What Are the Main Parts of Your Heating Air Conditioning Unit?

It could be worthwhile to invest in a new unit if your home’s air conditioner is old and in need of repair. A residential HVAC professional can assist you to determine the best option for your needs.

The majority of cooling systems rely on electricity to cool and heat homes. However, certain propane or gas-powered air conditioners, utilize natural gas to fuel furnaces and operate condensers in split systems.

Evaporator

The evaporator coil in your air conditioner is what cools your house. The evaporator coil is located in a container that is attached to or within your gas furnace (if you have one) or inside an air handler if you don’t. The evaporator is the place where the refrigerant is transformed into a liquid and absorbs heat from the air inside your home.

The evaporator is made up of a few copper coils which are tightly packed. The refrigerant has a low pressure when it gets to the coils, making it easier to transfer heat.

A fan blows your home’s warm air through the coil of the evaporator. The air is then cooled through the removal of heat from the evaporator which alters the refrigerant’s temperature and lowers the temperature of your home’s air. The cooled air is then circulated through the ductwork of your home to each room.

In contrast to the compressor, which requires to create refrigerant gas in high temperatures to ensure efficient cooling, the evaporator only needs to bring its boiling point to a low temperature for effective air cooling. The evaporator also uses its own fans to help achieve this goal.

The evaporator metering system ensures that the refrigerant used in the liquid is always at a constant level. The low-side floating is designed to open when there is no liquid in the evaporator, and close when liquid enters the coils.

There are two main kinds of evaporators: cases and uncased. The most commonly used type of evaporator in your home is a cased model. It is housed inside the metal casing that protects your air conditioning unit. Uncased evaporators are like cases, but they do not have a protective outer shell.

While both evaporators serve the same purpose, it’s important to choose a model that’s suitable for the specific requirements of your home. For instance, certain models are better suited for more harsh working environments, whereas others are better suited to milder conditions. Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain your evaporator. This can save you time, money and hassle.

Condenser

The condenser is one of three major components of your home’s air conditioning system that helps keep it operating efficiently. It is located outside the house, connected to the evaporator coil via refrigerant lines. It is also home to a series of metal fins and fans which work to eliminate heat from the refrigerant gas which has been transported from the evaporator. The heat removed from refrigerant gas helps it cool and then return to liquid form.

A compressor is attached to the condenser unit and works to pressurize the low-pressure refrigerant liquid that has been pumped from the evaporator coil. The compressor’s squeezing action increases the temperature, and it is carried into the condenser to absorb heat trapped in the air. When the cooling process is completed, the refrigerant will be pushed into the compressor, where it will be pressurized before being pumped back to the evaporator coil.

The condenser unit is exposed the elements because it is outside. Debris like twigs, leaves, grass clippings and even roofing shingles can get into the condenser unit, causing damage to it. Adding a universal HVAC condenser cover to your heating and cooling system can help protect the equipment from accidental damage when it’s not in use.

It is also crucial to ensure that the condenser is not shaded. Shades can limit air flow and force the compressor to work harder to cool your home. This can result in higher energy bills as well as a possible loss of refrigerant.

Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. Regularly having a professional technician check all major components of your HVAC system can assist in avoiding major problems. In addition, having a professional service team check your refrigerant levels frequently can also help to prevent any problems from developing. By following these simple steps, you will be able to extend the longevity of your heating and cooling system and lower the cost of energy.

Compressor

A compressor is the core of your air conditioning unit and it pumps refrigerant throughout the system to keep everything cool. It is as the blood flowing through your body, as it moves the coolant back and forth between your condenser and evaporator coils. If the compressor fails then the evaporator won’t be able perform its job and your home will be extremely hot.

There are a variety of types of HVAC compressors. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance the reciprocating compressor is comprised of pistons that move between up and down inside the cylinder. This action creates suction which draws in refrigerant. As the piston is moved down, it reduces the volume of gas, and the discharge valve opens to let the refrigerant that is pressurized out into the condenser coil.

This type of compressor is also equipped with a clutch and a crankshaft that helps the piston compress the air. A rotary compressor is equipped with blades inside the cylinder to aid in compressing the air. This kind of compressor is quiet, which makes it an ideal option for homes with a small space.

Both kinds of HVAC compressors are designed to increase the temperature of the liquid refrigerant as it is being compressed, so that the vapor that leaves the compressor is high-pressure and high-temperature. It is normal for heat to flow from high-temperature substances to lower temperatures and the hot vapor will travel to the evaporator and return to its liquid state.

You can prevent most AC issues by staying on top with your maintenance schedule. This will allow your equipment to last for many years, and will provide you with peace of mind knowing your home is always at ease. If you do experience an issue with the compressor, your Griffith Energy Services technician can assist you in determining what repairs are the best for you.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the brains of your heating and cooling system, allowing it to control the timing and manner in which it is turned on and off. It compares the temperature of the air to a pre-set desired level. The thermostat will send a signal to adjust the temperature if it’s off by a few degrees. Most modern thermostats use the digital sensor, also known as a thermistor to gauge the temperature. The thermistor consists of two different metals that expand at different rates when they warm up, causing them to bend in opposite directions. When the thermistor is at its set temperature it sends a signal to the circuit board to start your heating or AC system.

The touchscreens on the newer models make it easy to program and operate. They are often programmed to automatically cool or heat your house at specific times, which saves you the effort of having to set the temperature each day. In addition, they provide information on energy usage so you can learn how to cut back on costs.

If you have an older electromechanical model the way it operates is a bit more complicated. It is comprised of a bimetallic strip that is attached to a vial using mercury. When temperatures change, the mercury in a vial moves, either complete or breaking an electrical circuit. When the vial tips, the thermostat turns on the cooling and heating system.

It is essential to regularly clean your thermostat in order to eliminate dust. Also, make sure it isn’t bent or loose. In certain cases, the thermostat’s readings might be incorrect due to a damaged or dirty evaporator coil. In this scenario, you’ll require a professional to fix it. If you are experiencing a other issue, like an unresponsive display Try changing your batteries or checking that your breaker isn’t tripped. This is a good illustration of how your HVAC system can be more efficient when you spend the time to learn about it and make the most of its use.