Operations Plus Wear And Tear Of Three Critical AC Parts

Posted on: 28 June 2022

Some parts of the air conditioner (AC) are more susceptible to wear and tear than others. These parts require regular maintenance to minimize wear and tear. Below is an overview of major parts of the AC and how wear and tear affect them.

1. Motors

A motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. ACs use different motors in their operations, all of which are susceptible to wear and tear. Here are a few examples of these motors:

  • The condenser motor operates the fan that blows air to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air.
  • The blower motor runs the fan that circulates air through the AC system and house.
  • The compressor motor runs the compressor that pressurizes the refrigerant.

These motors have one thing in common: moving parts that experience friction whenever the AC runs. The friction and the heat they generate cause gradual damage to the motors. Proper lubrication and regular cleaning reduce wear and tear.

2. Coils

A typical AC has two coils. The evaporator coil absorbs heat inside the house, and the condenser coil dissipates heat outside the house.

The metallic coils suffer wear and tear from different angles. For one, the constant temperature changes cause thermal damage. Debris and dirt can clog the coil, reduce heat exchange, and increase wear and tear. Secondly, exposure to moisture and acidic components, such as household cleaning products, corrode the AC.

Keep the coils clean to minimize wear and tear. Also, prevent acidic exposure to the coils. For example, you should not let dogs pee on the outside AC unit since dog pee is acidic.

3. Compressors

The compressor, located in the outside AC unit, compresses the refrigerant to increase its temperature and pressure. The compression is necessary to get the refrigerant to flow and release its heat to the outside air.

ACs use different compressors, such as:

  • Reciprocating compressors with pistons that move up and down within cylinders, such as car engine pistons
  • Rotary compressors with rollers that move inside cylinders to compress the refrigerant
  • Scroll compressors that consist of two cylinders; one cylinder stays stationary, and the other moves to compress the refrigerant

All the compressors move and experience friction, triggering wear and tear, as previously explained. Here are tips to reduce the compressors wear and tear:

  • Ensure the AC always has adequate refrigerant to avoid overworking the refrigerant
  • Prevent the AC coils from freezing
  • Keep the AC coils clean since dirty coils overwork the compressor

A professional HVAC company, such as Mid Atlantic Mechanical and Repair, LLC, can help you with compressor maintenance as part of the AC's overall maintenance. 

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