjegavanje kvara kompresora
Zadnje što želite u ljetnoj sezoni je saznati da vam klima uređaj ne radi. Iako neki problemi s klima-uređajem nisu toliko skupi, ako se ispostavi da je razlog kvar kompresora klima-uređaja, to će vam sigurno oboriti novčanik.
Dobra stvar je što se većina problema može spriječiti ako se otkriju na vrijeme.
Sastavili smo opsežan popis kako bismo vam pomogli da rano dijagnosticirate problem i pružili vam korake koje možete poduzeti da spriječite problem u budućnosti.
Čemu služi AC kompresor?
Kompresor je vitalna komponenta i smatra se srcem vašeg HVAC sustava. Odgovoran je za komprimiranje rashladnog sredstva, rashladne tvari, tako da može teći u AC i uklanjati toplinu (ili hladni zrak u slučaju reverzibilnih AC).
Mogu trajati dosta dugo – 10 do 15 godina ako im se pruži odgovarajuća njega.
Međutim, neodržavanje klima uređaja dovest će do povećanja istrošenosti. Prašina, krhotine ili curenje rashladnog sredstva imaju veći utjecaj na rad vašeg AC kompresora.
Dakle, kada se kompresor pokvari, to znači da imate HVAC hitan slučaj! U nekim nesretnim scenarijima, nećete ga moći popraviti, a zamjena je jedina opcija.
Kako radi kompresor klima uređaja?
Toplina teče iz područja visoke temperature u mjesto niske temperature. Klima uređaji rade na istom principu.
Kompresor vašeg klima uređaja igra glavnu ulogu u procesu hlađenja. Rashladno sredstvo prikuplja toplinu iz isparivača. Nakon toga teče do kompresora, gdje smanjuje volumen rashladnog sredstva i pretvara ga u tekuće stanje. Kada se rashladno sredstvo komprimira, njegova temperatura raste i ono se pretvara u plin pod visokim pritiskom. Zatim teče do zavojnice kondenzatora da odustane od topline koja se oslobađa vani. Zatim se ponovno pretvara u tekućinu koja teče prema unutarnjoj jedinici. Proces se ponavlja uvijek iznova kako bi se dovršio ciklus rashladnog sredstva.
Kako biste saznali više o radu klima uređaja, pročitajte ovaj članak:Kako radi klima uređaj?
5 znakova upozorenja kvara AC kompresora
Popravak ili zamjena kompresora skupi su i trebali biste što prije otkriti svaki problem koji bi mogao dovesti do kvara kompresora vašeg klima uređaja. Dakle, evo pet ranih znakova upozorenja koji pokazuju da će se vaš kompresor uskoro pokvariti:
1. Slab protok zraka
Smanjeni protok zraka jedan je od ranih simptoma kvara AC kompresora. Međutim, to može biti prilično teško primijetiti jer ćete nastaviti snižavati temperaturu prvih nekoliko dana ako smatrate da vaš dom nije dovoljno hladan.
Najbolji način da saznate je li protok zraka slab je da stavite ruke ispod ventilacijskih otvora. Ako osjećate slab ili nikakav protok zraka ili osjećate topao zrak kada bi trebao biti hladan, to znači da vaš klima uređaj ima problem s kompresorom. Trebali biste odmah kontaktirati stručnjaka za HVAC i popraviti ga.
Pročitajte ovaj članak kako biste saznali više o problemima s protokom zraka HVAC-a.
2. Glasno lupanje
Ako vaša HVAC jedinica počne s glasnim lupanjem ili režanjem i primijetite vibracije koje ga prate, trebali biste se odmah upozoriti. To bi mogao biti znak raznih problema, a kvar kompresora izmjenične struje jedan je od njih.
Ovi zvukovi izmjenične struje ukazuju na to da kompresor ima problema s pokretanjem i da će se vjerojatno u budućnosti pokvariti. Zvuk lupanja također označava kvar električnih komponenti u kompresoru.
Trebali biste odmah isključiti jedinicu i kontaktirati stručnjaka za temeljitu provjeru vašeg sustava.
3. Curenje rashladnog sredstva
Izdajnički znakovi curenja rashladnog sredstva uključuju slab protok zraka, šištanje, vodu oko vaše HVAC jedinice ili stvaranje leda na zavojnicama isparivača. Najbolje bi bilo hitno riješiti curenje rashladnog sredstva jer bi moglo dovesti do raznih problema. To može utjecati na hlađenje vašeg sustava i dugoročno uzrokovati kvar kompresora. Mjesečno održavanje može pomoći u ranom otkrivanju curenja rashladnog sredstva prije nego ono ima priliku oštetiti vaš kompresor.
4. Visoki računi za struju
Ako vaš kompresor izmjenične struje mora više raditi kako bi rashladio vaš dom, trošit će više energije i radit će češće, drastično povećavajući vaše račune za struju.
Dakle, ako primijetite iznenadni porast svojih računa bez povećane upotrebe, to je razlog za zabrinutost. Trebali biste odmah provjeriti svoju HVAC jedinicu kako biste znali radi li ispravno i treba li je popraviti.
Evo 16 super-jednostavnih načina da smanjite troškove klimatizacije.
5. Aktivirani prekidač strujnog kruga
When a circuit breaker trips, it is a measure to protect your appliances from an electrical overload. It happens when you have too many devices running simultaneously or due to a power surge.
However, if your outdoor unit is constantly tripping the circuit breaker, it is not a good sign and indicates AC compressor failure. It means that the compressor needs more power to run because it is overheating.
Turning it back on won’t help in this case; you must contact an HVAC professional immediately.
What Causes AC Compressor Failure? – 10 Common Reasons
AC compressor failure is usually due to an internal problem that impacts the performance of your compressor over time.
Here is the list of 10 common causes of air conditioner’s compressor failure that require your immediate attention:
1. Electrical Failure
An electrical failure can be caused by damaged contactors, wires, and fuses. Acids build up in your system as a result of electrical problems causing other parts of your AC to malfunction as well. Power surges can also result in electrical issues in your air conditioner.
Acid and oxidation buildup is usually a prominent sign of electrical problems in your HVAC system. A trained professional can detect acid buildup during a routine inspection, making the repairs before it gets out of hand.
2. Blockage of Condenser Coils
Lack of maintenance plays a big role in blocking your condenser coils. When they are clogged with grime and dust, they cannot release heat which puts pressure on the compressor. If you continue to run your system in this condition, your compressor can overheat and stop functioning completely.
3. Compressor Overheating
Overheating is a common cause of compressor failure, and there are many factors at play.
If direct sunlight falls on your outdoor unit and there is inadequate ventilation around it, it makes your unit’s compressor overheated. High voltages can also damage the motor causing the compressor to overheat.
Moreover, dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, and lack of insulation; all can contribute to compressor overheating, ultimately resulting in compressor failure.
4. Evaporator Motor Displacement
If your AC’s evaporator motor is displaced, it can force the refrigerant to return to the compressor. This pushes the compressor oil out of its place, and your system can face lubrication issues. It causes the compressor to lose its efficiency over time, and eventually, it will cease to operate.
5. Low Refrigerant Levels
You won’t cool your home without an adequate amount of refrigerant in your air conditioner. It is a common misconception that refrigerant levels decrease with time. Your air conditioner doesn’t use up the refrigerant. If the levels are low, there is likely a leakage that needs to be sorted urgently.
Low refrigerant levels decrease the pressure, which causes the compressor to work harder to push the refrigerant in the system. Eventually, the entire compressor will collapse.
Lack of maintenance can increase corrosion and cause cracks in the AC coils. Therefore, regular maintenance is the only way to avoid this issue in the future.
6. Too Much Refrigerant in Your Unit
Wondering how the excess amount of refrigerant got in your unit? Have you ever had an issue of low refrigerant level and called a technician to fix it?
A less qualified person may not know how to fill it up properly and end up filling it more than what is needed. The refrigerant levels must match exactly with the quantity specified by the manufacturer. High levels of refrigerant can lead to increased pressure in the system, causing premature AC compressor failure.
It’s always recommended to call an experienced HVAC expert to deal with air conditioner issues.
7. Lack of Lubrication
Your HVAC needs the correct amount of lubrication to function optimally. Without adequate lubrication, the wear and tear will increase, making your compressor work harder. When there are low levels of oil, your compressor parts rub against each other. This makes small parts come apart and are let loose in the system.
Loss of lubrication is mostly due to leakage from the evaporator, condenser, pipe connections, or the compressor shaft seal. An overstressed compressor is likely to break down earlier than its expected lifespan.
Getting your air conditioner serviced is the key to prevent this problem. The experts will check the lubricant levels, make any necessary adjustments and see if the oil pump is working fine.
8. Clogged or Damaged Suction Lines
Over time, the suction lines of your refrigerator can develop cracks and holes, hindering the refrigerant flow in the system. This puts stress on your compressor as now it has to use extra power to pump enough refrigerant through the unit resulting in a breakdown. One of the evident signs is a decrease in the cooling capacity.
If you notice your unit is not cooling like it’s supposed to, call an HVAC expert to have a look at the suction lines.
9. Dirt &Debris Stuck in the Outdoor Unit
Outdoor pollutants, dust, debris, soot, and moisture can enter your outdoor unit and cause issues for your compressor.
Moreover, air can also be introduced, and it can dispel refrigerant in the condenser. This can increase the temperature inside the compressor and can cause oil carbonization on the discharge valve. Oil carbonization results in residue buildup and makes the valves leak. Leaking valves further increase the temperature, causing more damage to the compressor.
You can avoid this problem by scheduling annual AC tune-ups.
10. Incorrect Sizing of Suction Lines
If your suction line is too long or too short, it can cause AC compressor failure. Wrong sizing can build pressure and overheat the compressor.
This issue mostly arises when an untrained or amateur technician attempts to repair the line and installs the wrong size. It is always best to call a professional for any AC repairs. They know what type of suction line is best suitable, and they will install the right length of the suction line.
7 Ways You Can Prevent AC Compressor Breakdown
If compressors fail before their expected life, the issue is mostly internal and can be avoided with proper care.
Here are seven steps you can follow to prevent AC compressor failure:
1. Inspect the Wiring
You need a regular professional inspection to check the wiring as you won’t be doing it on your own during monthly maintenance. Wiring issues can lead to acid accumulation which deteriorates many components of your air conditioner, including the most important one – your compressor.
During the inspection, the technician can check and replace any faulty wires and fuses before they lead to acid buildup.
2. Install Voltage Monitor or Surge Protector
You can install a voltage monitor or a surge protector to guard your unit against sudden high voltage, low voltage, or power surges. Some surge protectors even give you a compressor warranty in case of damage or compressor failure.
3. Remove Clutter Around the Outdoor Unit
Leaves, dust, grime, and other pollutants can get stuck inside the outdoor unit interfering with its functioning. Periodic cleaning of the outside unit is crucial to keep it running properly.
4. Keep the Suction Lines Clean
Temperature and pressure changes can impact the normal operation of your compressor. When suction lines become blocked due to excessive dirt, the pressure and the temperature increase, leading to overheating. An overheated compressor can fail quite rapidly.
5. Only Call Qualified Professionals
An unqualified technician can pose fatal problems for your air conditioner. As discussed above, they can fill the refrigerant too much, which can cause compressor failure. Similarly, while repairing suction lines, they may install a short or long suction line which can interfere with the compressor pressure.
Air conditioner repairs are a sensitive matter and should always be handled by HVAC experts.
6. Lubricate Your AC Thoroughly
Considering that the compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, keeping it lubricated is the key to its better health. Lubrication can help in avoiding compressor failure before the expected time.
7. Frequent Cleaning of AC Coils
AC coils collect a lot of debris and need frequent cleaning; failure to do so can interfere with the heat exchange process. When this happens, the compressor has to do extra work to remove the heat.
Now that you know all the causes of AC compressor failure, the lesson is never to ignore any warning signs. The delay will not make the problem go away; it will only add to the damage. If you cannot manage to take care of your system on your own, you can go for an HVAC preventative maintenance contract. This will help in getting the underlying issues fixed before they have a chance to damage the compressor.