What is an AC Condenser?
Most people don’t give much thought to their AC condenser – until they have a problem. But understanding how your condenser works and how to take care of it can help you avoid the need for expensive AC repairs. Let’s take a quick look at the basics you need to know.
What is an AC Condenser?
Your AC condenser is the large outdoor unit of your AC system. It collects air from your home and releases heat. Inside the condenser cabinet, you’ll find a large fan, a compressor, condenser coil, and various controls.
The compressor works by compressing refrigerant and passing it over the condenser coils in the form of hot gas. Once the gas reaches the end of the coils, it has cooled into a warm liquid. It then passes through a pipe into your evaporator coil, where it expands and cools. The large condenser fan speeds up this transfer of heat by circulating air across the coils.
How to Care for Your AC Condenser
Keeping up with your AC maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure your AC condenser runs at peak efficiency. This includes keeping the condenser coils clean and regularly changing your air filters.
Dirty air filters impede the flow of air into your system. This can cause your AC condenser motor to work harder, increasing wear and tear on your unit. It can also cause the evaporator coil to get too cold and, eventually, ice over. When this happens, you’ll notice that your air conditioning system has trouble keeping your home cool.
Since your AC condenser is outdoors, you’ll also want to check it periodically and remove any debris, such as fallen leaves and branches. Also, trim back bushes and plants so there’s at least two feet of room all the way around and above your unit. This will allow for sufficient airflow.
Spotting Signs of Trouble
Watching out for signs of problems with your AC condenser can help you take care of small issues before they become a major problem. Some of the issues you may notice include:
- A large amount of water leaking from your condenser cabinet
- Green-colored refrigerant leaking from the condenser
- Warm air blowing from your AC system
- Strange/loud noises or hissing sounds coming from the condenser
- Parts of your unit starting to frost over
If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to contact an AC repair specialist right away. You could have a simple issue that can be fixed with a good cleaning. Other common issues that can be repaired include problems with the fan, issues with the motor, a faulty condenser relay switch, or a malfunctioning capacitor. Often, taking care of these problems early on can help you avoid more expensive damage.
If you have a major blockage, excessive leaks, or damaged coils, you may need to replace your unit. Having your system inspected by a trusted expert is the best way to find out exactly what you need.
Contact Arrific for Your AC Repair Needs
If you’ve been having issues with your AC condenser, we can help! We’ve been serving homeowners in our community for over 25 years and can take care of all your AC issues, no matter how large or small. Contact us online to request an estimate, or for faster service, give us a call at 941-371-3355.
