When your condenser unit is acting up, you’ll certainly feel it. It’s easy to forget about this part of your HVAC system because it sits outside, but it plays an essential role in keeping your home comfortable. When your HVAC technician comes to do an inspection, they will always make sure to inspect this important part of your AC unit. So what are some common causes of malfunctions and failures in this essential component to your cooling system?
If you’re on the hunt for quality air conditioning repair in Cedar Hill, TX, make sure to have Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating on your radar. Their HVAC experts are always on-call to service all kinds of air conditioner issues, from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. Reach out at 469-240-5618 today.
Understanding What Your AC’s Condenser Does
We all enjoy coming home to a house that’s nice and cool after a balmy Texas afternoon. To keep things comfortable all year long requires quite a bit of complicated machinery. Your home’s HVAC system is always on call to push cold air when you turn the thermostat down. Part of the process of cooling down your living room takes place outside at your condenser unit.
While the vents and thermostat are the front-facing parts of your air conditioning system, behind the scenes, a lot is going on. Your HVAC system pulls hot air in, and cold refrigerant chills the incoming air down to then push it back into your vents. Your AC’s condenser cools the refrigerant back down through the process of, you guessed it, condensation. Without this essential part of the process, you’d be sitting in a hot room frantically searching for prompt emergency air conditioning repair.
So what causes your condenser to go kaputt? Below you’ll find some of the most common causes of air conditioner condenser problems.
Common Causes of Condenser Problems
When things go wrong and your AC is giving you the business, it could be a whole host of different issues. That’s exactly why HVAC technicians have to undergo years of training and hands-on experience before they enter the field. If you’re in over your head, make sure to give your local HVAC repair service a call. But if you want to venture out on your own and make a diagnosis, you should be aware of a few key problem areas in your AC’s condenser.
Debris and Obstructions
Much like us, your condenser unit needs room to breathe. A direct flow of fresh air is essential to the operation of your condenser, and in turn, your entire AC system. If obstruction or debris clogs up that pathway, you’ll be sure to be facing some problems cooling your home.
The best way to avoid this problem is putting clearing debris near your outside unit on your monthly HVAC checklist. If you don’t already have a checklist of common maintenance pain points, it’s always a good idea to get one going. Things like clearing debris are simple fixes that can save you the headache of costly repairs down the road.
Pressure Problems
Your HVAC system operates under a specific pressure. If abnormal pressure starts becoming an issue, it can cause condenser failure. You can check to see if this is a problem by taking a look at the pressure gauge on your outside unit. Consult your unit’s user manual to find proper operating pressure and cross-check the gauge. If things are abnormal, it might be time to call a specialist.
While you might think you can remedy a problem like this yourself, it’s best left for the professionals. Keep in mind that the average cost of a full unit replacement is around $5,000.
Refrigerant Leaks
Your unit’s refrigerant is the blood that runs the system. It’s responsible for keeping things cool. Part of what makes your AC work is the intimate balance of pressure and temperature that changes throughout the system. Your HVAC system utilizes these temperature changes and disperses the cool air into your home and cools down the hot air it takes in.
When you have a leak in your refrigerant line, it can cause the system to lose the delicate balance that keeps your home cool. This can happen when cracks or holes appear in the lines or when the fitting wears down over time. However it happens, it can mean that your system is not working properly and the condenser can’t do its job. Only your local HVAC repair service can help you if you find refrigerant leaks are causing your woes.
Electrical Issues
Without power, well, you don’t have cool air. Your HVAC system relies on a steady supply of electricity to keep things running and keep your home comfortable. Issues with electrical relays, wiring and capacitors can easily cause your condenser to malfunction or not function at all.
If you hear clicking every time you turn on your unit, it’s a good sign you might have issues with your relays. These wear out from time to time and will need replacing. In cases where electrical problems are the root of your condenser issues, always consult a pro. Home electrical safety is important. You don’t want to break anything, or worse, hurt yourself.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Much like debris and dirt clogging up your condenser, so too can the coils of the condenser itself get dirtied up. If the coils are dirty, it means that proper airflow is not happening. This can cause your system to perform poorly, putting hot air in your vents and making your home muggy. Make sure to put a condenser coil inspection on your monthly maintenance checklist.
If you don’t, it could easily cause your system to overheat. If this happens, it could lead to your air conditioner’s compressor giving out and even your condenser itself breaking.
Looking for Affordable Air Conditioner Repair in Cedar Hill, TX?
No matter what kind of HVAC problems you’re dealing with, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating have the air conditioning repair experts you need to get the job done. Their team of licensed HVAC specialists is always on standby to help you when AC problems start turning your home from cool to hot. Reach out online to schedule an appointment today.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.