Understanding Air Conditioner Services
An HVAC system and air conditioning unit are critical components to most homes. While these systems are pretty intricate, it can benefit most homeowners to understand the different components of an air conditioner, and how the mechanisms work together to cool the air.
While understanding how an air conditioner works is valuable knowledge for homeowners to have, it is no replacement for the professional training technicians use for their air conditioner services. Still, educating homeowners on some of the more frequently asked questions helps everybody get on the same page when repairs are needed.
How Do Air Conditioner Parts Work?
This is a very common FAQ with a very extensive answer. However, there are five main air conditioner parts that homeowners should understand:
Refrigerant: Refrigerant is a key player in the cooling process. It is a liquid that converts to a gaseous state as it absorbs heat from the home, then cools back to a liquid to cool the home.- Evaporator Coil: This is where the refrigerant starts. As fans blow over the coils with refrigerant, cold air is dispensed into the home, while the refrigerant absorbs existing heat from the air, turning it into a gas, where it then travels outdoors.
- Compressor: When the refrigerant is in its gaseous state outdoors, the compressor applies pressure to further raise the temperature of the refrigerant. This forces the heat to dispense from the gas to the air outside so that the refrigerant is able to return to its liquid state.
- Condenser Coil: With the assistance of fans, this is where the refrigerant is located while releasing its heat.
- Expansion Valve: The expansion valve further decompresses the refrigerant to cool it down. Until it is completely cooled down, it is too hot to move back to the evaporator coil inside, where it will resume cooling the home’s air.
How to Get Your AC Working
All of these AC parts working together make up the refrigeration cycle, of which the refrigerant (or coolant) is clearly the star of the show. It moves through all of the different parts to effectively remove the heat and cool the air. If any of the components stop working, then the refrigerant can’t do its job, and the air will not be cooled.
In addition to the parts directly involved in the refrigeration cycle mentioned above, it’s important to remember that an air conditioner has even more parts. Removing heat from the air also directly affects the humidity, so there are also components for dealing with that, as well as the fans that circulate the air, and various mechanical parts to keep the system running. All of these components are susceptible to basic wear and tear, and require proper maintenance and upkeep in order for the system to run efficiently.
How to Know If Professional Help for Your AC Is Needed
Without the proper training and tools that a licensed HVAC technician has, it can be impossible to diagnose which point in the refrigeration cycle is broken or failing. It can also pose the risk of serious injury to anyone trying to fix it without the right knowledge.Compressors, for example, utilize extreme heat to quickly disperse the heat from the refrigerant, which is a special liquid utilizing chemicals to perform a job. Extreme heat and chemicals should only be handled by professional tradesmen who understand how to work with them and safely make the correct diagnosis and repairs.
Additionally, without the right certification and know-how, performing DIY repairs on your AC could void your warranty. Anytime your air conditioning system is struggling to cool your home, be sure to contact your local HVAC company.
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC, offers expert workmanship for homeowners in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. They promise a 100% satisfaction guarantee 24/7, which makes them one of the most trusted HVAC companies in the area.
