Your air conditioner works by drawing warm indoor air over evaporator coils filled with a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air. When the refrigerant warms, it's transported outside to the condenser, where the heat is released. This part of the air conditioning system is crucial, and any issue with it can cause the entire unit to stop working properly. To help you identify any condenser issues, here are a few of the most common problems they face. 

Common AC Condenser Issues

1. Bad Airflow

The condenser releases the heat from your home to the outside and pushes the cooled refrigerant back into the system to continue the cooling process. If the heat can't escape the unit, then the refrigerant won't cool, and the system can't remove heat from your home. Therefore, it's crucial to keep the condenser unit clear of debris and maintain good airflow. Plants, trees, and any objects set on the unit will block airflow and make your air conditioner less effective. 

2. Faulty Fan

The condenser uses a fan to extract heat from the evaporator coils and move it outside. If this fan fails or runs at suboptimal efficiency, it will impact the performance of the whole AC. Bent blades and blown capacitors frequently cause failure. This should be fixed right away. 

3. Dirty Filters

Failing to regularly change an AC's filters leads to further airflow issues. In this case, the machine may have trouble moving air through the filter, clogging up the ideal airflow route and blocking heat from exiting the unit. Depending on the air quality in your region and how often you use the AC, you should change the filters once or twice a year.

4. Obstructed Coils

Over time, the evaporator coils in your condenser unit can become coated with dirt, dust, debris, and even fungi. The presence of these other materials interrupts the way heat is exchanged between the refrigerant, the metal of the coil, and the air, causing the coils to release much less heat than they should. The refrigerant then makes its way back into your home uncooled, and your AC will start blowing warm air. In most cases, these can be easily cleaned by a professional.

If you're experiencing problems with your air conditioner or its condenser unit, Windward Air Conditioning can help. For 25 years, this locally-owned and -operated business has enabled the communities of the Windward area to stay cool and comfortable in their homes. Learn more about their services online, and call (808) 242-1144 to schedule a consultation.