The outside unit of an air conditioning system is often called the condenser unit because the condenser plays a key role in how it works. Check out all of the most important parts.
Condenser
On the “hot” side of the air conditioner (the outdoor unit) is the condenser. This is the counterpart and the outdoor equivalent of the evaporator core which expels heat collected from the room back outside.
Outdoor Unit.
This is the part of an air conditioning system that contains the compressor, propeller fan, circuit board and heat exchange coil. It's situated outside, and pumps refrigerant to and from its companion indoor unit. You'll often hear this unit referred to as the 'condenser' or 'heat exchanger'.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
Not all air conditioning units have a reset button, but if yours does, it's typically located on the outdoor unit. Here's how to locate it: Turn Off the Power: Before you search for the reset button, ensure the power to the unit is turned off for safety reasons.
The outside portion of your air conditioner is most often referred to as the “condenser unit.” Whereas the inside part of your air conditioner is responsible for absorbing heat from your home's air, your outside unit's job is to release that heat to the air outside.
Check the circuit breaker
The most common reason for a condenser to stop working is something that has tripped the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device that shuts off power to a circuit if it detects an overloaded electrical load.
Homeowner: A new evaporator coil replacement costs $630 to $1,700 if it is still under warranty. Homeowner: An indoor AC coil replacement costs $1,230 to $3,700 if it is no longer under warranty.
On average, the cost of a new AC condenser and installation can range from $1,500 to $4,500. However, it's best to get an accurate estimate from a licensed HVAC professional in your area to get a more precise cost.
Any central HVAC system contains two major parts. The outdoor unit, called a condenser and an indoor unit called a furnace. Though the furnace is most associated with heat, it plays a major role in the cooling process as well.
A popular cause behind an AC that is not cooling is the deficiency of refrigerant or Freon. When refrigerant circulates together with the air, your room will be filled with cool air. If your unit becomes low on the Freon, the air that blows into your room will not be as cooling as before.
Optimum placement includes a wall facing north or south; east and west walls are best to avoid, if possible, since they receive more sun exposure throughout summer months, which makes your air conditioner work harder and end up costing you more in energy fees.
Main Components of an Air Conditioner
Every air conditioner has two main parts: a cooling compartment and a condensing unit. The cooling compartment contains a cold coil and a blower or fan. The fan draws warm air into the unit and blows cooled air into the house.
The outside unit may not run if it's shut off or the safety switch is engaged. Worn parts, like fan motors or contactors, can prevent the unit from turning on. Debris inside or outside of an AC unit can keep it from running properly. If a bad compressor is to blame, you'll need to install a new cooling system.
For AC capacitor replacement, anticipate spending between $150 and $400, depending on the capacitor's type and accessibility. A bad AC capacitor is a fairly minor repair, and most HVAC technicians will recommend a repair rather than replacing the unit when the capacitor is the problem.
A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.
Make sure the outside unit is turned on (there's probably a switch near the unit). If the outside unit has a separate circuit breaker, check your circuit box and make sure it hasn't been tripped. A more serious issue if the outside air conditioning unit's not working is a broken compressor, capacitor or fan.
The four primary parts of an air conditioner—the evaporator coils, compressor, condenser coils, and expansion valve— work together to produce cool air. These are the workhorse parts of the unit, and a breakdown in any one of them can cause a total system failure.
The outdoor unit contains your compressor and condenser. They work together to transform the refrigerant running through the system. The compressor squeezes the refrigerant while it's in a gaseous state, while the condenser converts the refrigerant gas back into a liquid.
It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.
A central AC system consists of indoor and outdoor units. An indoor air handler can continue running when the outside unit has shut down. While air will blow from the vents, it won't be cooled; it may be as warm as the summer air outside.
Go outside and see if the condenser is turned on.
While the condenser is on, place your hand about a foot above it. There should be air blowing out of it. If there is no air, the condenser is not working. If the air feels cool it means that your air conditioner is not removing any heat from inside of the home.