Common Problems with the Condenser Unit

Common Problems with the Condenser Unit

The large, outdoor condenser unit of your air conditioner contains some of the most important components of the system. Home to the condenser coil, outdoor fan, and the compressor, this unit does more than make a humming noise every time your switch on your AC. The outdoor unit releases heat from your home so that you always feel cool air from the vents. This short guide describes how the condenser unit works and some common problems homeowners have with their outdoor units.

The indoor portion of your AC is responsible for pulling heat from your home and distributing cool air. As refrigerant moves to the outside portion of your air conditioner, it makes its way through the condenser coil, changing into a high-pressure liquid and releasing heat. A large fan helps with condensation, blowing outdoor air over the condenser coil and helping heat to move outdoors. After it leaves the condenser coil, refrigerant moves to the compressor, where it is compressed into a high pressure gas before it cycles through the rest of the system.

Because the condenser unit plays such an important role in your air conditioning system, there are a variety of problems you may experience at some point.

• Bent or Loose Fan Blade: If you hear a banging or clanking noise outside, or if you notice your home doesn’t feel quite as cool as it should, it may mean a fan blade has moved out of place.
• Blocked Coil: The outdoor coil cannot release heat if it is blocked by dirt. To prevent a blocked coil, keep the condenser unit free of large debris.
• Damaged Compressor: The compressor is a complex part that is crucial to the working condition of your system. Repairing compressor damage may end up costing you quite a bit, so you should do everything you can to ensure this does not happen, including scheduling regular maintenance and calling for repairs whenever necessary.

At Russell’s Heating and Air Conditioning, our experts have experiencing repairing all kinds of problems with air conditioning systems in Redlands. To find a qualified technician, give us a call today!