Caring For Your Air Conditioner Condenser Coil: A Guide For The New Homeowner

Many first-time homeowners are unprepared for the time and attention their mechanical systems require to keep them working properly. The mechanical systems in your home consist of the plumbing and electrical components as well as the heating, venting, and air conditioning system.

Like the heating system, the air conditioning system can easily become stressed during the hottest part of the year when it is used the most. An air conditioning system that hasn't been regularly serviced is even more likely to become overwhelmed with its cooling tasks. While changing the filter is important, it's not the only service your air conditioner may need. Outdoor central air conditioning units are exposed to the elements and as such, the condenser coil can fail to do its job efficiently. Here is what you need to know to prevent that from happening.

What Is A Condenser Coil?

The condenser coil is a major component in your central air conditioning unit. It is located in the exterior housing unit. It looks similar to the grill of an automobile's radiator and even serves a similar purpose. While a radiator removes heat from the car's engine, an air conditioner condenser has the job of collecting heat in its coils and releasing it outdoors.

What Can Go Wrong With A Condenser Coil?

One of the biggest problems with a condenser coil is it can be a dirt magnet. The condenser coil is made up of hundreds of comb-like metal fins. When these fins become encased in dirt, they can't remove heat as efficiently as they should. This means your air conditioner will be working overtime to cool your home, and it won't do a very good job, either. For example, if you live in a region that tends to produce a lot of dust or has a high amount of iron ore content in the soil, such as Oklahoma or Upper Michigan, this fine particulate matter will coat your fins and clog the condenser coil. Nearby landscaping can also wreak havoc, particularly if it releases a lot of pollen or flower petals. Insects can also cause clogs as well.

The metal fins can also become bent or damaged. Kids playing with balls, bumping it with gardening tools, and dogs urinating on it can damage or corrode the fins. Air conditioning fins that aren't straight can't remove heat as efficiently as straight ones.

What Steps Should A New Homeowner Take?

Your first step should be to put in a call to your local HVAC professional for a spring service call. The technician will give the unit an overall checkup, ensuring the filter is clean, the refrigerant is full, and the temperature gauge is working properly. If your unit has bent fins, they can use a special tool to straighten them out. They may also recommend installing an inexpensive wrap for your air conditioning unit to help keep dust, dirt, and bugs out. You should schedule this appointment once each spring. Once the technician has serviced your unit, you can considered building a fence around the unit to better protect it from being bumped and banged by the kids or used by the dog.

For more information, reach out to residential AC services.