When a summer heat wave settles over New England, your air conditioner is a lifeline that turns your home from a sweltering mess to a cool and relaxing oasis. But what would happen if your home cooling system were to go down? Would you know how to repair an AC condenser if you have problems after hours or late at night?
Understanding what can go wrong and how to mitigate it can make the difference between a relaxing evening and sweating it out until a technician can come out the next day. Don’t lose your cool if the AC goes out in your New England home. Instead, here’s how to perform quick AC condenser repairs when you’re in a pinch.
What Is an AC Condenser?
An AC condenser is a critical component of your air conditioning system that transforms refrigerant vapor into liquid form, exchanging hot air for cooler, conditioned airflow. Located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner, the condenser works as a heat exchanger: When air enters the condenser, it releases heat through the coils while the fan blows outside air across them, completing the heat exchange process.
A full AC condenser is composed of several different parts that can break down over time. Some of the critical components include:
- a network of condenser coils
- a compressor that pressurizes the refrigerant
- the fan to blow air across the condenser
- capacitors to regulate energy
What Are the Signs My AC Condenser Needs Repair?
Even the best-maintained AC condensers need help to keep the cold air flowing throughout your home. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s a sign your AC condenser needs repairs:
- Warm air blowing from your vents when the AC is running
- Unusual noises like banging, buzzing, or squealing from the outdoor AC unit
- Ice formation on the condenser coils
- Significant increases in your energy bills
- Water pooling around the outdoor unit
- Burning smells or chemical odors
The Most Common AC Condenser Repairs
The good news is that when it comes to basic issues, you can perform some AC condenser repairs until the trained technicians can come to the rescue. When your AC condenser goes down, here’s what you should check first to get it back in working order.
Air Blockage from Growth and Foliage
Over time, outdoor air conditioning units can get blocked by vegetation growth around it or from foliage falling onto it. When the air can’t flow, the AC condenser can’t exchange heat properly.
Start by clearing on and around your outdoor air conditioner unit. Simply taking care of any growth or debris that is blocking the airflow can be a quick way to get cold air back to blowing into your home.
Dirty AC Unit Components
Just because you can’t see the dirt and debris on your AC condenser doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. If you’ve been neglecting your unit for a while, all it might need is a good cleaning.
Clearing out any growth around your AC condenser and gently cleaning off any dirt or debris can help your unit operate more efficiently. Even this simple AC condenser repair can get your home back to a comfortable state faster.
Air Conditioner Motor Issues
The motors in your air conditioning system are crucial components that can develop various issues over time. Without maintenance, your motors could fail, disrupting the cooling process or preventing the fans from circulating air through the unit.
If you have a belt-driven air conditioning unit, check to see if your belt is fraying, cracked, or completely broken. Replacing the belt could be the key to getting your unit working at full capacity. If you don’t have a belt-driven unit, it’s time to Just Call Heritage to determine if a more in-depth repair is needed.
Trust the Technicians at Heritage Home Service for Fast AC Condenser Repair
Although there are some easy ways to make sure your AC condenser is running properly, not all repairs are quick or easy. After checking what’s in your control, more advanced repairs should be left to the experts at Heritage Home Service.
No matter when you need AC condenser repair, our experts are here to help with same-day repairs, where available. If your air conditioner goes out in the late evening hours, our 24-hour answering service will ensure you’re on the schedule for the next day. Before you start panicking from the heat, simply chill out and Just Call Heritage — our technicians are here to help you get back to relaxing in the comfort of your home.