Why are my condenser coils are causing my AC to blow warm air?

Is Your Unit Ready for the Seven-Month Stretch? AC Repair Richmond Essentials

With the arrival of spring, the cooling season is about to begin in earnest. That means for the next seven months or so, the air conditioner will run quietly in the background of our lives. The results are comfortable, safe spaces inside, while the temperature and humidity outside are very uncomfortable.

The key component of the air conditioner that makes air conditioning possible is the outdoor condenser unit. Underneath the metal covers is a large network of aluminum tubes covered in very thin fins. A large fan is housed in the interior and pulls air, lots of air, through the network of tubes. This assembly is designed to dissipate (or collect) heat very quickly. But where does that heat come from?

Cool Conclusions:

  • Air Conditioning is a Process of Heat Transfer, Not Just “Creating Cold.”
  • Airflow Obstructions Lead to Costly Repairs.
  • Ice is a Warning Sign of Refrigerant Loss.

Inside Your Condenser: Understanding Heat Transfer and AC Repair Richmond

Air conditioning works on a heat transfer principle.

  • The refrigerant is compressed and then suddenly released. The expanding gas gets cold
  • The blower motor pulls hot air from the house, passing it over a coil of cold tubes (the evaporator coil).
  • The refrigerant collects heat, making the air cool and the gas inside the tube very hot.
  • The hot gas moves outside to the condenser coil. The central fan cools the refrigerant and gets it ready to recycle.

The hot air from inside the house is usually humid. The moisture condenses on the cool coils, making the air both cool and dry.

If your air conditioner stops cooling, this heat transfer process is most likely the problem, and the condenser unit is often involved. This process is rather complex, so, as you might imagine, lots can go wrong. Some of the most common problems include:

  • Debris is collecting around the condenser unit. There should be 18” to 24” in every direction around the condenser. Make sure that shrubs and grass is trimmed, and leaves are cleared away from the unit.
  • Dirt and pollen are collected on the condenser coils. This sticky substance acts as an insulator, blocking the transfer of heat. If the refrigerant gas does not cool properly in the condenser, it returns to the compressor too hot. If the compressor overheats, this is a very expensive repair.
  • Normally, the compression of a known amount of refrigerant produces a known temperature. If the refrigerant finds a pinhole to escape through, the pressure of the refrigerant will cause it to leak quickly. The compression of less gas creates lower temperatures, which usually results in the humidity icing on the evaporator coils.

Seeing Ice in Summer? What You Need to Know About AC Repair Richmond

How will you know?

  1. If you observe ice buildup during the cooling season, it indicates a problem with the refrigerant. The ice might develop on the condenser or on the evaporator coil.
  2. You may notice water leaking from the air handler as the ice melts.
  3. The blower motor will blow plenty of air, but the air will be warmer than usual and will eventually become moving room temperature (hot).

Problems two and three could have many causes, but problem one is definitely a result of the loss of refrigerant.

What To Do

If you experience any of these problems, call your All Cool technician. These problems require a diagnosis, and someone certified in the use of refrigerant gases, which are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. All Cool AC & Heating will have you covered.

Don’t Settle for a Summer Sauna: Professional AC Repair Richmond from All Cool AC and Heating

Don’t let a faulty condenser or a hidden refrigerant leak turn your home into a sauna this spring. Our EPA-certified technicians are ready to diagnose your system’s complex heat transfer issues and restore your comfort immediately. Contact All Cool AC & Heating today to schedule your professional AC Repair Richmond appointment and ensure your unit is prepared for the long cooling season ahead.