The primary energy demand in operating an air conditioning system comes from the compression of refrigerant. The hotter the compressor receives the refrigerant from the process, the more energy is required for it to be forced through the condenser. Typically, an external chiller such as an air blast unit or open evaporative condenser is needed in order for it to become cold enough to absorb more heat from the process.
Where the refrigerant is not sufficiently cooled by the condenser, energy consumption increases as the refrigerant vapor pressure increases. It is essential for efficient air-conditioning operation that the condenser is able to easily reject heat through the heat exchange coils, and the cooling airflow. The coils must be free of dirt and debris in order to achieve this.