5 Key AC Parts That Keep You Cool in Nigeria’s Heat.

Illustration of essential air conditioner parts including compressor, condenser coils, evaporator coils, fan motor, and thermostat for smooth operation.
April 16, 2025

Let’s be honest — when that Nigerian heat hits hard, your air conditioner becomes more than a luxury… it becomes your lifeline. But have you ever paused to ask, “What exactly keeps this thing running?”

If you’re like most people, the only time you think about your AC is when it starts acting up. But knowing the basic parts of your AC can save you from those “sweating in your own house” moments and even reduce your repair bills.

Let’s break down the 5 key components of your AC — what they do, how to spot trouble, and how to show them some love.

1. The Compressor – The Heartbeat of Your AC

Think of the compressor as the heart of your AC. It pumps refrigerant through the system and is basically what makes the cooling magic happen.

If your compressor is struggling, you might notice:

  • Higher-than-usual electricity bills

  • Less cold air coming out

  • Strange noises from the outdoor unit (like humming, rattling, or clicking)

Quick tips to keep it healthy:

  • Clean the outdoor unit and coils regularly

  • Check refrigerant levels (get a technician if unsure)

 

Close-up image of an AC capacitor, a cylindrical metallic component with attached wires, used to start and run the compressor and fan motor in an air conditioner.

  • 2. The Condenser Coils – The Heat Dispatcher

    Located in the outdoor unit, condenser coils release the heat your AC pulls from your room. When they’re dirty or blocked, your AC works twice as hard.

    Warning signs:

    • Weak cooling even when the AC is on full blast

    • Spikes in electricity usage

    • Ice forming around the coils

    How to keep them clean:

    • Spray them down with a hose (gently o!)

    • Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of leaves, dust, and debris

    • Don’t allow pets or kids to play too close.

      Don’t overload your AC with heat (like leaving windows open or overusing it during peak heat hours)

      Close-up image of an air conditioner's condenser coil located in the outdoor unit, showing the metal fins and tubing responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant.

3. The Evaporator Coils – The Cool Creators

These are the coils in the indoor unit that absorb heat from your room. When they’re dirty, they struggle to do their job — and that’s when your room starts to feel like an oven.

What to look out for:

  • Warm air or reduced cooling

  • Ice buildup on the coils

  • Unusual smells when you turn on the AC

Show them love by:

  • Cleaning gently with a brush or vacuum

  • Changing your air filters regularly

  • Calling a pro for deep cleaning once in a while.

 

This is a close-up view of an AC evaporator coil inside the indoor unit. It features curved metal tubes and thin aluminum fins designed to absorb heat from the indoor air.

 

4. The Fan Motor – The Air Mover

The fan motor helps circulate air over the coils — both inside and outside. Without it, you might as well be cooling nothing.

Red flags:

  • Weak airflow

  • Grinding or buzzing noises

  • The AC turns on but no air comes out

Maintenance tips:

  • Clean the fan blades

  • Listen for unusual noises during operation

  • Have a technician check the bearings and motor parts.

Close-up image of a fan motor, showcasing its intricate components and wiring. The motor is designed to power and control the movement of air, ensuring efficient cooling or ventilation in HVAC systems

 

5. The Thermostat – The Smart Controller

Your thermostat is the brain of the operation. It tells the AC when to cool and when to chill (pun intended). If it’s not accurate, nothing else will work right.

Signs of a faulty thermostat:

  • Wrong room temperature readings

  • AC turning off and on randomly

  • Higher-than-usual energy bills

To keep it sharp:

  • Calibrate it from time to time

  • Make sure it’s not placed near heat sources

  • Replace the batteries if it’s not working rightly.

 

Understanding your AC’s key parts isn’t just for technicians — it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind during heat waves. Clean your coils, watch out for strange noises, and never ignore signs that something’s off.

Your AC is working hard for you — give it a little TLC in return!

Have questions about your AC or not sure where to start with maintenance? Drop a comment below or send us a message — we’re always happy to help you stay cool.