Do you feel like your air conditioner has been running inefficiently or not working at all lately? If so, then it might be time to replace the condenser. Replacing an air conditioner condenser is no easy task and often requires some technical knowledge – but don’t worry. A qualified technician can change your air conditioning condenser.
What Is the Air Conditioner Condenser, and What Does It Do?
Before replacing your air conditioner condenser, you must understand what it is and does. The condenser is the outdoor unit of an air conditioning system. It circulates refrigerant throughout the system to remove heat from indoor air, which is expelled outside. Without this component, your AC would not be able to cool your home.
So, why might you need to replace your condenser? Over time, the condenser may become damaged or worn out due to age and weather. Various issues such as refrigerant leaks, hail damage etc can have a detrimental effect on the condenser.This can result in costly air conditioner repairs that are sometimes more expensive than replacing the unit.
Common Problems With Air Conditioner Condensers
If your AC isn’t cooling your home properly, it might be time to check the condenser. The condenser is an important part of the air conditioning system. If it’s not working correctly, your system won’t cool as efficiently as it should. There are a few common air conditioning component failure that can happen with the condenser.
Here are some of the most common issues with air conditioner condensers:
Leaking Refrigerant Lines
Have you noticed your ac system has been running too hot lately? It could be a sign that you have a refrigerant line leak. A leak in the refrigerant lines can affect an ac unit’s cooling power, resulting in higher energy bills for you in the long run. Quite often, a leak can appear in the internal section of the condenser coil. These can be irreparable. If this is the case, it’s time to inspect your AC unit’s condenser for any potential problems and make sure all the lines are intact.
Faulty Compressor Motors
A split system air conditioner not working can be annoying, and can be because of a faulty compressor motor. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the system, so if you don’t have that, you’re in trouble. It’s best to check for any bad capacitors, as they also tend to produce issues with the motor. You may need some diagnostic tests to see exactly how bad the damage is, so make sure you reach out to a certified tech and have them examine it ASAP.
Overheating
Overheating in your air conditioner is bad news – no one wants to be stuck in a hot, stuffy house. So it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of overheating. You may find that the condenser can’t properly dissipate heat due to various problems. These include blocked coils, a faulty compressor motor, or even a broken fan blade and failed fan motor could all be contributing factors. If you notice any signs of overheating, then it’s time to take action and check out your condenser as soon as possible.
Rusted or Broken Fan Blades
Regarding air conditioners, rusted or broken fan blades can reduce the amount of cool air produced. It’s important to inspect your fan blades for signs of damage if you want your AC unit to remain efficient. If you do find rust or breaks, don’t wait too long. Replacing fan blades is the safest and most reliable way to ensure that your AC does its job as expected.
Dirty Coils
Have you noticed that your air conditioner isn’t cooling quite as efficiently as usual? It might be time to check on the condenser coil. – they can get pretty dirty after a while and prevent your air conditioner from working properly. So take a look at them, and if you notice any dirt or debris, it’s time to clean them up or replace the coils. With clean coils, your AC will be ready to fight against the summer heat like never before.
Incorrect Refrigerant Charge
You may not think much about refrigerant gas coming and going from your system, but it is essential for proper refrigeration. Incorrect refrigerant charges can spell disaster for your air-conditioning system. Without the right air conditioning refrigerant level, your ac won’t cool properly. It can be a real burden on both energy and financial costs. In more extreme cases of incorrect refrigerant charges, you may have to replace the condenser. Keeping an eye on refrigerant levels in your equipment can help you save money and keep your food cold. Your air cond system should be serviced regularly to flag any issues with the refrigerant gas.
Steps to Replace an Air Conditioner Condenser
Replacing an air conditioner condenser is a job that requires some specialised tools and knowledge. Depending on the type of air conditioner and its installation, it may require professional help. Replacement of a condenser must always be carried out by a qualified technician.
Below are the steps to replace an air conditioner condenser:
1. Prepare the Area Around the Condenser
Before replacing the condenser, the work area around the condenser needs to be clean and clear.
2. Shut off Power to the Condenser
Power to the condenser should be turned off via both the isolator and circuit breaker. Before disconnecting any component, a check for dead should be conducted. This will alleviate any chance of electric shock, or worse, electrocution.
4. Remove the Refrigerant From the Old Unit
The refrigerant needs to be removed from the existing system. There are various laws and regulations pertaining to the removal of refrigerant. Failure to follow the correct procedures will have environmental impacts and can also lead to penalties for incorrect procedures. A reclaim pump is to be used to transfer the refrigerant from the air conditioner to a storage cylinder. Precautions must be taken as the refrigerant will be at high pressure. Once the refrigerant has been removed, the refrigerant pipes can be safely disconnected.
4. Remove Fasteners and Disconnect Electrical Wiring
Take note of the electrical wiring connections. Remove the electrical wiring from the unit and move clear of the unit that is being replaced. Undo and remove any fixings that are holding the condensing unit in place. The condensing unit is now ready for removal.
5. Install New Condenser Unit
Now that the aircon installation is underway, you can install your new condenser unit. Just be sure to read and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. These include distances from walls and overhangs so that the air around the condensing unit is not impeded. There must also be sufficient space for service to the new condensing unit. Fix the new condenser to any anti-vibration mounts. Bolt down and secure the condenser.
6. Connect Electrical Wiring and Add Refrigerant
Now that the condenser is safely in place, it’s time to connect the electrical wiring and add refrigerant. The electrical wiring is to be connected as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The system should then be pressure tested. Following a successfulk pressure test, a vacuum pump is essential here to ensure that there isn’t any air in the system before the refrigerant is added.. After successfully charging the unit with refrigerant, you can flip on the power switch to check the system operation.
7. Test Operation of New Condenser
As part of air conditioning condenser replacement, it’s important to do a test operation of the new condenser. That way, you can ensure it’s operating accordingly and providing enough cooling for your home. All it takes is getting power to the unit, check the refrigerant charge, fan motor operation and conducting a test run. If all is carried out correctly, the system should start cooling in a short time.
Final Thoughts
Replacing an air conditioner condenser is not an easy task. This must always be carried out by a suitably qualified technician with the appropriate tools and equipment.
