4 Telltale Signs of a Faulty or Failing AC Condenser

An air conditioner condenser is the outdoor portion of a split system AC or heat pump. Both AC and heat pump condensers contain the same base parts (a fan, condenser coil, various controls, and a compressor) and serve to either collect or release heat, depending on the temperatures outside.

If the condenser unit of your AC starts to malfunction, it can severely limit your air conditioner’s ability to cool down your home and even cause it to break down completely. Failing to address this issue in a timely and effective manner can lead to component failure and even force you to replace the entire condenser.

To help you avoid this, our San Diego air conditioning company has prepared a list of 4 major symptoms of a faulty AC condenser. If you spot any of these, turn off your AC immediately and call in trusted professionals in AC repair in San Diego who also service Menifee, CA and other cities across Riverside and San Diego Counties. Keep reading to learn more.

What happens when an AC condenser goes bad?

An AC condenser cools the entering refrigerant and transforms (condenses) it into a warm liquid, which is then sent to the evaporator coil to expand and cool. To do this, it uses numerous moving and stationary parts, any of which can break down and heavily limit its performance. Ultimately, a fault AC condenser means your will need AC replacement or intensive air conditioner repair in San Diego.

Be on the lookout for these 4 signs of a failing AC condenser:

1. Significantly reduced cooling
   Is your air conditioner blowing lukewarm air even though you have cranked down the thermostat settings? This often means there’s a problem with the condenser that’s limiting or even completely removing the AC’s ability to circulate refrigerant.
2. Refrigerant leaks
   The AC condenser connects to the indoor evaporator via a line that circulates refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. If the refrigerant line develops leaks, it can cause the entire system to break down. Leaks can also occur at the connections to the compressor or along the condenser coil.
   Telltale signs of a refrigerant leak include:
   • A reduction in the AC’s ability to produce cold air
   • The condenser is producing hissing sounds
   • Parts of the unit are starting to frost over
3. Abnormal noises
   A faultless air conditioner will never produce loud grinding, rattling, or otherwise unusual noises. While this symptom can be caused by other problems with your AC, there’s a significant possibility that you have a condenser problem on your hands.
4. Electrical malfunctions
   The motors that operate the compressor and the fan inside the condenser are powered by electricity. Problems with capacitors, wiring, or electrical relays can all cause these essential parts to fail to turn on, stop working, or otherwise interfere with the cooling process.

How long do AC condensers last?

An AC condenser installed by experienced professionals and receives regular maintenance checkups should last as long as the air conditioning system itself. Depending on the model, this can be anywhere between 10 to 20 years.

That being said, accidents, irregular maintenance, and normal wear and tear can still cause one or more components inside your AC condenser to fail or become less efficient over time. Some malfunctions can be easily repaired, while others require complete replacements. If you need a new AC install in San Diego or the surrounding areas, connect with our team now!

Problems that can be repaired:

• The condenser is dirty. Unless it’s cleaned regularly, an AC condenser will naturally become grimy and covered in debris (leaves, twigs, etc.). Make sure to give the unit a good cleaning to keep the dirt from interfering with it.
• The coil is grimy. Even if the rest of the condenser doesn’t seem overly dirty, a dingy condenser coil can still negatively impact its performance. Luckily, this problem can be solved with a thorough cleaning.
• Fan problems. Blown capacitors, bent blades, or motor issues can all cause the large fan in the AC condenser to operate improperly or even break down entirely. Depending on the severity of the damage, the fan may need to be replaced.
• Faulty condenser relay switch. Swapping out a dead relay switch with a new one is a relatively straightforward job for an experienced technician.
• Issues with the motor. A faulty motor is another replaceable component. However, the correct replacement method can vary from unit to unit, which is why you should always leave this task to the professionals.
• Malfunctioning capacitor. As with the relay switch, capacitor replacement is a simple and common fix.

Problems that require condenser replacement:

Don’t be afraid of the word replacement! Replacing your AC condenser is actually a fairly routine air conditioning repair in San Diego County. Read below to learn the common causes of AC condenser replacement.

Major blockage. A blockage within your air conditioning system is the symptom of a larger problem and usually requires condenser replacement. Depending on the extent of the damage caused by the blockage, you may need to replace other components as well.
Discontinued refrigerant. If you have an older air conditioning system (produced prior to 2010) that still uses R-22 (Freon) refrigerant, replacing it with a newer model is the recommended option in most cases. Even if repairs are possible, the ban on R-22 and other ozone depleting substances means that you will eventually be forced to replace the AC anyway due to being unable to refill the refrigerant in your AC.
Excessive leaks. Since replacing individual condenser tubes or seals isn’t possible, significant leaks can only really be fixed by replacing the entire condenser.
The coil is damaged. While a condenser coil can be repaired, doing so is an expensive and time-consuming process. Unless the coil is still under warranty, replacing the entire AC unit is usually a more cost-effective option.

Where can I book professional air conditioning repair in San Diego CA or the surrounding areas?

Action Air Conditioning & Heating is an award-winning provider of AC installation, maintenance, and repair services in Menifee, Encinitas, Escondido, La Jolla, Moreno Valley, and the rest of San Diego and Riverside County.

From equipping your property with a modern AC system, to ensuring smooth operation for your furnaces and solar panels, our highly trained and experienced team is highly qualified to ensure your comfort all year round. Reach out to us today if you would like to book our services or learn more about our services and special local pricing.