How Air Conditioning Works
Air conditioning systems reduce heat in the home and increase comfort, while reducing the risk of heat stroke or other health issues.
Air conditioners work by using phase conversion principles to convert a liquid refrigerant into a gas, and then pumping the heat-absorbing refrigerant out through an evaporator unit and compressor.
Compressor
Your compressor is the heart of your air conditioning unit. It moves refrigerant from your evaporator coil to your condenser coil for cooling.
Compressors are powered by either gasoline, diesel, or electric motors. Gasoline-driven compressors are best suited for small-scale projects at home and in the shop while diesel engines are used for larger outdoor compressors.
A piston in a compressor moves up-and-down within its cylinder to generate pressure. It draws in warm refrigerant gases while its downstroke reduces the volume.
Some compressors use a single-stage cycle of compression, while others use two stages. This allows them to produce higher pressures and cool air before entering the first cylinder.
It is important that your compressor remains in good working order. A dirty compressor can lead to mechanical failure and a significant decrease in efficiency. To avoid this, inspect ductwork and coils periodically for dirtiness and clean them thoroughly to improve indoor air and reduce cooling costs.
Condenser
Condensers, which convert high-pressure refrigerant gases into liquid before returning them to your system to keep your home cool, are essential components of your air conditioning system.
Condenser coils are usually made of copper and are used to cool the refrigerant. These coils have fans and metal fins that dissipate the heat generated by the refrigerant as it passes through.
After refrigerant passes through coils into the compressor it is compressed to return it to liquid form. Desuperheating is the process of cooling it down to saturation temperature.
If your condenser is showing signs of damage or malfunction it is important that a professional perform an immediate inspection and assessment. A quick fix could save you money and prevent your unit from shutting off completely.
Evaporator
The evaporator is a vital component of modern air conditioning systems. These two components work together to remove heat from your house, transport it through the unit and release it outdoors – all in order to maintain your thermostat temperature setting.
The evaporator coils of your air conditioner are made from copper tubing, which conducts heat well. They are located near the blower fan to ensure efficient operation.
As warm air passes through an evaporator coil its refrigerant absorbs the heat, changing from liquid form to vapor and dissipating it back into the surrounding environment and cooling it down.
If your refrigerant does not absorb enough heat, then it will not convert into vapor. Your air conditioner will therefore fail to work as intended. Pinhole leaks can also form, and your evaporator must be free of dust to function optimally.
Ductwork
Air conditioning systems are not complete without ductwork. It is essential to the air conditioning system. Without it, you will likely find your home colder than needed and the conditioned HVAC air could escape before reaching their destination.
There are many types of ductwork that you can use in your HVAC system. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Flexible ductwork is less expensive and easier to install than rigid ductwork. However, flexible ducts can contain bends and kinks that reduce efficiency by restricting the airflow.
Rigid ductwork can be made from different materials including fiberglass and is more durable than flexible ductwork.
The plenums of an HVAC system are where the air conditioned or heated that passes through the ductwork will be stored before it is released to its destination.
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Air conditioning systems reduce heat in the home and increase comfort, while reducing the risk of heat stroke or other health issues. Air conditioners work by using phase conversion principles to convert a liquid refrigerant into a gas, and then pumping the heat-absorbing refrigerant out through an evaporator unit and compressor. Compressor Your compressor is…