Mini Split Condensers

Like central systems, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor condenser, and an indoor air handler unit or indoor heat pump. The condenser unit is a part of an air conditioning system. Its purpose is to release heat absorbed from a home’s indoor air into the surrounding environment. The main parts of an AC condenser unit are the:

• Condenser Fan
• Condenser Coil
• Condensate Drain
• Conduit cable
• Compressor
• Refrigerant Lines
• Suction Tubing

The indoor unit of a central air conditioning system contains a refrigerant such as Freon, a cooling fluid that absorbs heat from the indoor air. When you adjust your thermostat, the refrigerant transfers this heat through the AC compressor and into the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser, a fan moves air across the condenser coil, cooling it down. The heat from inside the home is dispersed into the air outside, and the refrigerant is pumped back indoors to repeat the process. Once hot air from outside is pulled it is absorbed into the evaporator coil, cooled, then blown into the home by the compressor fan.

Outdoor condenser units are designed to work in all types of weather. However, protecting your AC unit from the elements will help extend its life and protect it from damage. If you live in an area that gets snow during the winter, you should use a cover to protect the condenser unit during the off-season. If you live in a very sunny area, consider installing your air conditioning unit on the north or east side of your home so it is shielded from the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

To ensure your condenser functions properly, keep the air conditioner unit clean and free of debris. You should have the coil cleaned regularly and check the unit for any damage. It is best to have a qualified HVAC technician check and maintain the AC unit at least once per year to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating and ensure the condenser is in proper working order.

Keep the area around the unit clear – for example, if you have landscaping around your home, make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed back so they do not obstruct the AC unit. If you are comfortable performing regular maintenance on the condenser unit yourself, always make sure the power to the AC system is disconnected before beginning any work.

If one of the parts of your condenser needs to be repaired or replaced, you might notice loud or unusual noises coming from the outdoor unit. Should you notice any fluid leaking from the unit, call a trusted technician right away.

Keep an eye on your energy costs, as well: if there is a problem with the condenser, your AC unit will have to work harder to achieve the same level of cooling. A monthly bill that is higher than usual could be a sign that something is wrong.

An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). On average, you will need 20 BTUs for each square foot of living space. Window unit air conditioners typically have 5,000 to 12,500 BTUs of cooling capacity. A window AC can be a good fit for apartments, workshops, and even small ranch-style homes.

Central air conditioners usually provide 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs, but you’ll see their cooling ability expressed in tons. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs. So if you have a 1,500-square-foot house, you will need a two to three-ton central AC unit to provide enough cool air throughout the home.

Apart from square footage, there are a few other factors you should consider when choosing a cooling system:

• Usage: Is the building commercial or residential, and how is it used?
• Natural light: How many windows does the building have, and in which direction do they face? South-facing windows get the most hours of sunlight each day.
• Climate: What is the weather like throughout the year, and how often will you need to cool the building?
• Energy efficiency: How air-tight is the building?

A window AC is a self-contained unit that can be placed in a window in any room and plugged directly into a wall outlet. Although these small air conditioners do not have separate outdoor units, they follow the same basic principles of cooling technology. The condenser, evaporator, and fan are all built into the window unit.

Refrigerant is the heat transfer medium used in air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It moves heat from an indoor space and replaces it with cooler air that circulates throughout the building. HomElectrical’s products use common refrigerants including:

The condenser unit of an air conditioner system is typically installed outdoors. It may be mounted to the side of a building with brackets or be placed on the ground. Coolant lines connect the air conditioner condenser to the evaporator coil, typically located in a building’s basement or mechanical area.

Get everything you need for your HVAC system from HomElectrical. We are located in Kennesaw, Georgia, and serve customers throughout the United States. HomElectrical carries more than 135,000 items, including refrigeration compressors, evaporator coils, and ductless mini-split systems, in addition to condenser units. We also stock an extensive selection of lighting products, electrical supply equipment, and even major appliances. Serving both DIY homeowners and professional contractors, our knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you have. To learn more, call HomElectrical at 888.616.3532 or create an account to shop online today.