Properly maintaining an air conditioning unit is an important factor in keeping these machines functioning efficiently and ensuring a long operating life. One of the most significant parts of the air conditioner is the condenser coil. The condenser plays a vital role in the cooling process by condensing the refrigerant and removing heat from the air. Through regular operation, this coil will collect dirt and grime that, over the long run, will diminish the unit’s ability to perform its job. Air conditioning units can experience a variety of problems when they have a dirty condenser coil.
One of the ways in which a dirty condenser coil will affect an air conditioner is to reduce the overall efficiency of the unit. With a condenser coil that is dirty or blocked, the unit will have to work harder to achieve the same results. When the efficiency of the air conditioner is reduced, the unit will also cost the owner more money to operate. Reduced efficiency means that the unit must work harder which requires more electricity and in turn, this will result in higher utility bills.
An air conditioner with a dirty condenser coil may also lose some of its ability to provide cool air. A dirty condenser coil with have a reduced ability to transfer heat to the outside air and this can lead to a less effective cooling system. A person that is using an air conditioner that has a dirty condenser coil may find that the unit no longer provides adequate cooling to the structure. Or in some cases, they may find that it takes a much longer time to achieve the desired cooling.
The problems that result from a dirty condenser coil can also impact the operating life of the unit. A dirty condenser coil forces the unit to work harder, which leads to more wear and tear on the system. If the problem of a dirty condenser coil is addressed right away, this might not have a huge impact, but if the system is continually put under this additional stress it will eventually impact the overall functionality of the air conditioner.
Some steps can be taken by the average person to clean the condenser coil, but to get the job done thoroughly and to get the best results it will most likely take a service technician. While the average person might be able to clean the outside of the coil, that is really only half the job. To clean the inside of the condenser coil and make sure that it is free of obstruction, it will require the skills and equipment of a professional.
Along with the condenser coil, the entire air conditioner unit should be inspected and cleaned by a HVAC technician every year. In the inspection process, the technician will check to make sure that all of the parts are in good condition and functioning properly. Getting an annual inspection and cleaning will ensure the efficient operation of the unit and it will help to guarantee that the unit has a long operating life.