An air conditioning unit is vital in providing cool temperatures during the hot season. However, it can be disappointing when the AC malfunctions, leaving you hot and covered with sweat. You should know that such failure may result in the condenser rattling and buzzing, disrupting your ambiance. Since a faulty condenser reduces the system's efficiency, you should engage an AC expert to perform timely repairs. They will inspect the system and fix the underlying issue to restore proper function. The following are the reasons your AC condenser is malfunctioning.

Blocked Airflow 

Since the condenser unit is outdoors, it is prone to debris accumulation. Moreover, plant matter and other debris may infiltrate the condenser during inclement weather, restricting airflow. This results in a high-pitched squeal as the pressure in the blower motor increase. As such, the condenser cannot effectively expel heat from the refrigerant, causing heat retention. In addition, debris accumulation hinders the condenser from venting, leading to overheating and component failure. Therefore, you clear all the debris in the outdoor unit to prevent heat retention. In addition, you may want to clear the ground around the outdoor unit and remove plants that may end up clogging the unit. 

Bent Fins

The condenser's location makes it vulnerable to damage by weather elements. This happens when strong winds force twigs and stones into the condenser, damaging the fins. On the other hand, critters can invade your property and cause damage to your condenser. Finally, you may bend the fins if you apply direct pressure while washing the unit. Note that bent fins restrict airflow and trap more heat within the unit as it cannot escape efficiently. To avoid such issues, ensure an AC expert repairs the fins and mounts a protective casing to prevent further damage down the line.

Refrigerant Leak

The refrigerant facilitates heat exchange by absorbing heat in the evaporator coil and dissipating it outdoors. However, your condenser may wear down over time, developing holes that leak the coolant. When this happens, the compressor will work harder to recycle the refrigerant, causing it to overheat. Therefore, you should engage an AC contractor to replace the line set and regas the system with adequate refrigerant.

Fan Problems

Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, may cause floods in your home. This may lead to water seeping into the condenser and damaging the motor windings. Moreover, the motor bearings may dry from lack of lubrication, impeding the fan's movement. Finally, foreign objects can enter the blower compartment and block the rotor from rotating. This leads to the condenser overheating as it cannot expel heat from the coil, causing eventual failure.

A malfunctioning condenser consumes more energy, spiking your energy bills. Thus, you should hire an AC repair expert to perform necessary repairs, tune up your system as required, and ensure everything is in good working order.

Contact AC services to learn more.