If you’ve been experiencing air conditioner issues in your Manteca, CA home, your AC compressor may be to blame. This air compressor, or the outdoor unit, is an important part of keeping your house cool. There are some signs you can look for to determine if it’s malfunctioning.

1. Clicking Sounds

If your AC compressor is making constant clicking sounds, it may be having trouble starting up via the electrical switch. This is similar to how a car’s engine clicks or “turns over” when it can’t start. The clicking sounds usually mean the compressor is aging, and technicians will need to replace it before it stops working completely.

2. Refrigerant Leaks or Water Puddles

If you see puddles forming around the concrete base of your compressor or hear a hissing sound coming from the unit, you’ll want to call a professional to repair your system as soon as possible. The good news, however, is that professionals can patch leaky areas and replace the refrigerant easily so that you won’t have to invest in a brand-new compressor right away.

3. Rattling Noises

Rattling sounds are perhaps the most common sign of a bad AC compressor, but they can be the result of a couple of different issues. Usually, rattling that sounds like metal hitting against metal is a sign that parts are loose inside the compressor while scraping sounds are a sign that the compressor’s motor mounts are deteriorating. In either case, it’s best to call a professional in to diagnose the root cause and fix things for you.

4. Reduced Air Flow

When you seem to experience reduced airflow inside of your home, you may have blocked ducts somewhere in your house. Commonly, the ducts that are most blocked are those that lead from your compressor to inside your home because compressors, since they are outside, can collect leaves and debris. If your compressor is completely off, you may be able to check the inside of these ducts, but only an HVAC professional can clean them and check for internal damage correctly.

If you believe your AC compressor is showing signs of malfunction, contact Dycus Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. to schedule an AC repair or installation service. Our HVAC experts can check your compressor for potential damage and repair or replace it quickly.