If your air conditioner is on the fritz, don’t wait long to call for our cooling professionals for help in Richmond, Texas!
Will my AC fan run if the compressor is bad? Questions like these come up all the time for air conditioning professionals, and it’s good to get answers before you need expert AC repair services in Richmond, TX. During a Texas heat wave, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop working and not know what to do about it.
The compressor and the fan are two crucial parts in an air conditioning unit. Below, BVS Home Experts explains how they affect one another.
What Does a Compressor Do in an Air Conditioner?
Do you know how an air conditioner functions? The compressor cools the air with refrigerant so that the unit’s fan can blow this properly cooled air around. Without a compressor, your air conditioner functions more like a box fan—it moves air but doesn’t cool it down.
While your HVAC system can still run without a compressor, the result won’t be a nice, refreshing home with cold air, especially in a hot place like Richmond. Still, if your compressor is bad, you may not even notice anything initially. An air conditioner with a bad compressor can still run as soundlessly as the next machine, an obvious lack of temperature control aside.
Will AC Fans Run if the Compressor Is Bad?
How does a compressor failure impact on AC fan function? While a compressor plays a crucial role in cooling, it’s possible there will be normal AC fan operation with bad compressors. The fan will only be circulating the heat, though.
If you only have a broken compressor, the rest of your air conditioner may be working without a hitch, including the fan, coils, and air filtration system. You could even keep using your HVAC for the fan component without damaging the unit. Doing so will be inconvenient, though, as it will be hot, dry air coming through your system instead of cool, perfectly conditioned air.
Additionally, while AC fan behavior with faulty compressors may be normal at times, contacting an HVAC professional is important. If you’re unaware of another component going wrong and run the cooling system, your safety and the machine’s lifespan could be in jeopardy.
Why Your Compressor May Be Malfunctioning in Richmond, Texas
If you have an air conditioner without a functioning compressor, there could be mechanical problems or a simpler reason behind why it died. Fixing compressors requires a skilled HVAC technician. Typically, the team will consider the following potential issues impacting your climate control system:
Dirty Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils in your air conditioner are responsible for regulating the temperature. If they’re covered in dirt or dust from a lack of maintenance, they can’t come into contact with the air passing over them. The air won’t cool, and the system may keep shutting on and off or shut down entirely.
If your compressor isn’t working anymore, the technician will first open up your air conditioner to see if the coils need a clean or minor repairs.
Dirty Filters
Clean air filters are essential to an air conditioning unit running smoothly. Without easy airflow through the unit’s filters, everything inside the unit can overheat, including the compressor. This excess heat also leads to other problems, breaking internal components and degrading the system’s lifespan.
Thankfully, dirty filters have a simple solution—more regular cleaning or replacement every one to three months. Keeping the unit as clean as possible keeps it running better and for longer.
Failing Capacitor
To have a running air conditioner, you need a functioning capacitor to provide that little jolt of power that sends the rest of the unit into motion. Without it, components like the compressor don’t work, and neither do their temperature control capabilities.
If you have a failing capacitor, it may cause compressor troubles. Your air conditioner may not start up, either.
Faulty Compressor
If all else seems normal, your compressor might be the only part that’s faulty. There are no DIY solutions with a broken compressor or another faulty part.
When it comes to things like sensors, compressors, or coils, call an HVAC professional like BVS Home Experts. They know their way around an air conditioner and can get yours on track safely.
How Can I Prevent Compressor Issues?
While some effects of a bad compressor on AC fan function remain negligible, scheduling repairs as soon as possible is vital. A fixed compressor helps your air conditioner avoid issues in the future, which could save you quite a bit.
If you’d like your air conditioner to last even longer, here are a few things that the experts do:
- Wash your unit’s condenser often.
- Clean or replace your HVAC’s air filters.
- Gently dust or wipe off the coils.
- Keep vents clear to prevent overheating.
- Inspect your air conditioner before each summer to ensure it’s ready.
You can also schedule regular maintenance with local HVAC professionals.
Some teams suggest running your air conditioner only during high heat, such as during a heat wave. However, locals know that even a few minutes without cooling power here can be stressful in the Texas heat. You’ll want quick results you can feel when the temperature control returns in your home, so keep a cooling repair specialist like BVS Home Experts on speed dial.
Solve Your HVAC Issues With BVS Home Experts in Richmond, TX, and Beyond
The relationship between AC compressor and fan is one aspect to understand if you want to make your climate control more efficient and delay the unit’s replacement. The compressor condition and AC fan operation often go together. Still, while tasks like cleaning an air filter or coil between maintenance visits can help keep things on track, a compressor issue needs a professional.
Will my AC fan run if the compressor is bad? How can property owners lengthen the life of HVAC systems in Richmond, TX? BVS Home Experts can answer all these questions and more, so call us at 281-628-2360 today.
