There is a lot that happens in your air conditioner to allow it to do what it does. Not everyone wants to know the ins and outs of their system. After all, AC technicians have the training and knowledge of everything to do with an AC unit to ensure that we can take care of it so you don’t have to worry.
With that said, we are never against answering some questions. We’ve found that letting our customers learn a bit about their systems actually helps better equip them to understand when the time has come to call an expert. So, let’s get into some of the details about how your AC works so you can more easily identify when it isn’t.
We want to give you a quick overview of how your air conditioner operates to help you better understand what is and is not supposed to happen.
How exactly does the cooling process happen?
When you turn on your air conditioner, the system starts to cycle refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor unit. The refrigerant is compressed and evaporated into a gas state, allowing it to absorb heat from the air in your house. The now-heated refrigerant then cycles back outside where it is condensed to release the heat and return to a liquid state and, you guessed it, repeat the process over again.
When heat is pulled out of your system, it creates that cool air which is then blown into your house via your ductwork or your air handlers.
What is an evaporator coil?
The evaporator coil is the component of your air conditioner that holds gaseous refrigerant. Air is passed over this coil, allowing heat to be pulled out of the air to cool it and heat up the refrigerant.
Is refrigerant used up?
No! Refrigerant is cycled repeatedly between your indoor and outdoor unit. Loss of your refrigerant supply is a sign of a major problem which is probably a leak that is allowing refrigerant in either gas or liquid form to escape the line. This must be addressed with a line patch and a refrigerant supply recharge (refill).
The condenser of your air conditioner is the outdoor unit of the system. This is the area where the refrigerant is condensed back into liquid form, allowing it to release heat and be cycled through the system again.
Can I perform AC repairs myself?
There are things you can do, such as changing your system air filter, that will help keep your AC in good condition. However, AC repairs are better left to the professionals. Our expert technicians can diagnoses and address just about any issue that your AC encounters.
Is there anything I can do to help my AC?
Yes! As we alluded to above, there are certain tasks that you can do yourself to ensure that your AC operates effectively and efficiently. This includes regular HVAC air filter changes, checking that vents are clean and open, and using best practices when setting the temperature on your thermostat.
Need help with keeping your AC running? Contact the experts at Fresh Air, LP to get the AC services you need.
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