During the hot summer months, keeping cool is a snap, thanks to your residential air conditioner. But have you ever wondered what all components make up an air conditioner and why they’re so vital? You’re in luck because our HVAC specialists at Bexley Heating & Cooling can explain what critical components make up an air conditioner and why they’re so essential.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is usually placed inside the air handler of the air conditioner. The function of an evaporator coil is to receive liquid refrigerant, absorb heat from passing air, and cool it down as it passes over the coils. Copper is used in the evaporator coils because of its thermal conductivity and since it is more efficient and less challenging to maintain. However, you must remember to clean and maintain your evaporator coils regularly because accumulated dirt and dust can reduce their effectiveness over time.
Compressor
A compressor’s job in an air conditioner is to compress refrigerant through copper tubing from the evaporator coil to the outdoor condenser coil, where most energy consumption occurs. Compressors are pumps that come in various sizes because air conditioners also differ in size. Therefore, the compressor is the most crucial and costly element of your home’s cooling system.
Condenser Coil
Your HVAC system’s evaporator coil works in reverse to the condenser by blowing heat away from it with a fan. The condenser coils are located in your outdoor unit, and their goal is to pull heat away from the refrigerant and discharge it to the outdoors.
Expansion Valve
Located in between the evaporator and condenser lies the expansion valve. This piece of equipment expands refrigerant into gas after it faces a pressure drop, resulting in the gas being rapidly cooled. Afterward, the cooled gaseous refrigerant goes through the evaporator coils to start the air conditioning process again.
Air Filter
Before cool air enters your ductwork and is transferred around your home, contaminants such as dirt, pollen, dust, and more are filtered out of the cool air through your air conditioner’s air filter. Air filters are screens with mesh that filters out the contaminants and must be changed out every 1 to 3 months. There are many options for air filters depending on if you want to protect your system and air around your home or if you want better indoor air quality and energy savings.
Refrigerant
Because it has been mentioned quite a bit in this article, you’re probably curious about what refrigerant is if you’re not already aware. Refrigerant is the substance responsible for cooling the air in your home. This substance runs through a network of steel or copper tubes within your home cooling system and has certain qualities that allow it to expand and compress to heated or cooled air.
Thermostat
To ensure your home maintains your perfect temperature and comfort levels, thermostats are necessary for your home and HVAC system. Thermostats inform your HVAC system of your home comfort preferences. With built-in temperature and humidity sensors, your thermostat can switch your air conditioner on or off to maintain your preferred temperature.
Understanding how your home cooling system works should be as simple as ever, thanks to current knowledge about air conditioners and their components! However, if you’re still having trouble with your air conditioner and want expert assistance, Bexley Heating & Cooling’s HVAC professionals are here for you! Call us today at (614) 924-7856 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
