Aircon Compressor Overheating? 9 Common Causes and How to Fix Them Before It's Too Late

Aircon shutting down unexpectedly in the middle of a sweltering afternoon? It’s a common struggle.

This disruption could be due to your aircon compressor overheating, causing the entire cooling cycle to fail. If left unattended, overheating can potentially lead to permanent damage.

In this guide, we’ll outline nine causes and troubleshooting tips to help you identify when it’s time to call a professional.

9 Signs Your Compressor Is Overheating

Here are several warning signs that your aircon compressor is overheating:

• Aircon blowing warm air: The unit is running, but the air coming out is not cold at all.
• Loud noises: Ticking, buzzing, or hissing sounds from the outdoor unit may indicate a mechanical strain.
• Burning smell: A burnt rubber odour signals severe friction or electrical overheating.
• Circuit breaker tripping: Excessive power draw causes safety switches to trip.
• Unit vibrates: Significant shaking suggests the motor is struggling to start or maintain a steady operation.
• High electricity bills: Energy consumption rises as the system works overtime to overcome internal overheating.

9 Common Causes and Troubleshooting Tips

1. Dirty Aircon Filter

A dirty aircon filter restricts essential airflow, forcing your aircon compressor to work harder to pull air in. This results in rapid overheating.

Tip: Check and clean your aircon filter every two to four weeks to ensure smooth airflow.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

As dust and grime accumulate on the outdoor coils, they prevent the unit from releasing heat effectively. In turn, internal temperatures rise.

Tip: Gently hose down the outdoor unit or engage a professional technician to clean the coils.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels compromise heat transfer in the unit, forcing the aircon compressor to overwork, leading to overheating issues.

Tip: Engage a professional to perform an aircon gas refill. Do not attempt to do this yourself, as it is unsafe and illegal in Singapore.

4. Blocked Outdoor Ventilation

Debris, such as leaves and clutter, around the outdoor unit blocks heat dissipation and airflow, worsening the heat accumulation.

Tip: Ensure there is at least two to three feet of clearance around the outdoor unit to ensure proper airflow around it. This allows the unit to freely release heat and maintain healthy function.

5. Electrical Failure

Electrical problems like faulty wiring or worn-out capacitors cause systems to draw excessive current, generating heat that leads to compressor damage.

Tip: Contact a certified electrician to replace the faulty electrical components, install a surge protector, or check your home's voltage stability.

6. Undersized Aircon Unit

If a unit is too small for a room’s size, forcing it to run without rest can eventually result in the aircon shutting down from overheating.

Tip: Consult a specialist to ensure your unit's BTU rating matches your room size.

7. Lack of Lubrication

Old or eroded oil increases friction between internal moving parts, which generates excess heat and risks permanent mechanical failure over time.

Tip: Schedule regular aircon maintenance to check oil levels in the system. A professional technician can locate and seal leaks, restore proper oil levels, and take measures to prevent the issue from escalating.

8. Internal Component Wear

As your unit ages, internal parts wear down, reducing operational efficiency and increasing the heat generated during use.

Tip: If the unit is over 10 years old, consider repairing or replacing it.

9. High Head Pressure

Blockages in the refrigerant lines increase pressure on the discharge side of the compressor, straining the system and causing your aircon compressor temperature to spike.

Tip: Call a professional aircon technician to diagnose and clear the blockage.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Consider these maintenance habits to prevent your aircon compressor from overheating:

• Regular cleaning: Keep the aircon filter and outdoor unit clear to ensure efficient and unrestricted airflow, reducing the risk of compressor damage.
• Smart usage: Use timers or Eco mode to prevent overworking the system. Avoid running the aircon at the lowest temperature setting for extensive periods of time.
• Professional care: Hire a reliable aircon contractor like 81 Aircon for routine inspections and maintenance to tackle issues early on.

Protect Your Unit with Expert Aircon Care

While basic cleaning can mitigate an overheating compressor problem, complex electrical or refrigerant issues still require expert hands to resolve safely.

As such, engaging a professional aircon specialist like 81 Aircon can go a long way in preventing total system failure and costly replacements. Our experienced BCA-certified technicians can help you diagnose and fix system malfunctions efficiently, restoring comfort in your home or office.

Keep your aircon unit in peak condition. Contact us to schedule a thorough inspection and professional aircon servicing today!