A remanufactured commercial HVAC/R compressor can be a smart, cost-effective option for commercial HVAC/R systems. When done right, it performs just as well as a brand-new compressor—but only if it’s cared for properly. Whether you’re a tech in the field or a facility manager trying to keep things running smoothly, knowing how to take care of your compressor can save you from costly repairs and unnecessary downtime.
Let’s break down the steps to keeping your remanufactured compressor in tip-top shape.
Know What You’re Working With
A remanufactured commercial compressor is not the same as a rebuilt or used unit. It has been fully disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and remanufactured to meet or exceed OEM specs. That means it can last just as long as a new one—if it’s installed and maintained the right way.
The key is understanding that it’s been brought back to life with a fresh start. But just like any compressor, it needs regular attention.
Start with a Clean System
The most important part of HVAC/R compressor care starts before it’s even running.
A reman compressor should always be installed in a clean, contamination-free system. That means:
- Flush the lines: Remove acid, sludge, and old oil.
- Replace the filter drier: A must-do with any compressor swap.
- Check the TXV and metering devices: Make sure they’re clean and working properly.
- Look for signs of previous failure: Burned oil, metal flakes, or carbon can all point to bigger issues.
If your system was dirty when the last compressor failed, and you don’t clean it out, you’re just setting yourself up for another failure.
Check the Oil In Your Commercial HVAC/R Compressor
Most remanufactured compressors come pre-filled with oil, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Double-check that:
- Oil level is correct: Too much or too little can cause damage.
- Oil type matches your system: POE and mineral oil aren’t interchangeable.
- Oil is clean: If it looks burned or contaminated, drain and replace it.
It’s also smart to log your oil checks so you can track changes over time. This gives you an early warning if something’s going wrong.
Make Sure the Refrigerant Charge Is Right
Refrigerant problems are one of the fastest ways to kill a compressor.
- Undercharging causes the compressor to overheat.
- Overcharging can lead to floodback and slugging.
- Wrong type can mess with oil return and pressure balance.
Always weigh in your refrigerant charge, don’t just guess based on pressures. If you’re not sure, check the OEM specs or ask the remanufacturer for guidance.
Monitor Superheat and Subcooling
These two numbers tell you a lot about what’s going on in the system. Get in the habit of checking them during your routine service calls.
- High superheat means the system is starved—possibly a restricted metering device or low charge.
- Low superheat means floodback—liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor, which can destroy it.
- Subcooling that’s too low or too high tells you if the charge is off or if there’s a restriction in the liquid line.
Adjusting the system to keep these values in check helps protect the compressor from both heat and liquid damage.
Keep Electrical Components in Check
A compressor depends on solid electrical connections to run right. Don’t overlook these key points:
- Check voltage: Make sure it’s within 10% of the nameplate rating.
- Inspect contactors: Worn or pitted contacts can cause voltage drops and hard starts.
- Test capacitors: Weak capacitors lead to overload trips.
- Tighten connections: Loose wires can overheat and short out.
Many compressor issues start with something as simple as a bad capacitor, jumperbar, terminal insulator or a loose lug. A quick electrical check can catch them before they become expensive.
Mind the Discharge Line
Your discharge line carries hot refrigerant gas away from the compressor. If there’s a problem here, your compressor is going to suffer.
Watch out for:
- Too small a line: Causes back pressure.
- Too long a line: Makes oil return harder.
- Missing or damaged mufflers: Creates pulsation issues.
- Overheating: Discharge temps should stay under 225°F (107°C). Higher than that means trouble.
Install a discharge temperature sensor if you want an easy way to catch overheating before it does damage.
Install a Suction Accumulator (When Needed)
In low-temp refrigeration or heat pump applications, a suction accumulator is your best friend.
Why? Because it helps:
- Prevent liquid slugging
- Improve oil return
- Extend compressor life
Not every system needs one, but if you’re dealing with long piping runs, low ambient temps, or off-cycle refrigerant migration, it’s worth the investment.
Avoid Short Cycling
Short cycling—when the compressor turns on and off rapidly—can be brutal on a reman commercial HVAC/R compressor.
It often happens because of:
- Oversized equipment
- Faulty pressure switches
- Thermostat problems
- Refrigerant charge issues
To reduce short cycling:
- Set proper time delays on your control board
- Fix leaks that cause low-pressure trips
- Make sure the thermostat has proper placement and settings
Short cycling wears down motor windings, causes overheating, and leads to early failure.
Use Vibration Isolators and Proper Mounts
Even the best reman commercial HVAC/R compressor won’t last if it’s shaking itself apart.
Use:
- Spring or rubber isolators
- Correct mounting bolts
- Proper torque specs
A unit that vibrates too much can crack copper lines, loosen terminals, and stress internal parts. Keep it stable, especially in rooftop or mobile installations.
Check for System Balance
Your compressor depends on the rest of the system working properly. If one part is off, the compressor will try to make up for it—and that leads to trouble.
Keep an eye on:
- Airflow over coils: Dirty filters or blocked coils mean higher temps.
- Condenser condition: Poor heat rejection stresses the compressor.
- Evaporator issues: Starved coils or icing can cause slugging or low oil return.
Think of the compressor as the heart of the system. If the rest of the “body” isn’t healthy, the heart works too hard—and fails sooner.
Keep Good Consistent Records
If you’re running a service business or managing a large facility, tracking maintenance helps catch small issues before they become big ones.
Log:
- Pressures
- Amperages
- Oil levels
- Superheat/subcool readings
- Any changes you make
These records give you a history to look back on when problems start, and help prove you did everything right if warranty claims come up.
Watch the Warranty Requirements
Speaking of warranties—make sure you’re following the remanufacturer’s guidelines. Most require things like:
- New filter driers at time of install
- Proof of system flush
- Proper refrigerant and oil types
- Startup logs or commissioning reports
Skipping these steps can void your warranty, even if the compressor itself was fine. Protect yourself by reading the paperwork and doing it by the book.
Use a Trusted Supplier – Compressors Unlimited
Not all reman compressors are created equal. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable source that:
- Tests their units to ensure efficiency
- Uses OEM-grade or better parts
- Offers solid documentation and support
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A cheap compressor can cost you a lot more in callbacks and failures.
Keep It Clean
Last but not least—keep the unit and area around it clean.
- Sweep away dirt and debris
- Don’t stack items near the compressor- causing proper ventilation to be blocked
- Protect it from rain and snow if it’s outside
- Check for rodent or insect nests
A clean unit runs cooler and is easier to service, which means fewer problems in the long run.
Key Takeaways
Caring for a remanufactured commercial HVAC/R compressor isn’t hard—but it does take discipline. Think of it like maintaining a rebuilt engine you just placed in your 67 Mustang: if you treat it right, it’ll give you years of reliable service. If you skip steps, you’re just waiting for trouble.
Stick to the basics:
- Clean system
- Proper charge
- Solid electrical
- Watch the numbers
Do that, and your reman commercial HVAC/R compressor will keep things cool for the long haul.
Taking care of your remanufactured commercial compressor doesn’t require fancy tools or high-level training—it just takes consistency, attention to detail, and respect for the system as a whole. Every step you take to keep it clean, properly charged, and running within safe limits adds life to the unit and keeps your operation moving without unexpected breakdowns. Whether you’re troubleshooting in the field or managing multiple systems, these simple habits can make all the difference in getting the performance and longevity you expect from a quality remanufactured commercial HVAC/R compressor.
