If you leave the servicing and maintenance of your air conditioning until summer, you may be making a costly mistake. Basic service and maintenance such as cleaning or replacing filters can be easily performed, but one component of your system which is often neglected is the condenser. The main reason the condenser is often left lacking service and maintenance is that the condenser is located outdoors. The condenser is a key component of your AC system as it handles drawing hot air away from the room and venting it into the outdoor air.
Common Problems With Condensers:
The main issue experienced with condensers is that they can easily become clogged with dust, dirt and garden debris. Should the condenser pipes become clogged, it will be unable to effectively vent the hot air outside of the house. Additionally, a clogged vent or pipe places additional strain on the system, increasing the risk of breakdown and compromising the lifespan of the appliance. Since the condenser is integral to the effective performance of your air conditioning, before the hot days arrive, you should undertake some basic maintenance and consider having your condenser and full air conditioning system serviced.
Simple DIY Maintenance of Your Condenser:
There are some simple and general steps that are easy to complete without professional assistance. These measures can ensure that your condenser is kept clean and reduce the risk of debris accumulating.
The first step you should take is to cut back any vines, plants or weeds that have begun to grow around the condenser. Even smaller plants can still obstruct the airflow around the appliance and compromise performance.
Although cleaning the condenser coil may seem a little daunting, there are specialized cleaning products designed for this. Commercial coil cleaner is readily available at refrigerator parts and supply stores. The product will be accompanied by manufacturer’s instructions, which can guide you through the cleaning process. You will need to flush the coil to ensure that it is fully cleaned and allow it to dry. This process removes the temptation to water it down using a garden hose.
Another simple step is to clean the condenser fins. Cleaning the fins removes the accumulation of dirt and dust which collects over time. Remove the protective grill for full access to each of the fins. You should avoid using a garden hose to complete this task as you could create mud from the mixture of dirt and water. Mud would create an even greater risk of clogging. Instead, use a soft brush or high powered blower to clean the fins.
You should also examine the fins for signs that they have been bent. A bent fin can compromise the performance of your condenser. You will need to use a gentle approach for straightening the fins. There are also straightening fin combs available at AC appliance and parts stores. This tool can be slid through the spaces in between the fins with ease.
While performing your maintenance, you should also check the concrete pad supporting your condenser. This pad should be level and if it is not, you will need to correct this. Although this may seem complex, you can use a pry bar to lift the concrete slightly and add small rocks to correct the problem.