Is Your AC Condenser Coil Defective? Find Out

An AC uses refrigerant to absorb heat and dissipate it outdoors. To do this, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant to flow effectively from the appliance's evaporator coil and then expels heat via the condenser coil. However, if the condenser coil malfunctions, heat retention will occur in the outdoor unit. In most cases, this happens when the compressor and blower motor overheat, causing them to fail. You should know that scheduling timely repairs is the only way to remedy the issue. This way, the AC repair expert will assess your appliance and replace a defective condenser coil to restore cooling. The following are signs you should watch out for to call the expert.  

Insufficient Cooling

The condenser coil could be faulty if you notice uneven cooling across your house. Since your outdoor unit is prone to infiltration by elements during inclement weather, plant matter, stones, and other debris can block the coil, hindering it from dissipating heat. This leads to heat retention in the system, causing the compressor to work harder to pressurize the refrigerant. Ultimately, debris accumulation restricts heat transfer, lowering the cooling output. In addition, the system will strain to expel the heat, causing it to run in overdrive and spike your energy bills. In such a case, hire an AC repair contractor to clean the condenser and install coil guards to protect your unit from physical damage.

Decreased Energy Efficiency

When your monthly bills increase without correlating to an increase in AC usage, the condenser could be the culprit. This may result from restricted airflow due to dirt, dust, and other debris. Additionally, twigs and rocks, high-pressure washing, and improper landscaping techniques can cause damage to the fan, restricting its operation. As a result, air will not move effectively through the fins, impeding heat transfer. This leads to the unit working much harder, resulting in high energy bills. To remedy this issue, you must schedule fan repairs and give the condenser clearance space for venting.

Leaks

Your condenser coil may sustain leaks due to excessive vibrations in the outdoor unit. As such, the access fittings and line set connections may loosen and leak the refrigerant. On the other hand, formic acid corrosion in the line set can damage it, leading to a coolant leak. Note that when this happens, the remaining refrigerant will not absorb heat effectively, reducing the cooling power. More so, prolonged exposure to a refrigerant leak is detrimental to your health, and you should hire an AC technician for immediate repairs. They will tighten the fittings, patch the leaks and recharge the system with sufficient coolant for maximum cooling.

You must know that a malfunctioning condenser coil will increase your utility bills and make your system vulnerable to failure. Thus, you ought to schedule regular tune-ups with an AC repair expert. They will inspect, clean, and repair underlying issues to ensure your system runs at peak performance.

Contact a local AC repair service to learn more. 

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