You know a lot of things – but do you know exactly how your air conditioner works, or what part the A/C condenser coil plays? Knowing this could save you a big headache!
How your A/C works
First, let’s provide a quick, breezy refresher on what your A/C does. Even if you think you already know, it can’t hurt to re-learn!
When your A/C unit is running, all of its components work together to do this important job. The A/C condenser coil, located outside your house, works with the evaporator coil inside your house, to cool the air.
A very simplified version of how this works is, first, warm air inside your home is pulled through the return vent. To get rid of the heat in this air, a mechanism called the evaporator coil, and the refrigerant in it, absorbs the heat from the air. Then, the refrigerant is hot and that heat needs somewhere to go! The refrigerant travels into your A/C compressor where it is put under pressure (compressed!) and that allows the refrigerant to release the heat to the condenser coil, whose job is to release the heat outdoors. The compressor is what causes refrigerant to go from a gas to a liquid, releasing its heat on the copper condenser coil.
So, even though many people believe that your A/C “produces cold,” it actually works by removing heat from your home’s air. And, the condenser coil plays a very important part in this process by ensuring the heat escapes outdoors.
How to care for your condenser coil
These coils are visible when you look at your A/C unit – and what might also be visible is some dirt and debris! You can clean condenser coils yourself by using a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Avoid any chemicals when cleaning your condenser coil, and be sure not to damage them by being too rough!
Also, it is a good idea to have your coil cleaned by a professional every year – they use a brush with a special, high-pressure spray that gets into all the nooks and crannies. This ensures that your evaporator coils will perform as well as they should – which keeps you nice and cool!
Call Biard & Crockett
When parts like condenser units and evaporator coils develop a buildup of dirt and grime, it can hurt efficiency and performance. Here at Biard & Crockett, we provide a thorough tune-up as part of routine maintenance! Contact us online or call now: (714) 602-1299