To the majority of our clients at On Time Home Services Heating & Air Conditioning of Temecula, how an air conditioner works is a big mystery. While air conditioner systems can vary in exact design, many share similar parts and features. The general mechanics behind cooling systems are not as complicated as they seem, and understanding them can be tremendously helpful in the long run. The more you know about how they work, the easier it is to shop for a new air conditioner or properly maintain your older system.
The Basics of How an Air Conditioner Works
- Air-conditioners absorb heat by using a special chemical, known as refrigerant, to convert the liquid into gas and gas back into a liquid. The system is responsible for cooling and moving hot air from the inside of the home to the outside.
- There are three main parts in a typical cooling unit. The compressor and condenser are usually found on the outside of the unit while the evaporator is used on the inside of the home.
- The compressor is typically located at the bottom of the unit, and it is the starting point of the cooling process. The refrigerant is squeezed in the compressor’s inner chamber until it turns from a cool, low-pressure gas into a hot, high-pressure gas. This hot gas is then passed through the unit’s condensing coils where it releases its heat.
- The system’s fan draws warm air in and pushes it across the hot coals. The heat is then transferred to the outdoors while the refrigerant is cooled inside of the coils.
- When the refrigerant leaves the condenser, it is cooler and back in liquid form. It then reaches the indoor room through the expansion valve. The pressure of the liquid drops as it goes through the valve, and it continues to flow into the evaporator coil. In the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat blown over the indoor coil as it evaporates.
As you can see, air conditioners work by taking hot air out of the room and not so much by cooling it directly. Proper air conditioner installation is critical to getting the most out of your system, so be sure to call an experienced Temecula air conditioner company if you are in the market for a new unit. For more questions about air conditioner maintenance and operation, contact one of your knowledgeable experts by calling On Time Home Services Heating & Air Conditioning of Temecula at (949) 649-8777