How to Determine if the Condenser is Clogged?

[McBennett]

Connect the condenser's air intake, then pressurize it. During the pressurization process, observe whether any foreign objects are blown out from the air outlet. If no foreign objects are blown out, it can generally indicate there is no clog. If a large amount of foreign objects are blown out, cleaning should be performed.

[Terri]

Last time my car's AC wasn't cooling, I checked the condenser in the engine bay. Normally when the AC is running, the condenser's inlet pipe should be warm while the outlet pipe is cooler; if it's clogged, the inlet pipe gets extremely hot while the outlet pipe's temperature stays the same. I first felt the pipes by hand, and when I noticed uneven temperatures, I suspected a clog. While driving, pay attention to the fan speed—if it's clogged, the fan might run non-stop at high speed with a screeching noise. Clearing a clog is simple: use a water hose or soft brush to remove dirt like mud or leaves from the fins. DIY saves repair costs, but for serious issues, it's better to see a professional. Regularly inspect the condenser to avoid discomfort during summer drives.