 Don't Kill Your Condenser! by: Brad Stringer, BA, MBA During the lazy, hazy, days of summer with temperatures hovering at 100 or above, it's more important than ever to take notice of your air conditioning systems primary component, the condensing unit. You know, that big noisy thing outside, usually in your backyard that you mow grass into occasionally, but for the most part ignore, until the temperature inside your home tells you it's not working? Although problems with your condensing unit may not be as obvious as this one, the constant demand on your condensing unit in the summer can take its toll. But with some routine maintenance, you can keep your condensing unit running longer, more efficiently, and with fewer problems, (i.e. less money for repairs out of your pocket). First Things First:  Your condensing unit cools and compresses the coolant gas, (usually freon), by using a compressor to pump the gas through the coils. The fan pulls air through the unit to cool the gas and allow it to be compressed into a liquid to start the cooling process at the interior evaporator coil at the furnace air handler fan. To do this, there must be plenty of air flow across the coils and fins of the condenser. If the sides are blocked with landscaping/shrubs, it can significantly reduce air flow, lowering your efficiency, and in some instances, shortening the life of the compressor and fan motor. (See Photos Above & Below). Also, sometimes plants are installed when they are small. They then grow to block intake around the unit. Just because the fountain grass is small today, with a little water and sun . . . well, you get the picture. I've Cut the Grass & Shrubs, Now What? With the  condensing unit fan pulling air through the coils and out the top of the unit, it also brings along dirt, grass, cottonwood debris, and anything else airborne, which can eventually block the coils as well. Units without an exterior case over the coils, like the one on the right, are more susceptible to contact damage and hail, but usually stay fairly clean from the occasional rain or sprinkler.  Ones like this one, on the left are the worst offenders with regards to collecting dirt and debris. Quite often the coils are completely covered with dirt and the homeowner is unaware simply because they cannot see it unless they use a mirror to look under the louvered cases vents from below,unless it is a bit more obvious  . . . like this one! For a short video on how you can clean your condensing unit yourself and save the cost of a service call, just visit our website, http://www.abouthomeinspection.com The Rest Of The Story:  You can also insure your unit runs more efficiently if you maintain the insulation around the larger coolant line from the exterior condensing unit to the cooling coil at the furnace. This suction line should be cold and "sweaty" if the unit is functioning normally. By installing/maintaining the insulation on the line, it will lower cooling loss as freon travels through the lines between the interior and exterior unit particularly through hot attics and exterior exposures at the condenser.Lastly, make certain your unit is level. Quite often the concrete mounting pads for the exterior condensing units are placed over loose fill dirt which settles over time. This can result in the unit "leaning" to one side which can affect compressor efficiency, and in most instances will shorten the life of the compressor. So remember, don't ignore your condensing unit, especially prior to the summer cooling season. Killing your condensing unit in mid summer cannot only be uncomfortable, but it can also be very costly with units running anywhere from $2500 to $4500 to replace on average, if you can find an HVAC technician who is available in a reasonable amount of time during their busiest time of the year. For more information and maintenance tips, visit our website abouthomeinspection.com Or contact our offices at 918/812-8954 |
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