Air Conditioner Condensers & What They Do

In essence, the condenser is a simple device whose basic function is to expel heat, in most cases, it shares a housing with the compressor and they both comprise the Condenser Unit. The compressor receives the refrigerant in gaseous form at room temperature and increases the pressure which in turn increases the temperature. The hot gas then passes into the condenser where the heat gradient is dissipated into the air.

Put simply, since it’s hotter it loses more heat more easily. The condenser is so-called because the refrigerant enters it as gas and condenses into a liquid. Gas condensing into a liquid may be more familiar to us when water vapor condenses to form liquid “condensation” on cold surfaces.

The condenser itself is essentially just a long, fluid-filled, tube that’s coiled up with thin metal fins to increase the surface area. A fan draws air across the fins which hasten the cooling. The liquid refrigerant, still under pressure, then passes through the expansion valve where the liquid returns to gas after a rapid reduction in the pressure. It’s the sudden pressure drop that causes the cooling that the whole system works from but this happens outside the condensing unit so is another story.

What Can Go Wrong With a Condenser?

A condenser has no moving parts, so there is not a lot that can go wrong with the condenser itself. The one exception is as the condenser ages, all the heating and cooling can cause micro-cracking in the pipework. In turn, this cracking can lead to a loss of gas, and therefore reduced efficiency or even total failure.

The condensing unit is kept outside and dirty, dusty air is pulled through it by the fans so the elements can take their toll. Dust and leaves are often found within the condenser, and on models with exposed fins, they can become bent after impacts from external forces.

Just a note – if you believe that the problem with your condenser is caused by debris, there may be a temptation to clear it yourself. While it is possible to remove large objects, great care should be taken when removing the buildup of dust and dirt in the areas of the pipework. Some pipes are very delicate and can be punctured or squeezed shut if the correct tools and methods are not used.

For any Make or Model of AC Unit – Call West Coast Chief Repair

At West Coast Chief Repair we deal with all types of air conditioning units, whether a central air system, window-mounted or wall-mounted. We also service mini-splits, including inverters. Whatever type of AC unit you have, if you have a problem with your system, call us before noon, and we will make every effort to be with you that same day. Whatever needs to be done to get your air conditioner operational again, we’ll provide a written estimate of all the costs involved.

Not only that, any parts fitted will be original manufacturer’s parts, designed to work best with your equipment. On completion of the work, you will be given a 30-day warranty on all our labor and a 12-month warranty on all replacement materials used.

We’re There When You Need Us

With many air conditioning service companies, you are given an approximate time when they will turn up, usually during the working day. So, not only do you have to suffer the inconvenience of a broken AC system, you have to make arrangements to make sure that someone is there when they arrive. With West Coast Chief Repair, we work 6 days a week, starting at 8 am and working until 6 pm so there should be a slot to suit you.

Residential AC Condenser Repair & So Much More

Repairing your AC condenser is just one of the many services that we offer to homeowners and businesses in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. We offer a comprehensive AC repair and replacement service as well as routine maintenance. We cover every part of your heating, furnace and air conditioning system, from routine maintenance to repairs, replacements, and upgrades.

We also have a team of specialists that deal with domestic appliances, including refrigerators, stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and even coin-operated laundry repair. All of our services are available, at no extra cost, at a time that is most convenient to you. Although we are unavailable in the evenings or on Sundays, there are exceptions, depending on the availability of our staff. We don’t charge for traveling to you.