Occasionally, your trusty air conditioner may run into problems. Some of these issues will be easier and less costly to fix, like dirty air filters and a blocked duct. Others will be more expensive, like a compressor failure. When the worst happens, you need to contact your aircon contractor Singapore. Thankfully, most of these issues, whether big or small, can be prevented before they occur or worsen to the point of no return. Here, we’ll discuss the different ways you can prevent your compressor from breaking down, saving yourself a hefty sum of replacement fees. The Role of an Air Conditioner’s Compressor Considered the core or heart of an air conditioner, a compressor is in charge of compressing the cooling substance, the refrigerant, so that it can travel inside the air conditioner and get rid of heat. A compressor has about the same lifespan as an air conditioner of 10 to 15 years. However, this is only so if you maintain it carefully, because failure to do so can cause increased wear and tear. Issues like dirt, dust, debris and even refrigerant leaks can affect the compressor in a detrimental way. When the compressor breaks down, you’ll most likely need to replace the entire component. Common Causes of Compressor Failure Displacement of the Evaporator Motor A displaced evaporator motor forces the refrigerant to return to the compressor. This means that it’ll drive the compressor oil out of its position and lead to lubrication problems. This may result in the compressor losing its efficiency and eventually stopping its operations. Stuck Dirt and Debris When it’s placed outdoors weathering the outside and elements, it means that outdoor pollutants and moisture can easily go into the unit and result in issues. Air can also enter, dispelling the refrigerant located in the condenser. This can cause the temperature inside the compressor to increase and lead to oil carbonisation where the discharge valve is. As a result, residue buildup occurs and causes the valves to leak. Leaking valves further contribute to a temperature increase and more damage to the compressor. How to Prevent Your Compressor From Breaking Down Get Rid of Litter Surrounding Your Outdoor Unit Just because we don’t see it like the indoor unit, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t maintain and take care of your outdoor unit. From time to time, pollutants and clutter can accumulate around the outdoor unit. This includes dirt, dust and grime. If it’s located close to trees, leaves may occasionally land nearby as well. You need to clean the outdoor unit on a regular basis to ensure that these substances don’t build up and interfere with its functioning. Lubricate Your Air Conditioner A compressor is a key component that also requires constant lubrication. Lubricating it lowers frictional wear on the bearings and other moving parts, cools the refrigerant gas when it’s being compressed, and seals against potential refrigerant gas leakage. Keeping your air conditioner lubricated is essential in maintaining your compressor’s functioning. Clean Your Coils Regularly At this point, you should realise that cleaning plays a big role in the maintenance of your air conditioner. Air conditioner coils are susceptible to accumulating plenty of dirt and debris, therefore requiring constant cleaning. If you skip on this step, you risk it interfering with the heat exchange process. In this scenario, you force the compressor to work extra hard to remove heat.