Nothing like a hot, humid day to make you appreciate your central air conditioning system. But when your AC stops delivering the cool air your expect, it can be more than frustrating. For some, it can turn into a medical emergency.
If your air conditioning condenser is not operating properly, it’s important to identify the cause and take the necessary steps to fix it. Today we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of air conditioning condenser problems and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and repair them.
How Does an AC Condenser Work?
Simply put, an AC condenser transfers heat from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The refrigerant circulates throughout the system, absorbing heat from the indoor air and then releasing it outdoors.
An AC condenser contains an evaporator coil (located inside the indoor unit) and a condenser coil (located in the outdoor unit). The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air while the condenser coil releases heat to the outside environment.
Common Causes of Condenser Problems
- Blocked Airflow
One of the most common causes of condenser problems is blocked airflow. In order to function properly, air conditioners need to draw in cool air from the surrounding area. If the unit is blocked by something like a fence, shrub, leaves, or debris, the air won’t get to the condenser. Air conditioners also need good vents to function correctly, and even if your unit is blowing out cool air, it may still overheat if there isn’t enough airflow reaching the condenser. Keep the area around your condenser free and clear.
- Damaged Fins
The fins on a condenser are responsible for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air. If they are bent or otherwise damaged, they can’t do their job correctly. This can cause the unit to overheat and may also reduce the air conditioner’s efficiency. While some HVAC homeowners may be able to identify and straighten out bent condenser fins, your best bet is to contact an HVAC company to assess and repair the damage properly.
- Dirty Coils
The coils on a condenser need to be kept clean in order to function correctly as dirty coils can cause the unit to overheat. You can clean the coils yourself by using a coil brush or vacuum cleaner (be sure to cut power to the unit first), or you can call an HVAC professional to do it for you.
- Refrigerant Leak
Leaks in the refrigerant line can also cause AC condenser problems. Air conditioners are super-efficient because they recycle their refrigerant. However, if there’s a leak, the recycling process becomes compromised, causing the unit to work much harder to cool your home. If there’s a leak in the line, the refrigerant will escape into the atmosphere instead of being reused. This one is best left for the pros.
- Fan Problems
Air conditioners need good airflow to work correctly. If the condenser fan is blocked, it won’t be able to do its job and may cause the unit to overheat. Some of the problems that can develop on the condenser’s fan are bent blades, motor issues, or a blown capacitor. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then it’s best to call a professional to have them take a look.
If you are experiencing any type of issue with your HVAC system, contact Eagle Service Company. From AC repair and maintenance to new system installation and home comfort add-ons, you can trust that Eagle will get the job done right, the first time.
