Top Tips for Keeping Your AC Compressor in Optimal Condition

Your AC system's compressor is one of the most vital components for maintaining a cool and comfortable environment, especially in hot climates. The refrigerant compressor plays a crucial role in circulating refrigerant throughout the system, allowing it to absorb and expel heat efficiently. To ensure your air conditioning system performs at its best, it's essential to keep the compressor in optimal condition.

Whether you have a home air conditioner or a commercial chiller compressor, regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of the unit and avoiding costly repairs. Simple practices like checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and scheduling professional inspections can prevent compressor failure and keep your system running smoothly. By taking proactive measures, you can enjoy consistent cooling and improve the energy efficiency of your AC system.

Here are some tips for keeping your AC compressor in optimal condition. 

1. Maintain Cleanliness: The typical dust and dirt found in every home are among the biggest threats to your air conditioner. A buildup of contaminants on the evaporator coil can lead to less-efficient cooling and longer run cycles, resulting in higher utility bills. You can readily check to see if dust has accumulated on these coils by taking off your AC unit's main access panel. It is a good idea to have the coils professionally cleaned by Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning if you see any dust at all.

2. Maintain Airflow: Maintaining a high-quality air filter in your air conditioner is the best defense against dust buildup. The filter needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to guarantee your AC system is operating at its best. It is usually necessary to replace a good dust-trapping filter at least once a month, particularly in the summer. In order to monitor the rate at which dust accumulates, it is a good idea to check a new filter at least once a week if you have not previously made the practice of doing so. With this knowledge, you can decide if you need to change your filter more often than once a month.

3. Keep the Flow Going: The purpose of your air conditioner is to distribute cool air throughout your home. Your air conditioning unit may sustain damage if it is unable to perform that task due to an obstruction of some sort. It's critical to be aware of how many vents you are currently closed. While closing a few vents can help regulate the flow of cool air, Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning advises against closing more than half of your vents at once. By doing this, you can lessen the chance that excessive pressure will accumulate in your air conditioner's parts and ducts, which could eventually cause air leaks.

4. Adopt self-control: Even though air conditioning units are excellent at keeping your home cool, having too many of them can result in subpar performance. To avoid wearing out your air conditioner too soon, it is crucial to exercise discipline when using it. A smart thermostat is a great tool to help with this. These gadgets sense when you're at home and when you're not, and they automatically change the temperature to use less air conditioning. This will help lower your dreaded summer utility bills while also safeguarding your cooling system.

5. Put a dehumidifier to use: Even though Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning's air conditioners are excellent at eliminating humidity from the air in your home, they occasionally require maintenance. This is particularly valid if you experience problems with elevated humidity in a particular section of your house. When it reaches a predetermined humidity level, a dehumidifier automatically turns off to remove excess humidity. Your AC system will be able to remove the heat from the air in your home more effectively since it won't have as much humidity to remove now that the excess has been removed. As a result, cooling cycles are shortened.

6. Examine your work: Proper ducting is a frequently disregarded factor in optimal air conditioner operation. The ducts are solely in charge of directing the cold air that exits your unit to its proper location. Your cooling system will therefore have to work harder to keep your property cool if your ducts are unclean or improperly routed. Making sure your ducts are clean is one way to maintain good duct health.

Your ducts may accumulate dust and other debris over time. This usually occurs at the end of duct runs and in sharp turns. You can get the right amount of airflow back into every room of your house by having your ducts professionally cleaned. Proper duct routing is another aspect of healthy ducts. To make sure that your system is free of pinch points and that no leaks have developed in any of your ducts, it is best to have a professional inspect it.

7. Consistently carry out routine maintenance: Even though you can maintain your air conditioner's efficient operation to the best of your ability, there are some tasks best left to the experts. You can be certain that your air conditioning unit will be operational during the hottest months of the year by letting Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning handle regular maintenance on it each year. Checking refrigerant levels, examining electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and doing a general system check are all examples of routine maintenance.

8. Raise the Insulation: Your air conditioner shouldn't have to work harder than necessary, even if it is efficient. Increasing the insulation in your house is a great way to keep your air conditioner from running too long. Sufficient insulation can help keep hot air outside where it belongs and stop cold air from escaping too quickly. Making sure your home is as airtight as possible by taking the time to seal up all of the gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation is another way to improve insulation. You will gain as much from this project in the winter as you will in the summer.

 Conclusion

maintaining your AC compressor is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient performance. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters, inspecting electrical connections, and checking refrigerant levels, can extend the lifespan of your unit and prevent costly repairs. Whether you have a Refrigerant Compressor, a Chiller Compressor, or a Copeland Compressor, adhering to these basic upkeep tips helps maintain optimal functionality.

It's also essential to address any signs of wear or irregularities, like unusual noises or reduced cooling efficiency, before they lead to major issues. Investing in professional servicing and using quality replacement parts can ensure that your compressor continues running smoothly. By keeping your AC compressor in top condition, you'll not only enjoy better cooling performance but also reduce energy consumption, contributing to long-term savings. Regular attention and care will keep your air conditioning system operating efficiently, even in the hottest months.