A broken central AC compressor can render the entire unit inoperable, which is something that you certainly want to avoid, especially during the summer months in the Phoenix area. Other air conditioning issues such as leakage might be relatively simple to fix, but when it comes to AC compressor maintenance, you need to carefully assess its condition and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. In many cases, a broken compressor is a sign that your entire system is in need of replacement. If you’re not certain what to look for, reach out to qualified AC professionals in your area to help you out.
The role of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant in your unit, which is a crucial stage of the cooling process. Unlike certain cases of leakage or other broken AC parts, a dysfunctional compressor makes it impossible for your unit to perform its main function, which is cooling down the air in your house. Compressors are the most expensive AC parts to replace, so when it breaks down, we would generally advise you to seek a whole system replacement instead.
Of course, in the instance that your compressor is still under warranty when it breaks, then solely replacing that part might be worth it. It is unlikely for the compressor to wear down within the warranty time period, but if it does happen, you might avoid some hefty costs. New AC compressors are ridiculously expensive, so if you manage to only pay for the labor required to replace it, you should go for it.
If you’re considering a full replacement, we’d recommend you change both the outdoor and indoor units. This is because they are meant to be in-sync with each other. While a brand new unit and a slightly older one might work together just fine, you’ll run the risk of having to shell out your hard-earned money on another replacement sooner than you might expect.