What Are The Symptoms of A Dirty Condenser?

Maintaining an air conditioning system is essential to ensuring that the system runs smoothly and has a long operating life. Even the most well-maintained air conditioners will eventually show signs of wear and tear or failure of components. It can be a nightmare if this happens in the middle of hot summer days. However, before spending your money on expensive air conditioning repair in Encinitas or replacement, try to diagnose the problem first.

The condenser is an essential component in the cooling process because it condenses the refrigerant and removes heat from the air. This coil will collect dirt and dust as it operates, reducing the unit’s ability to perform its function in the long run. When an air conditioner’s condenser coil is dirty, it can cause several issues.

Symptoms of A Dirty Condenser

  • Your Air Conditioner is Not Able to Keep Your Home Cool.

A dirty condenser coil in an air conditioner may reduce its ability to provide cool air. When dirt accumulates on your condenser coils, it forms a layer that acts as a barrier between the air blown over the condenser and the heat contained within the refrigerant that passes through them.

That makes it more difficult for heat to transfer from the condenser coils to the outside air, resulting in a less effective cooling system. If you notice a decrease in cooling power, your condenser may be dirty.

  • The Unit’s Energy Efficiency Suffers Significantly.

Another symptom of a dirty condenser is your utility bills will start going significantly higher than usual. A dirty condenser coil affects an air conditioner in that it reduces the unit’s overall efficiency. When the condenser coil is dirty or clogged, the system must work harder to achieve the same level of cooling.

Reduced efficiency requires the system to work harder, which requires more electricity, resulting in higher utility bills. If your utility bills are higher than usual, it may be time to inspect your condenser.

  • Your AC System Needs Frequent and Expensive Repairs.

A dirty condenser coil forces the system to work harder, causing the system to wear out faster. If the problem of a dirty condenser coil is addressed immediately, it may not have a significant impact; however, the additional strain that dirty condenser coils place on your air conditioner increases the chances of system failure and costly repairs. If your unit requires frequent repairs, you should inspect the coils.

  • Your AC Starts Leaking Regularly.

Although leaks from the condenser and its coils can be difficult to detect, they can cause problems with your entire system. The condenser coils carry the refrigerant and remove heat from the air. Even the slightest damage caused by dirt or debris can cause leaks. A leak in the condenser will cause refrigerant levels to drop, reducing your system’s ability to cool the air. If you notice your refrigerant levels dropping when they should not, there could be a leak that needs repairing.

Keeping your condenser safe and clean is essential to the overall efficiency of your air conditioner. The best way to keep your condenser clean is to have Precision Air inspect your air conditioner once a year.

Call us at (760) 389-3353 to schedule your Vista air conditioning services.

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