Many homeowners are aware that their air conditioning system has condenser coils, but since they are hidden away inside the outdoor unit, they are rarely given any thought. Unfortunately, if your coils are not given proper attention, they can become compromised by dirt and debris, which can cause a number of problems.
The Role of the Condenser Coil:
The process of condensation is at the heart of most air conditioning systems. The condenser coils play a vital role in this process. The coils are needed to transform the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas state and back again. During this process, heat is carried from inside the home and released outside. Unfortunately, since air is continually circulated during the cooling process, it can allow airborne pollutants such as lint, dust, dirt, grass and other debris to accumulate on the coils. This build up will continue until the coils are eventually blocked, triggering some issues that can compromise the performance of your air conditioner system.
The Importance of Clean Coils:
Clean coils provide a number of benefits to your air conditioning system. They can not only yield a higher performance, but can also improve the quality of your indoor air and prolong the life expectancy of your unit. They also contribute to improved efficiency, which will save you money on your electric bills. When the coils are clogged, it decreases air flow and compromises efficiency. Research has shown that dirty coils can drop the performance levels of an air condition by up to 30%. This is because the dirty coils forces the air conditioner to work harder at higher pressure and under higher temperatures.
The Risk of Mold:
The coils of your air conditioner can provide the warm, moist conditions where mold can thrive. When there is debris on the coils, it can create the optimum conditions for mold to develop. Unfortunately, as the air is passed over the coil to be cooled, the air that is pushed inside your home can carry some of the mold spores. This can seriously impact the indoor air quality of your home and could create health issues, particularly if you have allergy sufferers or those with respiratory conditions in your family.
Frozen Coils:
Another effect of dirty coils is that they can become frozen, which can impact the functionality of the system. The dirty coils mean that the air conditioner is operating at higher temperatures and increased pressure. These conditions mean that the lubricant is not easily broken down. As the situation progresses, it can make the coils freeze over. This can not only compromise performance, but could also lead to compressor failure, which can be a costly and frustrating repair.
Cleaning Your Condenser Coils:
In many cases, some basic cleaning can prevent problems developing. You should ensure that the condenser unit is free of debris and use a soft brush to clear away dust periodically. If the coils do need to be cleaned, it is possible to do this yourself, but you will need a delicate touch. There are specialist cleaning products available, but you may feel more comfortable leaving this task to a professional HVAC technician.