Now that colder weather has approached Indiana, a lot of you might not be using your air conditioners and outdoor condensers. However, spring and summer will arrive just as quickly and you will have to start using your air conditioning system again soon enough. At Action Air, we believe it is never too early to learn about your AC system and any problems it might cause. If you have had any outdoor condenser problems in the past or you’re just interested in improving your HVAC knowledge, this blog is for you! Keep reading if you want an answer to the question that nags many homeowners’ minds: ‘What is wrong with my outdoor condenser?’
How Does the Outdoor Condenser Work?
Your AC system isn’t just a couple of ducts blowing cool air into your home. It is far more complex than that and the outdoor condenser is vital part of the puzzle. Your AC works by absorbing warm air from your home and blowing it over the evaporator coil, which contains a cooling agent called refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the warm air and the now cool air blows into your home with the help of some fans. The refrigerant on the other hand is compressed into gas then sent to the condenser where it turns back into liquid. The heat from the process is dissipated outdoors and away from your home with the help of the outdoor condenser.
What Could Be Wrong with Your Condenser?
Now that you know how important your outdoor condenser is, it is time to look at what problems it might face. It is best to tackle these issues at the very beginning before they turn into costly problems. Here are some common issues your outdoor condenser might have to deal with:
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Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the cooling agent present in the evaporator coil that absorbs heat from the warm air that blows over the coils. Your air conditioning system is designed to not lose refrigerant. If your air conditioner has low refrigerant levels, it is most likely because of a leak. To check for refrigerant problems, reach behind your outdoor condenser and feel the refrigerant lines. If they are cold, that means they are working fine. If you hear a hissing noise or you see any leaks behind or around your condenser, you might be dealing with a leak. Other signs of low refrigerant levels are warm air blowing through AC vents during warmer months or your air conditioner running constantly instead of in cycles.
To fix a refrigerant leak or add refrigerant to your system, you will need to contact an HVAC technician. Refrigerant is a dangerous chemical and the law requires a licensed professional handle it.
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Fan Making Noise
If your outdoor condenser is being noisy, you might want to check it out as soon as possible. If you hear a clanging or rattling, there is a chance some debris has made its way into the condenser fan – or there are some loose parts like screws caught in the fan. Turn off your air conditioner and carefully remove the top grille and fan to check for debris or loose parts. Leaving any loose items in the outdoor condenser can damage other parts of your HVAC.
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A Spike in Electricity Bills
If you notice your electricity bills significantly increasing, try out simpler solutions first. Replace your air filter and make sure to check for any air leaks. However, once you know the simpler solutions are not working you should look at your outdoor condenser. Most likely, the reason for high bills is a deteriorated compressor – which would reduce the efficiency of the condenser.
Maintain Your HVAC System with Action Air
The best way to ensure all the components of your AC are working properly is to schedule routine maintenance. If you haven’t had your HVAC system looked at, now is the time! Schedule an HVAC tune-up with the pros at Action Air or give us a call at 317-451-4371.
