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In most households, particularly in apartment complexes, air conditioner condenser units are installed outside. This is a major factor contributing to higher electricity consumption each time the air conditioner is used.
1. Increased electricity consumption due to outdoor placement of air conditioner condenser units
In most households, particularly in apartment complexes, air conditioner condenser units are installed outside. This is one of the reasons why air conditioning consumes more electricity each time it's used.
Sunshine and rain accelerate the deterioration of air conditioner condenser units
Air conditioning comprises two components known as the condenser unit and the evaporator unit. Simply put, during operation, the evaporator unit releases cool air into the room, while the condenser unit expels hot air drawn from inside the room to the outside. According to observations, most high-rise apartments, buildings, offices, households, etc., install condenser units outdoors without any shelter. However, such installations significantly impact the durability of the condenser unit.
GS.TS Nguyen Duc Loi, from the Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, stated that this is a common misconception that many people fall into. When installing outdoor air conditioner condenser units without proper shielding, they are often exposed to rain and sunlight year-round. This is the main reason why condenser units are prone to damage, and users have to incur repair costs. Additionally, installing the condenser unit outdoors, where direct sunlight shines directly, will increase the temperature of the condenser unit. This also means higher energy consumption and a shortened lifespan of the air conditioner as the condenser unit has to work continuously.
Although many manufacturers continuously introduce technologies and designs to help air conditioner condenser units withstand harsh weather conditions, installing them outdoors without proper shelter from rain and sunlight year-round is not advisable.
Avoid placing in areas with swirling winds
According to GS.TS Nguyen Duc Loi, the best location for installing the condenser unit is on balconies with shading, rooftops with shelter, or balconies of rooms... In places with good ventilation, avoid direct sunlight, and have shelter. The condenser unit should be placed at least 10cm away from the wall and placed in a location without obstacles in front, as well as places with frequent wind blowing to allow the fan to effectively expel hot air.
The placement of the condenser unit should avoid strong winds blowing directly perpendicular to the fan blades, as this will affect the fan's rotation speed, leading to wasteful energy consumption. The outer surface of the condenser unit should be at least 1m away from the wall to avoid wind entrapment. If hot air is blown out and then pushed back inside to cool, it will consume a lot of energy. Therefore, when looking for a location that is cool and has a shelter for the condenser unit... attention should be paid to the direction of the condenser unit's airflow.
Many people have the 'bright idea' of pouring water onto the condenser unit to cool it down during excessively hot weather before turning on the air conditioner to save electricity. This is counterproductive because the condenser unit operates by drawing in and expelling air, so it's only effective when the surrounding space is cooled and covered by shading, foliage. Pouring water onto the condenser unit will cause dirt to accumulate inside, making it difficult to clean. Additionally, the components in the water can damage the internal parts of the condenser unit.
It's essential to have a professional repair technician perform maintenance on the air conditioner's condenser unit. Avoid disassembling, inspecting, or installing the condenser unit yourself to prevent potential risks. Regardless of where the condenser unit is installed, it should always be grounded to ensure electrical safety. Keep children away from the unit while it's in operation.
