I was wondering if the temp coming form the outdoor condenser should be really warm, like that coming out of a furnace, or just mildly warm, like around 90. Does the temp coming out have anything to do with performance or cost?

I ask this because I live in an apartment, and the downstairs condenser for another unit blows out much cooler air than mine. Is he not paying as much or something?

Yes, and yes. The coil needs cleaned, it is overcharged or the fan is not running up to speed if it is to warm.

The coil definitely needs to be cleaned. The problem is, that will never happen because the maintenance doesn't believe in condenser coil cleaning.

The airflow coming from mine is not as strong as the downstairs one, and it is warmer. The fan is running at the same speed though.

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Originally Posted by SuperTyphoon

The coil definitely needs to be cleaned. The problem is, that will never happen because the maintenance doesn't believe in condenser coil cleaning.

The airflow coming from mine is not as strong as the downstairs one, and it is warmer. The fan is running at the same speed though.

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If they don't clean it they will be replacing it soon

Nope, that would mean they would be replacing all 280 or so condensers in our apartment complex...

They are 16 to 17 years old, have never been cleaned, and will not be replaced unless they break.

Anyway, since replacing isn't an option, what do you recommend I do to clean it? I have no hose connection around so I can't use that to clean it. I don't know if I am allowed to call an AC tech to do it...

You really need to use a garden hose to clean it. I would just complain to the leasing office every other day that you have not enough cooling until it is fixed right. After sometime refuse to pay your lease, but put the money in an escrow account in case they threaten to evict, I don't know about your state landlord/tenant laws, but around here they favor the tenant over the landlord when it comes to maintenance issues

The thing is, the air conditioner cools to its max extent (it is very small for the apartment) and the vent temp ranges from 52-56 degrees, which is cool enough.

No matter how much I tell them, they simply won't clean it. They believe it will never get dirty, and as long as that fan spins, it is working 100% fine. They don't understand that it can get dirty over time and that affects cost.

That's my main problem. I don't know if I am paying more because the condenser is dirty...