What You Should Know About Installing AC Condensers

An AC condenser is the component of an air conditioning unit that condenses the refrigerant vapors back into a liquid. This liquid is then pumped back into the compressor where the process starts all over again.

How Does an AC Condenser Work? Understanding the Procedure

Before we go into the technical specifics of condensers, it's important to understand how your air conditioning system works in general. AC Condenser is a component of your home or workplace that you may not pay attention to, yet which you rely on on a daily basis.

Three basic components make up a typical HVAC system. These include an: AC furnace (electric or gas), AC condenser, and AC evaporator.

The condenser and evaporator are coils that are connected by a series of pipes. The compressor sits inside the condenser and serves as a type of electric pump to pressurize the gas within the unit.

The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are all part of a completely sealed system that includes a non-combustible liquid known as a refrigerant (coolant). This is the actual cooling agent that creates the cool air in the system.

How does it work? The refrigerant in the system undergoes a series of evaporations, allowing the system to create cold air and distribute it throughout your AC network via a chain of coiled refrigerant lines. In general, this isn't an overly difficult operation. The condenser, on the other, plays a vital role in it.

The refrigerant gas enters first into the AC motor. These gas molecules are compressed by the compressor, making them extremely hot. Now that the gas is being used under high pressure and high temperatures, heat is beginning to dissipate into the air.

Then the gas continues onto the condenser after leaving the compressor, where it will pass through a number of condenser coils. There are also a series of fans and metal fins within this condenser in the air conditioning unit. 

When the refrigerant gas passes from one coil to the next, the fans and fins work in tandem to help remove heat from the refrigerant. The gas gradually cools and changes back into a liquid state as it travels through each, coil.

As a result of this change, refrigerant is carried to the inner area of the HVAC system, where it comes into touch with the evaporator coils. Once there, it absorbs heat from the immediate surroundings, effectively cooling the air around the evaporator coils. Finally, the fan in your unit aids in the distribution of this cooled air throughout your house!

What Should You Consider When Placing an AC Condenser?

If your condenser unit is not installed correctly, it will be unable to do its job efficiently. As a result, your air conditioner won't be able to properly cool the air in your house, resulting in discomfort, higher energy costs and an increased chance of system failure. HVAC Condenser placement will also determine how long the equipment may last. The following tips will guide you on what to consider when looking for the perfect position to place your AC.

Shaded environment

The more shade you can provide for your condenser unit, the lower the risk of it overheating. The sun's rays are less likely to strike the condenser unit on the east or north side of your property. A shaded environment with free-flowing air will be of extreme help to your cooling system. It will help in its ability to make your home cool. If your unit has to be placed in a location where it will not receive a lot of shade, consider adding an awning or planting a tree nearby. While a bright area won't necessarily hinder the system's ability to keep your house cool, a shaded region may help it function more effectively.

Consider a safe place

A safe condenser placement should be stable enough to hold it, and it should also be located higher where children would not be able to touch or play with it. The place should also not be easily accessible by people passing by. Momentum AC Services Inc. will provide you with some placement recommendations and HVAC maintenance suggestions to help your equipment operate effectively for a long period of time.

Make sure it has adequate airflow

Place your HVAC condenser unit in a location where it can freely breathe. There should not be any huge obstructions within at least 3-4 feet of your equipment. If your home has multiple condensers, make sure they aren't too close to each other so that they don't interfere with one another's airflow. Installing new condenser unit requires clearance of branches, fences, low trees, and twigs that can be a danger to your unit. If your condenser is near plants or trees, the foliage should be trimmed back to allow for adequate ventilation. You should also try to keep a fence or deck away from your condenser unit.

You may be wondering if you can replace the AC condenser on your own. The answer is yes, but it's not a job for everyone. Installing new condenser unit is a process that should only be attempted by those who have the proper knowledge and experience in HVAC service. If you are not familiar with the installation process, it is best to leave it to a professional like Momentum AC. Find out the other reason why you shouldn’t install your own ac condenser.