By Anne Fonda
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning unit or heat pump. It’s housed in the outdoor unit and compresses the liquid refrigerant into a heated gas before sending the gas to its next stop in the refrigeration cycle.
A reciprocating compressor, also known as a piston compressor, is a specific type of compressor. It works by drawing air into the cylinder on its intake stroke and then compressing it on the piston’s upstroke. This pressurized gas is then delivered through an outlet valve to perform work in the form of cooling. The reciprocating compressor can provide higher pressure ratios than rotary compressors while being more efficient at lower speeds.
Trane exclusively uses our patented Climatuff® compressor in all of our outdoor units. Available in both scroll and reciprocating styles, which one is used in a unit depends on the level of efficiency and reliability required for a specific application.
Climatuff® reciprocating compressors have 25% more volume inside the shell, which is a distinct advantage over other compressors. The heavy steel shell of the Climatuff® reciprocating compressor can withstand many times normal operating pressure. It’s designed to seal oil and refrigerants in—and keep contaminants out.
The differences add up to the most durable compressor manufactured in the industry today.
In addition, Climatuff® reciprocating compressors are quieter than other reciprocating compressors on the market.
Warranties: The Base Limited Warranty Period on our compressors is 5 years, and the Registered Limited Warranty Period is 10-12 years, depending on the unit.
To keep your compressor operating at peak performance, schedule yearly AC maintenance or heat pump maintenance. During that visit, the HVAC technician will inspect, clean, and make minor repairs to the outdoor unit.
If your AC or heat pump isn’t cooling, you hear strange noises from the outdoor unit, or you see puddling outside the outdoor unit, it’s time to call an HVAC professional. Any of these signs could indicate a problem with the compressor. They could also signal another AC repair is needed.
If it is an issue with the compressor, you’ll need to evaluate whether it makes more sense to repair it, replace the compressor, or replace the entire condenser unit. Our Repair or Replace Guide can give you some tips on making an informed decision.
Contact your local Trane dealer with questions about your outdoor unit or to schedule repairs.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Steve Wolfgram, ABU Product Engineer II
A scroll compressor is a specific type of compressor that functions by rotating pieces of metal within an HVAC system.
The compressor is the part of your air conditioner responsible for circulating and pressurizing the refrigerant in your system so it can carry and release heat from your home outside.
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.
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