Whether you have a central AC unit, a heat pump, or a ductless mini split, it has an outdoor unit. This is the compressor, where the condenser lives, pressurizing the refrigerant so it will flow through the whole system of coils. And the condenser is more than just the most essential component of the system. It’s also the most expensive.
If your compressor fails, it can’t be repaired. It may be possible to replace the compressor, but chances are, it wouldn’t be a good investment. It’s so costly that putting a new compressor into an aging air conditioner, which would soon need replacing anyway, would be a waste of money. You need to keep your AC outdoor unit happy, so it can live a long, hard-working life. We’ll tell you how. If you need to schedule maintenance or repair, or if you have any questions about your AC outdoor unit in Livingston, NJ, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Promote Good Air Circulation
The most important thing for your compressor is that it must be able to dissipate heat. If the condenser coils in the outdoor unit can’t get rid of enough heat, the air conditioner will have to run more and more of the time. This puts a great deal of unnecessary strain on the compressor. This means plenty of air must circulate through and around the outdoor unit.
- Clear the Area: Trim back any plants, trees, or shrubs that grow close to the outdoor unit. Rake up lawn clippings or autumn leaves so they won’t pile up around the outdoor unit. This will give space for air to move freely.
- Clean the Unit: Another thing that can prevent heat from dissipating is a layer of dust or dirt forming on the coils. It will act like insulation, trapping the heat inside the coils. To keep the coils clean, you need to give them an occasional hose-down. Just make sure you don’t use a high-pressure nozzle. Gentle water will clean the unit without causing any damage.
Reduce Your Use
The more the compressor has to run, the more wear and tear it will accumulate. Cut down on this by cutting down on the amount of time you need to use your air conditioner. Several small things can work together to make a big impact here.
Use ceiling fans, turning counter-clockwise, to keep air moving. You’ll feel just as cool with the thermostat set a few degrees higher. Block sunlight from directly hitting windows. Seal up drafts around doors and windows to keep the cool air in. And control your humidity: again, you’ll feel just as cool with the thermostat set higher if the air is dry instead of humid.
Prioritize Maintenance
By cleaning all the inner workings of the air conditioner and lubricating all the moving components to reduce friction, maintenance reduces the strain the compressor experiences. Your air conditioner needs maintenance every single year to stay in tip-top shape. This can drastically increase the lifespan of the air conditioner.
Get Repairs Promptly
If you do think that something is wrong with your air conditioner—if you notice a funny noise, strange smell, poor performance, uneven cooling, or a spike in your electric bill—have a technician check it out right away. An AC unit that’s struggling with a problem will often have to run more of the time, which means more strain on the compressor.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today with AC concerns or any questions about your HVAC system!