air conditioner condensers

When summer hits, Texans rely on our air conditioners like fish need water. From May to October, the average high never drops below 80°F, sending us indoors seeking refreshment. The last thing you want at that time is to feel hot air blowing out of your vents.

Yet, the fact is that air conditioner condensers need a little TLC if they’re going to stand and deliver all summer long. Here are eight issues they commonly face and what you can do to keep them running smoothly.

1. Airflow Blockages

As air conditioner condensers sit outside our homes, they can easily get blocked. To run smoothly, it needs air to breathe, and anything that stops that flow could cause it not to work efficiently. Some common blockages include:

  • Overgrown plants
  • Garden furniture
  • Dirt and debris
  • Leaves
  • Pests, such as rodents and other animals

It may be possible to take a DIY approach to condenser cleaning but proceed with caution. While sweeping away dead leaves and pulling up a few plants is easy, removing pests that have taken up residence is more tricky. It may be wise to call in a pest management service first before proceeding with HVAC system upkeep.

2. Dirty Coils

The coils are a critical part of your air conditioner. They are responsible for exchanging hot air for cold, which can then be moved around your home. When they get dirty, they cannot perform their job properly and will put extra strain on your HVAC system.

To clean dirty coils, all you need is a hose and some time. However, you also need to know what you’re doing to clean the coils without getting the electrical box wet. Consider calling in the professionals to clean and service your condenser for peace of mind, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned for some time. 

3. Dodgy Fan

The fan in the condenser pulls air through the unit, allowing the heat exchange to take place. If the fan starts malfunctioning, you will soon feel the difference indoors. Some common issues include:

  • Broken blades
  • Motor issues
  • Seized bearings

Fans include delicate electrics and can be dangerous to repair if you do not know what you are doing. Instead, call in an HVAC maintenance company. They can carry out the needed repairs or replace the fan if necessary. 

4. Bent Condenser Fins

The fins in the condenser are pretty delicate, yet they do a crucial job. They move warm air away from your air conditioner condenser when it’s running. If they get damaged, bent, or flattened, there is less room between the air and the condenser coils.

The result is that your system will work less efficiently. Your fins can get damaged in strong winds, hailstorms, and even during cleaning, so be careful! During regular cooling system checkups, a local HVAC company will make sure your fins are in good shape and take action if needed.

5. Refrigerant Leak

It’s not an exaggeration to say that refrigerant is the lifeblood of any AC system. It is responsible for absorbing heat from indoors and releasing it outside, allowing cool, refreshing air to flow around your home.

Refrigerant leaks can be caused by:

  • Wear and tear
  • Corrosion of the copper tubing inside air conditioner condensers
  • Damage to the joins in the refrigerant lines from vibration
  • Installation errors
  • Factory defects

Cleaning out the condensate drain pipe and replacing your AC filters can help. But if you’re still having trouble, it’s time to call in the professionals to inspect and repair the problem.

6. Low Refrigerant Levels

One of our top AC efficiency tips is to always ensure that your AC has the right level of refrigerant in the system. Over time, these levels will naturally drop, even if there are no leaks in the system. To keep the system running efficiently, the Freon in the AC unit needs to be topped up.

Sadly, you can’t head down to your local hardware store, grab a can of Freon, and top it up yourself. This is a tricky procedure involving a dangerous chemical, delicate equipment, and a pressurized tank. If you get it wrong, you could trash your AC system and even injure yourself.

Instead, call in a local HVAC company to take care of this on your behalf. They have access to the correct chemicals and have the skills and tools needed to complete the job safely. 

7. Electrical Problems

If anything disrupts the electricity supply to your air conditioner, you could soon have a very hot house. This could include:

  • Blown fuse
  • Tripped breaker
  • Faulty or damaged wiring

Sadly, many species of rodents have developed a taste for electrical wiring. It only takes a few sessions of determined nibbling to cause an outage that seriously disrupts your comfort. 

Remember, never tackle electrical repairs yourself if you are not qualified to do so. Call in the professionals to fix the issue and get your AC up and running again. 

8. Faulty Compressor

Keeping your compressor happy is at the heart of good air conditioner care. If it develops faults, you may hear some strange noises. If it gives out completely, the whole house will heat up in no time.

It takes the skills and experience of an HVAC professional to diagnose the issue with your compressor. They can tell you whether it is worth repairing or it is time for a replacement. If your compressor is over ten years old, it’s probably time to say adios and install a new one.

McCann Services Keep Air Conditioner Condensers Running Smoothly

You don’t want to be stuck in your house when your air conditioning condenser quits. However, being aware of the problems air conditioner condensers can develop and performing regular cooling system checkups can help you avoid this scenario.

At McCann Services, our AC service packages include a thorough inspection and cleaning of your air conditioner condenser. We will ensure that it is doing its job efficiently, which could save you money on your energy bills, and ensure that your home is refreshingly cool when you need it most.

Call us today or contact us online to schedule a service.