What does a defective compressor typically indicate in relation to A/C performance?

A defective compressor can lead to inconsistent airflow and temperature because the compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the A/C system, which in turn regulates the temperature of the air produced. When the compressor is malfunctioning, it may not effectively compress the refrigerant or maintain proper pressure levels. This can result in uneven cooling, where some rooms may feel warm while others are cold, leading to a lack of uniformity in airflow and temperature experienced within the system.

While other symptoms like frequent cycling of the system or a complete lack of airflow from the vents can also be associated with compressor issues, they do not specifically highlight the inconsistency of airflow and temperature as directly as a defective compressor would. The key point is that a malfunctioning compressor directly impacts how effectively the system can distribute chilled air, resulting in those temperature fluctuations and varying airflow that characterize option C.