New HVAC Compressor Failure

Why HVAC Compressors Fail — And How Air Comfort Heating & Air Prevents It

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning or heat pump system. When it fails, it’s often one of the most expensive HVAC repairs a homeowner can face.

What many homeowners don’t realize is this:

Most compressors don’t fail because of age — they fail because of improper installation.

At Air Comfort Heating & Air, we follow strict installation standards to ensure your system operates efficiently, reliably, and for its full expected lifespan.

The Hidden Cause of Premature Compressor Failure

1. Improper Vacuum Procedures

Before a new HVAC system is started, all air and moisture must be removed from the refrigerant lines.

If this step is rushed or skipped:

• Moisture remains in the system
• Acid forms inside the compressor oil
• Internal components corrode
• Motor windings break down over time

The system may appear to run normally at first — but damage has already begun.

At Air Comfort Heating & Air, we:

• Pull a deep vacuum to industry-recommended micron levels
• Verify the system holds vacuum before charging
• Ensure moisture and contaminants are fully removed

This protects your compressor from long-term internal damage.

2. Not Flowing Nitrogen During Brazing

When refrigerant lines are brazed together, nitrogen must be flowed through the piping to prevent oxidation inside the tubing.

Without nitrogen:

• Copper oxide forms inside the lines
• Debris contaminates the oil
• Metering devices can become restricted
• Compressor bearings and valves wear prematurely

We never skip this step. It’s one of the key differences between an average installation and a professional one.

3. Incorrect Refrigerant Charging

Charging a system without verifying airflow or measuring manufacturer specifications can cause:

• Liquid refrigerant floodback
• High compression ratios
• Excessive amp draw
• Overheating

At Air Comfort Heating & Air, we:

• Verify proper airflow first
• Weigh in factory charge accurately
• Fine-tune using superheat and subcooling measurements
• Confirm system performance under load

Your system is commissioned properly — not guessed at.

4. Electrical Installation Errors

Loose connections, improper breaker sizing, voltage imbalance, or undersized wiring can overheat and damage a compressor motor.

We check:

• Voltage under load
• Proper wire sizing
• Tight electrical connections
• Manufacturer electrical specifications

Because protecting your compressor means protecting your investment.

Why Proper Installation Matters

A properly installed HVAC system can last 12–15 years or more.

A poorly installed system may suffer major component failure in just a few seasons.

At Air Comfort Heating & Air, we don’t cut corners. We follow manufacturer guidelines, ACCA standards, and industry best practices to ensure your system is installed correctly from day one.

That means:

• Greater reliability
• Lower repair costs
• Improved efficiency
• Longer equipment life

Trust Air Comfort Heating & Air for Quality Installation

When you choose Air Comfort Heating & Air, you’re choosing a company that prioritizes precision, professionalism, and long-term system performance.

If you’re installing a new system or replacing an existing one, make sure it’s done right the first time.

Contact Air Comfort Heating & Air today to schedule your consultation.

Call 910-695-8241 if you are experiencing issues with your new HVAC system installation in and around Pinehurst and Southern Pines or contact us online with any questions. We help with a solution!