You have a top-notch high-efficiency air conditioning system; it works great, lowers your energy bill, and most of all, keeps you and your family cool and comfortable. But what exactly does your cooling system include? Are you familiar with what the components do and how they all work together? Even if you’re not an HVAC technician, Five Star Heating & Cooling Group believes it’s crucial for homeowners to understand how their AC systems function. Then, when you stay prepared, you won’t be alarmed and overwhelmed trying to make an informed decision if ever the need should arise. Of course, fingers crossed it doesn’t! But don’t fret; your Five Star Heating & Cooling Group family has your back. Join us as we talk about the 7 components crucial for air conditioner function.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is usually located inside the air handler. The cooling refrigerant flows throughout your system and is cooled down to reduced temperatures right before it enters the evaporator coil. So, while the warm air in your home is drawn into your AC, it is distributed over the evaporator coil, which takes the warmth and accordingly cools it down.
Air Filter
Before the cool air is distributed throughout your home, it passes through your system’s air filters to ensure any airborne particles and pollutants are properly filtrated. This is such a crucial part of the system as it can affect the well-being and health of everyone in your home.
Blower Fan
This is the fan positioned inside the air handler that blows cool air over the evaporator coil to lower the temperature. After which, the cold air is then blown and evenly distributed throughout your ductwork and then to each room in your house.
Expansion Valve
Next, let’s talk about the expansion valve. It is placed between the condenser and evaporator. When the refrigerant becomes a liquid, it cannot absorb heat. To resolve this, the refrigerant expands into gas within the expansion valve. This is done by coming into contact with a drop of pressure and then is swiftly cooled down. After this process, the now gaseous, cooled refrigerant resumes its journey into the evaporator coils, where it repeats the whole air conditioning process over again.
Compressor
The function of a compressor is just as it sounds. It compresses. Before the refrigerant reaches the compressor, it is in the form of warm vapor. So, when the refrigerant arrives at this particular component, it is compressed to a hot liquid. Then, as the air conditioning cycle ensues, it is cooled down and again expanded so that any heat is extracted from the air indoors.
Condenser Coil
The condenser coil’s job is to perform the opposite purpose of the evaporator coil. Its job is to pull heat from the refrigerant and release it outdoors. This component of your AC system is placed inside the outdoor unit of your air conditioner.
Thermostat
Thermostats are easily the most recognized air conditioning component amongst homeowners. They are installed on a wall inside your house and are the piece of the system used to control your HVAC system and all its settings.
And there you have it! Your air conditioning system is made up of 7 components that each have their own purpose for everything to work in unison. Though each piece has its job, the system would not work as it is meant to with a malfunctioning part. We hope this has been enlightening to you and will ease your mind as you continue utilizing your AC this summer season! And remember, if anything (and we mean anything) comes up, or if you have any questions or concerns, we are here for you! Reach your Five Star Heating & Cooling Group experts at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
