Your air conditioner has 3 key parts: the condenser, the evaporator and the compressor. Each plays a role in cooling your home, and each part is dependent on the other. The condenser and compressor are housed together in the outside unit while the evaporator resides in the inside unit. There are two sets of coils in your system, one in the condenser, the other in the evaporator, and problems with either set of coils can trigger the need for air conditioning services in Burlington, VT. Coils can be delicate components, so it’s best to call professionals, like the ones at Red Rock Mechanical, for any repair needs.
What Is the Condenser Coil?
The condenser coil is a narrow, serpentine copper tube that is covered with aluminum fins. The coil is part of the condenser unit, which also has a fan.
The main job of the condenser coil is to release heat from your indoors through the refrigerant in your system. In the compressor, the refrigerant is pressurized into a hot, high-pressure gas; this hot, gaseous refrigerant leaves the compressor and flows into the condenser coil. As it flows, the heat is released; as the heat releases, the refrigerant cools enough to change states from gas to liquid. At the end of the condenser coils, the refrigerant is a warm liquid. From here, the refrigerant enters the evaporator and continues the cycle.
Common Problems with Condenser Coils
Condenser coils can suffer from some commonly-seen problems:
- Refrigerant leaks – refrigerant leaks can develop anywhere in your system, including the condenser coils. Refrigerant leaks can be tricky to find, particularly if a leak originates in the coils, so it’s always advisable to call a professional for any refrigerant leak repair.
- Layered dirt and dust – dirt and dust can collect on the coils during normal usage. If the coils aren’t cleaned regularly – approximately once a year – this layer can become thick and insulate the coils. This inhibits the heat release process and can imbalance the entire refrigerant cycle.
Your condenser coils are an important part of the refrigerant cycle in your system; should anything interrupt the coils’ operation, your entire system can malfunction. Red Rock Mechanical has been providing air conditioning services to Burlington, VT properties for almost 25 years. If you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner, call us today and schedule an appointment.
