3 Signs Your AC Condenser Is Going Bad

by Kevin Smith Author

Air conditioning is a modern convenience that makes life pleasant and bearable in the hottest times of the year. In fact, in some climates, without air conditioning life would be downright miserable. One of the most important components in your home air conditioning unit is your condenser. It allows cooling of the air in your home by releasing heat from the hot refrigerant that passes through it. The heated refrigerant becomes a high-pressure gas as it moves through the system and cools the air, and in the condenser that heat is removed so the coolant can cool and return to a liquid state.

Because the condenser is usually located in the outside unit, it is subject to wear and tear from the elements and heavy usage. Routine maintenance can protect it from some of those effects, but even with proper care, your condenser may still fail. That will require you to contact a service providing AC repair near Gainesville, GA. Read on to learn more about some of the signs that it may soon be time to replace your condenser.

Decreased Efficiency

If you notice that your air conditioner is running for longer to cool the air than it previously did, that could be a sign of a failing condenser. The condenser is responsible for removing heat from the air, and when it begins to malfunction, your AC system must put forth more effort to get the same cooling results. If your AC runs regularly and you see your energy bills spike, it could be because your condenser is about to go out.

Ineffective Cooling

Again, since the condenser is the component in the air conditioner where cooling takes place, you may notice that the air is not cooling properly just before condenser failure. If your AC unit seems to be blowing hot air, or if the air that is being distributed doesn’t seem as cool as it once was, you may need to contact an HVAC company to look at your condenser.

Refrigerant Leaks

Because the condenser coil is in an outdoor environment, it can be damaged by excessive moisture over time. It is also the site of frequent wetness from condensation that can form on the metal due to the temperature differential inside and outside of the coil. That moisture leads to rust and corrosion, which can lead to refrigerant leaks that provide evidence that the coil is compromised. While the refrigerant is colorless and odorless, if you must call a service tech to charge your system with refrigerant more than once or twice a year, you likely have a condenser leak.

The condenser is a critical part of an optimally-functioning AC system. When you experience any of these signs of condenser failure, you should contact a service that provides AC repair near Gainesville, GA, to keep your system working properly.