06/11/2026
Three things you can check on your AC system right now, no tools required.
✔️ The condenser fan motor
Look for rust, overheating spots, and oil dripping down the side. If you see oil leaking from the motor, the seal is compromised. That motor is on borrowed time.
✔️ The base of the unit
Your condenser needs clearance from the ground so water from rain and sprinklers can drain properly. When debris blocks those drainage points, water sits and corrosion starts. We showed a 10 year old system without drainage, then a 20 year old one. The difference is not pretty.
✔️ The refrigerant line opening
Where your refrigerant lines enter the home, that gap should be completely sealed. In this case it was not. Rodents had been using it as an entrance straight into the attic.
None of these require a technician to spot. A quick visual check a couple times a year can tell you a lot about where your system is headed.
If something looks off, that is the time to call. Before it becomes a breakdown.