The condenser coils and evaporator are both vital parts of any air conditioning system in Dubai. They work together to cool your home so the evaporator coil wouldn’t be able to complete the cooling cycle without help from the condenser coils.
Read on to find out what each of these components does and why they are necessary for the cooling process. This article will help those who know little or nothing about the inner workings of their AC learn a few simple details about how the cooling system functions.
What are air conditioning condenser coils and what do they do?
The condenser coil is one of two temperature coils that make up your air conditioning system. In a split AC system, the condenser coil is located outdoors and is where the heat that has been collected from your indoor environment is removed from the refrigerant.
AC condenser coils usually sit directly behind the thin metal fins that cover your outdoor AC unit (see image below). They are often made of copper which disperses heat faster and more efficiently than materials like aluminum.
Depending on your AC model, the outdoor unit may also come with a special blower fan that improves the condenser coil’s heat dispersal capacity. Avoid touching the condenser coil when your AC unit is in operation as it is likely to be hot and may cause burns or injuries.
What are air conditioning evaporator coils and what do they do?
The evaporator coil is the second temperature coil that makes up your air conditioning system. It is located inside the indoor unit of a split AC system close to where the blower fan is and is responsible for absorbing heat from indoor spaces (see image below).
Like the condenser coil, evaporator coils are usually made of copper and may also come with additional fins to increase its surface area. It holds the chilled refrigerant that the compressor pumps into it from the outside unit.
As the refrigerant flows through the AC evaporator coil, the blower fan blows air over it to remove the heat from the air. The warmed refrigerant then travels outdoors to the condenser coil. This process causes condensation to form on the evaporator coils. This water is collected in drain pans and channeled outside.
What are the differences between condenser coils and evaporator coils?
While the evaporator coil is responsible for heat collection, the condenser coil is tasked with dispersing this heat outdoors. Both coil systems also come in different shapes. The condenser coil is usually rectangular while the evaporator coil assumes the shape of your indoor AC unit.
There are, however, no differences between both coils when it comes to their maintenance needs in Dubai. It is important to schedule regular maintenance visits from a qualified HVAC technician who can check if both coils are functioning efficiently.
Your AC technician should also be able to perform the necessary AC repairs to bring your air conditioner to the manufacturer’s specs when needed. This will ensure that your AC unit lasts long and performs exceptionally throughout its lifetime.
Common problems
Here are some common problems our clients in Dubai have faced with their condenser and evaporator coils.
1. Condenser coil problems
Since the condenser coil is located outside, it is more exposed to the weather and elements than the evaporator coil. Primary among these is the accumulation of windblown dust, dirt, and other forms of debris that may reduce its efficiency.
This is a common problem in a dusty climate like Dubai where the frequent sandstorms can clog up your condenser coils. This can result in a less efficient cooling process and higher electric bills as your AC unit uses more power to cool your space.
2. Evaporator coil problems
Although located inside your space, the evaporator coil is also susceptible to accumulated dust and dirt. This is because it is constantly exposed to the air being circulated by the blower. A buildup of these particles on the surface of the coil can prevent your AC from cooling properly.
Air from the blower fan will fail to connect directly with the coil resulting in longer run cycles to achieve thermostat cooling. Also, the condensation buildup is an encouraging environment for mold and other bacteria.
Maintenance tips for evaporator and condenser coils
Follow these maintenance tips to get the most out of your air conditioning unit. Your AC maintenance company in Dubai will set a schedule and perform the following services. To ensure that your AC systems supply you with cool air for a long time to come.
1. Maintaining your evaporator coil
The evaporator coil should only be accessed by a qualified AC maintenance technician as it is usually sealed within the air handler system. The technician will inspect the evaporator coil for dust and clean out any dirt buildup they find.
Depending on the type of unit, they will also wash and disinfect the condensation drip pan which traps the water from the coil above. This may lead to further flushing of the external drip pipe if they find and evidence of mold growth.
2. Maintaining your condenser coil
The technician will start inspecting your outside unit for signs of dust buildup. Next, they switch off power to the outside unit and proceed to wash it thoroughly using a pressure washer turned to minimum force.
It has to be done this way to minimize damage to the outside fan grille which is made of fragile fins (see above). Finally, they inspect the fan grille for damage and fix any bent fins with a special straightening tool.
How to clean condenser coils
Condenser coils work best when their surfaces are clean and free of anything that may hinder the heat transfer process. Your AC maintenance company in Dubai will work with you to create a schedule that includes regular condenser coil cleaning.
Mistral Cleaning Services is a premier AC maintenance company based in Dubai. We also provide ac duct cleaning and all kinds of maintenance work for villas, residential buildings, offices, and restaurants. Our mission is to maintain healthy and clean living spaces for our customers. Fill out the form to find out more.