Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for efficiency and longevity, and one crucial aspect is keeping the condenser coils clean. In this blog, we’ll explore what condenser coils are, why cleaning them is vital, and how regular maintenance can save you money and ensure a comfortable indoor environment.
What is an AC Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is a crucial component of your HVAC system. It’s located in an outdoor AC unit, and its role is to dissipate heat collected from a building into the air. Here’s how the heat is collected, and carried to condenser coils: after refrigerant absorbs heat from inside a building and becomes a high-pressure gas, it travels to the condenser coil. Here, the refrigerant releases its heat as air is blown over the coils, transferring the heat to the outdoor air. As the refrigerant cools down, it condenses back into a liquid and cycles back into the building. This continuous process ensures efficient heat exchange, helping cool down the building, while maintaining optimal humidity levels.
The Difference Between an AC Condenser Coil and an Evaporator Coil
An AC condenser coil and evaporator coil play two crucial roles within an HVAC system. The evaporator coil is located in the indoor unit (the air handler). It absorbs heat from the air and evaporates it into gas. This process cools the air, allowing it to circulate throughout the building. Next the (now-warm) refrigerant gas travels to the outdoor condenser coil, where heat is released and the cycle begins again.
The Importance of Cleaning a Condenser Coil
Dirt, foliage, and other debris can easily accumulate on an HVAC condenser coil, especially if the building is near a street where exhaust can build up. When dust and grime cover the coils, it reduces their efficiency, leading to higher energy bills, overheating, and potential breakdowns.
Improved Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Clean condenser coils allow your HVAC system to cool indoor spaces more quickly and with less effort. Ultimately, this reduces energy bills associated with cooling. HVAC systems account for about 26% of electricity in commercial and residential applications, so this is already a high proportion of energy bills. This is why, when condenser coils are dirty (and the HVAC system isn’t running at its peak efficiency) the increase to energy bills is significant. When coils are dirty, an insulating layer of dirt forms between the air and the refrigerant, making heat transfer less effective. This inefficiency forces the system to work harder to cool a building, leading to increased energy consumption, and an AC system that takes longer to cool indoor spaces.
Image Source: US Environmental Protection Agency
Increased Lifespan
Regularly cleaning condenser coils can significantly extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. When dust, pet hair, and debris build up on the coils, it forces the unit to work harder, leading to overheating and inefficiency. This added strain can shorten the system’s overall lifespan, potentially leading to costly repairs or the need for a complete replacement.
Avoid the Inconvenience of HVAC Breakdowns
Canada may be known for its cold winters, but Canadian summers can be incredibly humid, which means AC units are working harder than ever and require more maintenance. When coils are dirty, the system works harder, increasing the risk of malfunctions. HVAC products typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, but if the system is inefficient, there’s a likelihood of accelerated wear and tear. Additionally, older condensers can accumulate dirt and dust more easily than newer AC units, so you should consider replacing your condenser if it’s more than twenty years old in order to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown. If your system is relatively new, regularly cleaning condenser coils will help prevent breakdowns, and keep your building cool and comfortable during a hot Canadian summer.
The Benefits HVAC Professionals Performing Regular Maintenance
Professional HVAC maintenance ensures that tasks like cleaning condenser coils are performed correctly, preventing costly repairs. For example, condenser coil fins are engineered for maximum efficiency, and can be easily damaged if improperly cleaned.
Condenser coil fins can be harmed if:
They are scrubbed too hard
If harsh chemical cleaners are used (this could damage exterior coating)
During a tune-up, HVAC technicians will properly perform tasks such as cleaning condenser coils, changing air filters, tightening electrical connections, and checking safety controls. This preventative approach catches small problems before they escalate, keeping your system running efficiently and extending its lifespan.
Conclusion
Maintaining clean condenser coils is essential for your HVAC system’s efficiency and longevity. Typically, annual cleaning is sufficient, but with Canada’s hot and humid summer months, consulting a professional for a tailored maintenance schedule is advisable. Additionally, watch for signs that coils need cleaning, such as corrosion, ice formation, or reduced airflow. Restricted airflow from dirty coils or filters can cause the AC unit to freeze and underperform. Regular maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently, prevents costly breakdowns and improves indoor air quality. For optimal performance, schedule your HVAC maintenance with TRI-AIR SYSTEMS today to keep your building occupants comfortable year-round.