Do you have to replace your dryer when replacing your AC?

Do you have to replace your dryer when replacing your AC?

While this may seem unnecessary to some mechanics, most would agree that this is a good rule for replacing the AC dryer. In fact, most compressor warranties require that the dryer also be replaced if the AC system is worked on.

Why do I have to replace the compressor and the condenser at the same time?

If the original condenser isn’t replaced, the risk is that a small piece of debris that’s left behind in the original condenser will cause the compressor to fail again. Therefore, many replacement AC compressor warranties require replacement of the condenser…which is probably why your mechanic is telling you to replace both parts at the same time.

When do I need to replace the system drier?

Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser.

How to replace the condenser on an AC unit?

Remove the compressor. Look carefully at the high and low side lines…if there are particulate, black residue or grey matter, replace the condenser too. If not, remove the plug on the LH side bottom of the filter/dryer attached to the condenser. Pull out the desiccant bag…if it is full of metal particulate, replace the condenser.

While this may seem unnecessary to some mechanics, most would agree that this is a good rule for replacing the AC dryer. In fact, most compressor warranties require that the dryer also be replaced if the AC system is worked on.

If the original condenser isn’t replaced, the risk is that a small piece of debris that’s left behind in the original condenser will cause the compressor to fail again. Therefore, many replacement AC compressor warranties require replacement of the condenser…which is probably why your mechanic is telling you to replace both parts at the same time.

Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser.

Remove the compressor. Look carefully at the high and low side lines…if there are particulate, black residue or grey matter, replace the condenser too. If not, remove the plug on the LH side bottom of the filter/dryer attached to the condenser. Pull out the desiccant bag…if it is full of metal particulate, replace the condenser.