Home AC Compressor Leaking Oil: How to Detect & Fix

Is your home AC compressor leaking oil? This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to identify the issue, find its root cause, and take appropriate measures to fix it.

Home AC Compressor Leaking Oil
Photo by Martin Vorel

Signs of a Home AC Compressor Leaking Oil

Before anything else, you’ll want to ascertain if your home AC compressor is indeed leaking oil. Below are some symptoms that suggest this:

Poor Cooling Performance

One of the first signs you might notice is that your air conditioning system isn’t cooling your home as efficiently as it used to. Oil acts as a lubricant in the compressor. Without sufficient lubrication, the compressor struggles to circulate refrigerant, leading to inefficient cooling.

Unusual Noises

If you hear unusual sounds like squeals, clicks, or bangs coming from your air conditioner, it may be due to a lack of oil in the compressor. These noises can be a result of metal parts grinding against each other due to inadequate lubrication.

Visible Oil Puddles or Stains

If there are oil puddles or stains around the outdoor unit, that’s a definite sign of leakage. Oil leaks generally occur near the compressor area since that’s where the oil reservoir is located.

Common Causes of Home AC Compressor Leaking Oil

Once you’ve identified the signs, it’s crucial to understand why your home AC compressor might be leaking oil. This will help in finding the right fix.

Aged Seals or Gaskets

With time, the seals or gaskets that prevent the oil from leaking can wear out or deteriorate. These worn-out seals are a frequent cause of oil leaks and will require replacement.

Overfilled Oil Reservoir

An overfilled oil reservoir can create excessive pressure inside the compressor, pushing oil out of the seals or other weaker points. It’s important to maintain the oil level within the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Structural Damage to the Compressor

Physical damage to the compressor, either from accidents, corrosion, or manufacturing defects, can also lead to oil leaks. Such damage often necessitates either major repairs or a complete compressor replacement.

How to Detect a Home AC Compressor Leaking Oil

Confirming that your home AC compressor is leaking oil is vital for effective troubleshooting. Here’s how you can go about it:

Disconnect Power

Always disconnect the power before inspecting your AC unit. This ensures your safety during the diagnostic process.

Visual Inspection

Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the AC unit, especially around the compressor. Look for oil stains or puddles, as these are the most obvious signs of a leak.

UV Dye Test

If a visual inspection doesn’t confirm the leak, you can use a UV dye test kit. Add UV dye to the compressor oil, run the AC briefly, then shine a UV light around the compressor. The dye will glow, revealing the source of the leak.

Check out this REALHUNLEE Auto Air Conditioner Leak Detector Tool on Amazon.

Temporary and Permanent Fixes

There are both temporary and permanent fixes you can apply, depending on the severity of the oil leak.

Stop-Leak Additive

A stop-leak additive can serve as a temporary fix. However, it’s important to understand that this is not a long-term solution. Stop-leak additives work by swelling the seals, but they can also clog filters and small orifices within the system.

Replace Seals or Gaskets

For a more permanent fix, replacing the aged or damaged seals or gaskets is the most effective solution. This might require you to disassemble the compressor, and unless you’re skilled in HVAC repair, this task is best left to professionals.

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When to Call a Professional

If you’re unable to locate the leak, if the leak persists despite your efforts, or if you’re not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC technician. They can perform a comprehensive diagnosis and provide a permanent solution to the problem.

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