Will a Bad AC Compressor Cause the Fan to Stop Working?

• Lack of Maintenance

If you don’t maintain your air conditioning system regularly, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience problems with your AC compressor at some point in time. It is especially true if you live in an area with seasonal changes in weather conditions or high humidity levels. Both factors can cause corrosion on metal components within your AC system and lead to premature failure of its key components like the condenser fan motor and compressor itself.

• Low Refrigerant Levels

If there is not enough refrigerant in your system, the compressor will not be able to produce enough pressure to keep the system running properly. The result? Your compressor will eventually fail and need replacing.

• Dirty Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is what cools down the refrigerant coming from the compressor before it travels back into your home through ductwork and registers (that’s why these coils are located outside). Suppose any leaves or debris get caught up in this coil. In that case, it will affect how efficiently it cools down the air flowing through it and decreases its lifespan significantly — leading to compressor failure over time.

• Old Age of the AC

The average life expectancy of an AC compressor is about ten years, but that can vary depending on how often you use your car and how well you maintain it. The older your air conditioner gets, the more likely your AC unit won’t function properly.

• Overheating

If your AC gets too hot and the engine overworks itself, this can lead to a faulty compressor. It mainly applies if you live in a hot climate or drive long distances, often with no stops. Any time there are extreme temperatures, check all your hoses and belts that may be overheating or causing other issues with your vehicle.