Connecticut Condenser Replacement & Installation

What is a Condenser?

A condenser is the outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year. The condenser cabinet contains a series of tubing, a compressor, fans, cooling fins, and refrigerant.

How Does a Condenser Work?

First, the refrigerant enters the compressor as a low pressure gas. The gaseous molecules are then compressed to make them very hot, causing the gas to operate under both high pressure and high temperatures. The heat is then dissipated into the air. Once it leaves the compressor, the refrigerant gas moves to the condenser through a series of tubing, which are usually made of copper. The fan and fins remove the heat from the refrigerant gas as it travels through the coils. Once the gas cools down, it converts from a gaseous state back into a liquid. Then the refrigerant travels to the interior portion of the HVAC system, where it contacts the system’s evaporator coils in the air handler.

Though it has a fan, a condenser does not distribute cool air throughout your home. That is the job of the air handler, or inside unit. The condenser is responsible for pressurizing refrigerant, removing the heat and moving it to the inside unit.

How Long Do Condensers Last?

On average, condensers last between 15 and 20 years. The lifespan of your particular unit depends on a number of factors, such as how well it was made and installed, how often it was run, and climate conditions. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners replace their HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. Although heating and cooling systems are meant to endure heavy usage, their components will start to wear out after 10 years. 

Signs Your Condenser Needs Replacement

• The air conditioner blows warm air inside.
• The outdoor condenser fan doesn’t run.
• Refrigerant leaks from the outdoor unit.
• You hear loud and abnormal noises coming from the unit.
• The unit produces significantly reduced cooling capability.
• Your condenser is between 15-20 years old.

Expert Installations by Skilled Technicians

When you choose Levco, you get a full team of certified installation experts. We work with all the top brands of equipment, including Trane, Aspen and First Company, to install your new condenser to the manufacturers specifications, thereby reducing the likelihood of issues. Our highly skilled technicians install a wide variety of heating and cooling systems in homes or businesses nearly every day. From small equipment replacements to brand new facility or home build-outs, there is no job too big or too difficult for Levco. 

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FAQs About Condensers

Can I clean the condenser if it has leaves and grass stuck in it?

The condenser has thin metal slats, called fins,  that run along the outline of your exterior AC unit. The purpose of the condenser fins is to move warm air away from the air conditioner while it’s running. It’s important to keep these exterior fins clean so that your AC can run efficiently. There are also evaporator fins towards the interior of the unit that are responsible for cooling the outside air and sending it through your ducts and vents to cool your home. When the evaporator fins become dirty or clogged with debris, the air coming through your vents could become significantly warmer, meaning your AC unit is using more energy and not sufficiently cooling your home. Air conditioner fins are delicate and can be bent easily, which can lead to costly repairs. So it’s very important that homeowners never use harsh methods like a garden hose or power washer to clean any part of an air conditioning unit.

The best approach to cleaning AC fins is to use an air conditioner fin comb to gently clean both the condenser and evaporator fins. An AC fin comb is a small tool with soft bristles made for delicately cleaning both the exterior and interior fins of your AC unit.

Levco cleans hundreds of condensers each year and can help you if needed! Call us today!

What happens if I leave the cover on my outside condensing unit while running it?

Many people cover their central air conditioners' outside components in the fall and winter when they’re not in use. The cover keeps snow and ice out of the unit as well as leaves, dirt and debris. It also prevents water from going inside and freezing, potentially damaging the air conditioner. Forgetting to remove the cover when you turn on the AC for the first time in warmer weather is a common problem. The inside of a central air conditioner's outdoor condenser is lined in copper coils that absorb heat from inside the home. There is a large fan in the center of these coils that cycles air through the unit and allows for the dumping of heat. If the cover remains on, these coils cannot cool, so the air cycles back into the home hot. This causes the air conditioner to run longer, work harder, and even burn out. It can lead to costly repairs. 

If you realize you left the cover on while running the unit, remove it immediately and turn the AC off. Let the unit cool down before turning it on again. If you notice any problems with your AC, such as loud noises, leaking or that it’s blowing warm instead of cool air, call Levco. We’ll diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution to get your home comfortable again.

Where is my condenser located?

The condenser unit is located outside the home, usually on the side or behind the home.