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The AC Condenser Repair Guide

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Most people use the term AC condenser to refer to the part of the air conditioning system that sits outside the home, even though this part of the system has more components that just the condenser. The entire exterior unit is very important in keeping your home cool and comfortable, so it's important to know what you can do in terms of maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs.

Depending on the climate in your area, a typical AC has a service life span of around 10 to 20 years. With regular maintenance, you may be able to extend that timeframe. Learning how to do minor repairs can save you some trouble and cost by avoiding service calls with technicians. However, if you don't have any experience at all with AC repair, it's best to leave the major repairs to the pros.

Cleaning Your AC Condenser

It's easy to overlook AC condenser maintenance because the unit is out of sight. However, a dirty condenser is much less efficient in cooling your home, uses more power and needlessly puts additional strain on the motor. Keep the areas surrounding the condenser clear of overgrowth by trimming grass and brush regularly. Clean the unit itself by removing dirt, debris and plant matter to allow air to move through the system freely.

Basic Troubleshooting

For a number of AC condenser issues, you can do some basic troubleshooting before calling a technician. First, check to make sure power to the unit is working by inspecting the switches and the circuit breaker on the electrical panel. Next, check the thermostat to make sure it has power and doesn't need new batteries.

Another reason your AC may not work properly is you may need to replace the air filter. AC filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days. A dirty filter can cause several issues, including an AC that won't turn on or one that can't cool a room properly. Set a regular schedule for replacing the air filter.

AC Blowing Hot Air

This is one of the more common and more alarming AC problems, but the fix is often easier than expected. Cleaning the unit, including the fan blades, is often enough to resolve the issue. Go through the basic troubleshooting steps and replace your air filters with new ones.

AC Ices Up

If your condenser ices up, turn off the AC and the AC power switch that supplies electricity to the unit on the electrical panel. Allow the unit to thaw out thoroughly, and then check for any pooled condensates around the AC. Wipe them dry if there are any.

After the AC condenser thaws completely, proceed with the basic troubleshooting steps, from cleaning to changing the air filter. Turn the AC back on to see if the problem is resolved. If this doesn't solve the problem, then your AC may be running low on refrigerant and needs an AC Freon recharge. Call a technician to restore your AC's refrigerant to normal levels.

When to Buy a New AC Unit

There are some serious issues that may require investing in a whole new AC system, particularly if your AC has already put in some long decades of service. When a tech tells you that your AC has leaks or blockages, ask for advice about investing in a new unit. Although you may only need to replace the condenser or the condenser tubes temporarily, other more expensive parts may be on the verge of breaking down.

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