Getting Ready for Winter Series: Air Conditioner Service & Maintenance – The Condenser

It’s that time of year to think about the final steps of Air Conditioning maintenance and service that you need to do when the seasons change. It can be a hassle-free process really, so long as you understand how the components function and affect AC performance.

One of the key components that govern cooling performance is a condenser that’s functioning at full capacity. The condenser’s located outside the house and is responsible for drawing heat away from the room and radiating it into the open air.

The condenser’s one of those components that can easily get clogged with dust and debris from trees/plants, the air or nearby traffic. Before you think your last thought about summer being gone, make sure your air conditioner maintenance has been completed.

Let me show you some general steps to effectively cleaning your condenser:

• Cut away plants, weeds or vines that may have found their way around the condenser. You’d want to make sure air flow is not being obstructed.
• Commercial coil cleaner works just fine for cleaning purposes and can be easily acquired at refrigerator supply and parts stores. Clean the condenser making use of the instructions provided. Flush the coil clean and let it dry. No need to water it down with a hose.
• Use a soft brush to clean the fins of the condenser. This gets rid of dust or dirt that accumulates over time. Go right ahead and remove the protective grill to fully access the fins. As mentioned, avoid using a hose, water could turn the dirt into mud, which may gradually clog the condenser coil even more. A high-powered blower does a good job too.
• Look closely: bent fins can compromise cooling performance to some degree. Straighten them gently. A straightening fin comb can be bought at an AC appliance and parts store. It can easily slide through spaces between fins.
• Inspect the concrete pad that supports the condenser; it should be level. If the pad isn’t level, you can use a pry bar or a piece of 2 x 4 to lift it slightly, and, add rocks under the concrete to keep it level.

By following these simple measures, you can ensure that you have taken your air conditioning maintenance seriously which will help you get a lot of mileage out of your air conditioner next year and for the years to come.

This article was provided by American AC Heat Plumbing. Since 1981, American Air has been providing professional air conditioning and heating service and repair. Check out their $129 Precision AC tune-up special – good for your air conditioner or furnace!