Areas Not to Place your AC’s Condenser for Increased Performance

A single air conditioning unit comprises of two main components. The indoor system and the outdoor system, also known as the condenser. Both systems have to work together for the air conditioner to be effective.

Air conditioners are prone to breaking down. But with a few tips, you can get your system to work as desired for ages without developing serious faults. Sometimes it can be as simple as rethinking the placement of your AC's condenser. Here are some of the best locations you can place your condenser for enhanced performance.

Exposed Under the Sun

If your AC condenser is placed in an area where it's exposed to the sun, it is likely to overheat. A better alternative would be to place your outdoor unit outside under the shade. Point out those areas around your house where there's limited sun exposure. It could be the eastern or northern side depending on your location. If there's none, you could build a shade above the unit. The farther your AC's condenser is from the sun, the less likely it will be to overheat.

In an Attic or Garage

To protect their outdoor unit from the sun, some homeowners prefer to place their unit inside areas such as the garage or the attic. An outdoor unit is referred to as such because it needs to be outside in the open. Remember that an outdoor unit works to collect and release hot air outside.

If you place your condenser in an enclosed area like an attic or the garage, it is likely to overheat and possibly cause a fire hazard.

Where There's Limited Airflow

Of importance is that even as you keep your AC's condenser under a shade outside, the area should also be open. Away from bushes, from thick trees, other types of vegetation, in between walls that are too close, and so on. Such obstacles end up limiting your AC's access to cool fresh air. This, in turn, limits the performance of your entire air conditioning unit.

The smartest route to installing a working air conditioning system is to work with an experienced contractor. For professional AC installation, maintenance, and repair services, please contact us today.

How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for the Off-Season

The last days of summer are quickly sneaking up on us, which means the cooling season is coming to an end. As your air conditioner starts to see less use, you should begin preparing it for the off-season. Executing a few basic precautionary tasks can ensure your AC is ready to start up next spring without running into any major issues. Follow the steps provided below to prepare your system for the next cooling season.

Evaluate Your Air Conditioner's Overall Performance 
Take a moment at the end of the cooling season to evaluate your air conditioner's efficiency and overall performance. Start by pulling out your utility bill for the last three months. Look for any drastic spikes in energy consumption. If you find your bill has substantially increased, especially compared to previous summers, your A/C may be struggling to cool your home. You should also take note of any performance issues, such as weak airflow or strange noises. If your evaluation points out a variety of problems and your system is over 15 years old, you may want to consider investing in a new air conditioner before the next cooling season rolls around.

Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced by a Professional  Scheduling a service appointment will guarantee your air conditioner is ready for the off-season. Our HVAC technicians will inspect your system and perform a variety of tasks designed to keep your AC in its most optimal condition. From removing dirt and debris, to evaluating your system's overall performance, our technicians can spot any underlying issues that may lead to a costly malfunction next cooling season. In the long run, having your air conditioner serviced at the end of the summer ensures your AC will operate at its most efficient level when it's time to turn it back on.

Keep Your Outside Unit Clean
Clearing the area around your outdoor unit is an important part of preparing your air conditioner for the off-season. Leaves, branches, weeds, and grass clippings can enter the unit, causing a variety of issues. Removing the debris immediately before the off-season, and sporadically throughout the fall and winter, will save your system from major problems down the road.

If you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact us today to help you maintain the health of your air conditioner.