3 Parts of Your Air Conditioning System You Can't Afford to Ignore

Your air conditioner will only last long if you take good care of your unit. But some parts of your AC are more important than others since they have a greater impact on your unit's overall performance. A small issue with any of these parts can cause your energy bills to skyrocket or, even worse, lead to a complete breakdown of your unit.

So if you want your air conditioner to last for years, pay close attention to the following parts.



The compressor

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner. This part compresses refrigerant gases and circulates them throughout the unit. As the refrigerant circulates, the fluid absorbs heat from the air inside the home and transports this hot air outside. This operational mechanism is what cools your home.

To compress the refrigerant, the compressor must have a strong motor. The motor is one of the components that use the most energy since it constantly runs when you turn on the air conditioner. As a result, a malfunctioning motor can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to compensate for the inefficiency.

If you notice that your energy bills are constantly going up (even when you haven't changed your AC usage), you probably have a malfunctioning compressor. The compressor is usually located near the front of the AC for most units, where an expert can easily access this part for maintenance and repairs. Call a professional immediately if you notice any issues.

Evaporator and condenser coils

While the compressor is a vital part of your air conditioner, the component cannot function without the evaporator and condenser coils. The evaporator coils must be in good working order to absorb heat from the air. You're likely to find these coils inside the air handler, a large metal box that houses the blower fan.

The condenser coils are located outside the air handler. These coils release the heat that the refrigerant absorbs. However, these coils are very delicate and can easily sustain damage. For this reason, you need to clean them regularly to remove any dirt or debris that could obstruct airflow and cause the coils to overheat.

While you can clean these coils yourself, you should leave this task to a professional. They will have the proper tools and cleaning solutions to do the job quickly and efficiently. The wrong technique or cleaning solution can damage the coils beyond repair.

Refrigerant lines

The refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioner. This substance circulates through the evaporator coils to absorb heat. The refrigerant also passes through the condenser coils to release the heat absorbed from the inside of your home. The refrigerant lines carry the refrigerant between the evaporator coils and the condenser coils to allow for the proper functioning of your unit. 

A leak can occur anywhere in the line, but you're likely to find one at the connection point between the coils. If there is a leak in one of these lines, the refrigerant escapes through these open points. This issue can lead to a complete breakdown of your air conditioner since there won't be efficient heat transfer.

Refrigerant leaks are also quite dangerous and can cause serious health problems if anyone inhales or touches the refrigerant. The fluid is also very corrosive and can eat through metal contact points in the AC.

So if you notice any strange fluid around your air conditioner, call a professional right away. They can properly repair the leak and recharge your air conditioner with more refrigerant. You shouldn't try to repair the leak yourself since you could cause more damage or put yourself in danger.

Many AC problems are easy to prevent with proper maintenance. With regular tune-ups, you extend the lifespan of your air conditioner and avoid costly repairs.

During a tune-up, our technicians at Air Comfort Co of Australia Pty Ltd will clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check for refrigerant leaks and inspect the air handler. This way, we can help you catch and repair any potential problems before they cause your unit to break down. Contact us today to learn more.