A little-known but imperative part of an HVAC system lies outside – the condenser coil. This heat exchanger located outside the home transfers warm refrigerant arriving via compressor back outside, cooling and recondensing it for another cooling cycle. However, like ducts inside, coils accumulate dirt reducing heat transfer and forcing units to work harder than necessary.
Over time, coils fuse with pollen, dust, and debris carried by outside air.
Clogging inhibits air moving through fins efficiently releasing collected heat. As wind tunnels narrow, static pressure increases straining condenser fans. Less air volume means limited heat rejection from each cycle. Compressors then labor extra circulating refrigerant in vain efforts compensating declining coil performance.
Unaddressed, coil fouling ultimately overloads compressors hastening mechanical failure. By some estimates, dirty coils increase energy use 5-30% depending severity. Given outdoor units often run for hours daily in summer, this inefficiency drastically raises utility bills unbeknownst homeowners. Additionally, coils encased by packed dirt catch humidity causing corrosion shortening equipment lifespan.
Fortunately, with periodic cleaning these costly and damaging issues become preventable. While DIY attempts use fin combs or pressurized water, risks exist like collapsing fragile coils or damaging electronics if moisture penetrates enclosures. Safer hiring professionals equipped with proper tools delicately vacuum and spray rinse away contaminants safely without forceful scrubbing.
Additionally, premium cleaning packages apply protective finishes shielding against new pollutant buildup for seasons. Infused with hydrophobic agents, these clear sealants repel water molecules collecting dirt instead sloughing off during rain prevent recycling of already dislodged debris.
Overall, maintaining condenser coils lowers energy bills through regained efficiency, protects ongoing investment in HVAC systems, and extends equipment lifetimes to design specifications. Coupled with duct cleaning, the complete indoor/outdoor air conditioning sanitization process creates optimized cooling comfort all summer for a relatively minor investment recouped in utility savings.
In conclusion, a forgotten yet pivotal maintenance aspect involves regularly deep cleaning outdoor condenser coils to remove caked-on contaminant barriers. Professional technicians safely restore full heat transfer limiting strain on compressors. Combining duct and coil services perfectly synchronizes indoor air quality with outdoor system performance preserving comfort and affordability season after season.
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