International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which part of the air conditioner can generally be expected to last the longest?

1. Evaporator coil

2. Compressor unit

3. Filter

4. Condenser coil

The correct answer is: Condenser coil

The condenser coil is generally expected to last the longest among the components of an air conditioning system. This can be attributed to a few key factors. The condenser coil is typically made of durable materials such as copper or aluminum, which are designed to withstand outdoor elements and maintain their functionality over long periods. It is located outside the home, where it often receives exposure to various weather conditions, but it functions in a manner that primarily involves heat exchange rather than mechanically intensive tasks. In contrast, the compressor unit is a mechanical component that works hard to circulate refrigerant throughout the system, resulting in more wear and tear over time. The evaporator coil, while it also serves an important purpose in heat exchange, is subject to moisture and potential corrosion, leading to a shorter lifespan. Additionally, filters need to be regularly replaced to maintain efficiency and performance, meaning they do not last for the long term in the same way that the condenser coil does. Therefore, the condenser coil's construction, functionality, and placement contribute to its longevity compared to the other components in an air conditioning system.