Your air conditioning unit is one of the most essential components of your home’s comfort here in Southwest Florida. But if your air conditioning unit isn’t working properly, it can cause a number of issues. One of the most important parts of your air conditioning system is the condenser. If your AC condenser unit is not functioning properly, it can lead to a number of problems, all leading to poor cooling of indoor air. Here are some warning signs that you may have a bad AC condenser.
4 Common Warning Signs that You Have a Bad AC Condenser
1. Your Air Conditioner is Not Cooling Your Home
If your air conditioner is not cooling your home as well as it used to, it could be due to a problem with your condenser. The condenser is located in the outdoor unit and is responsible for releasing the heat that is generated by the compressor and transferring it outside of your home. If the condenser is not working properly, the heat will not be released properly, resulting in poor cooling and potentially blowing warm air instead.
2. Your Air Conditioner is Making Strange Noises
If your air conditioner is making strange noises, it could be a sign that your condenser is failing. The condenser contains a fan that creates a flow of cool air to help cool the unit. If the fan is not working properly, it can cause loud, rattling noises. This can be a sign that the condenser fan is not working properly and needs to be replaced.
3. Your Air Conditioner is Not Turning On
If your air conditioner is not turning on, it could be due to a problem with the condenser. The condenser is responsible for supplying power to the other components of the air conditioner. If the condenser is not working properly, it can cause the air conditioner to not turn on.
4. Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Refrigerant
If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it could be a sign that your condenser is not working properly. The condenser is responsible for containing the refrigerant and keeping it pressurized. If the condenser is not working properly, it can lead to liquid refrigerant leaks.
Repair vs Replacement of AC Condensor
If you’ve discovered that your ac condenser isn’t working properly, you may be wondering whether you should repair or replace it. Issues with your air conditioner’s condenser can be caused by various parts and may be easily repaired without total system failure.
A Dolphin Cooling licensed and trained HVAC technician can tell you what’s going on with your unit and suggest a course of action.
When to Repair Your AC Condenser
The average cost of repairing your AC condenser can sometimes add up to as much as the replacement. Still, sometimes repair is inexpensive and may be the best option.
Dirty condenser coils:
Condenser coils are the aluminum tubing inside of your outdoor unit. They are key components to the proper functioning of your air conditioner and can be one of the most expensive parts of your AC system, so it’s important to keep them clean. Dirty condenser coils can put extra stress on the system which leads to failure over time. The coil and condenser fins inside the condenser cabinet should be kept clean. Condenser fins are the aluminum fins inside your outdoor unit.
Dirty condenser:
This is an easy fix but an issue that can have a big impact on your AC cooling capabilities. Keeping the area around your outdoor condensing unit clean can prevent interference in the system’s regular operation. Clean any dirt or vegetation off of and away from your outdoor unit. Regular maintenance of your entire AC system, but especially your outdoor unit, will help prevent future issues.
Failing/failed run capacitor: This part is located in your outdoor unit or condenser unit, and it provides the initial jolt of electricity that the AC motors need to run successfully. This part can be easily replaced if it’s the culprit of your issues.
Bad relay switch:
The relay switch controls the flow of electricity to your AC. A bad relay switch is a relatively simple repair with a low replacement cost in comparison to the replacement of the condenser unit. A sign of a bad relay switch could be a thrown circuit breaker.
Faulty Motor:
A faulty condenser fan motor can cause your heat exchanger, or condenser unit to not work properly. A faulty fan motor will prevent heat transfer and cause the unit to overheat. This faulty part will have to be replaced, but will not mean that the condenser unit itself needs replacement.
When to Replace Your AC Condenser
Blockage:
A blockage anywhere within your AC system means there is an issue with your condenser. Unfortunately, if the blockage itself causes extensive damage, you may have to replace more than just the condenser.
Leaks:
Condenser seals and tubes cannot be individually replaced. If there are excessive leaks, the entire condenser will need to be replaced.
Damaged Coil:
A damaged coil is one of those costly repairs that usually justifies a replacement instead. Unless you have a warranty, this repair cost can add up quickly because of how much time and labor it requires.
Air Conditioning Repair in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas
If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you contact a professional air conditioning technician for repairs. Working in the outdoor unit of central AC systems can be dangerous due to the extensive electrical components and the high pressure of certain parts inside of the unit. We highly recommend that you contact a professional for diagnosis and repair or replacement of any faulty AC parts.
At Dolphin Cooling, we have a team of professional technicians who are able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to ensure that your air conditioner is functioning properly. Should you need to replace your condenser unit or even your entire AC system, Dolphin Cooling will help you make the best decision for you and your family. A qualified technician will walk you through the issues with any major components of your AC system that could warrant a replacement. We will highlight key factors for repair vs replacement and make recommendations for your next steps.
We service Naples, Vineyards, Golden Gate, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers. Contact us today for a free estimate!