What Are the Main Parts of Your Heating Air Conditioning Unit?
If the air conditioning in your home is at its peak cost of repair and energy bills can make it worth investing in the purchase of a new unit. A residential HVAC expert can assist you in choosing the right solution for your home.
Gas-powered air conditioners, also referred to as propane air conditioners use natural gas for heating and condensers to run.
Evaporator
The evaporator coil inside your air conditioner is the one that cools your house. The evaporator coil is in a box attached to or inside your gas furnace (if you have one) or inside an air handler in the absence of. The evaporator is the place where the refrigerant is transformed into a liquid, and absorbs heat from the air in your home.
The evaporator is made up of a few coils of copper that are tightly packed together. The refrigerant is in low pressure when it gets to the coils, making it easier to transfer heat.
A fan blows your home’s warm air through the evaporator coil. The air is cooled by the removal of heat from the evaporator which alters the refrigerant’s temperatures and lowers your indoor air temperature. The cooled air is then moved through your home’s ductwork system to each room which is where it circulates until it is returned to the air conditioning system through return ducts.
Contrary to the compressor, which needs to make the refrigerant gas at high temperatures to allow efficient cooling, the evaporator only has to raise its boiling point to a lower temperature to allow for efficient air cooling. The evaporator is also equipped with its own fans to help it in achieving this final goal.
The evaporator’s metering device helps to ensure that the refrigerant maintains a constant level of liquid inside it. The low-side floating is designed to be open when there is no liquid in the evaporator, and close when liquid gets into the coils.
There are two primary types of evaporators: cased and uncased. A cased evaporator will be the one you’ll likely to find in your home since it is enclosed inside the metal casing of your air conditioning unit. Uncased evaporators are like the cased evaporators, however they don’t have a protective outer shell.
Both evaporators share the same function, but it’s crucial to select one that is able to satisfy your home’s particular needs. For instance, some models are better suited to more harsh working environments, whereas others are better suited for milder conditions. You should also take into consideration how easy it would be to clean and maintain the evaporator as this can save you time, money and effort in the long in the long.
Condenser
The condenser is one of three primary parts of the air conditioning system in your home which helps to keep it running efficiently. It is located outside of the home, and is connected to the evaporator coil by refrigerant lines. It is also home to a series of fans and metal fins that remove heat from the refrigerant gas which has been transferred from the evaporator. The heat removed from refrigerant gas helps it to cool and turn back into liquid form.
A compressor is attached to the condenser unit. It is used to pressurize the low-pressure liquid refrigerant that has been transferred from the evaporator. The squeezing action of the compressor increases the temperature of the coolant which is then pumped into condenser coils to take in heat that is not being released from the air around it. Once it has completed its cooling cycle the refrigerant is then pushed back into the compressor, where it is again pressurized before being pumped into the evaporator coil where the process begins again.
The condenser unit is exposed elements since it is outside. Debris, such as twigs grass clippings, leaves and even roofing shingles can fall into the condenser unit, causing damage to it. A universal HVAC condenser will protect your heating and cooling equipment from damage when not in use.
Avoid shading the condenser. Doing so can restrict air flow and make the compressor work harder to cool your home. This can lead to increased energy costs and a potential loss of refrigerant.
Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently. Regularly having a professional technician examine the major components of your HVAC system will aid in preventing major issues. A professional service team can also prevent problems by regularly checking the refrigerant level. By following these steps, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system and reduce the cost of energy.
Compressor
A compressor is the heart of your air conditioning unit, and it circulates refrigerant through the system to keep it cool. It’s like the blood that flows through your body as it pumps the coolant between your evaporator coils and condenser. If the compressor fails then the evaporator won’t be able perform its job and your house will be extremely hot.
There are many different types of HVAC compressors. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance the reciprocating compressor features pistons that move between up and down inside the cylinder. This action creates suction which draws in refrigerant. As the piston moves downward it decreases the volume of gas. A discharge valve opens to release the pressurized refrigeration into the condenser.
This type of compressor comes with a clutch and a crankshaft, which helps the piston to compress the air. A rotary compressor, on the other side, has blades within the cylinder that help to compress the air. This type of compressor is extremely quiet, making it a popular option for homes.
Both kinds of HVAC compressors are designed to increase the temperature of the refrigerant’s liquid as it is being compressed, so that the vapor that leaves the compressor is high-pressure and high-temperature. Since heat naturally flows from high-temperature substances to those with lower temperatures, the hot vapor will move into the evaporator coils before it can change back to its liquid state.
You can avoid the majority of AC issues by staying on top with your maintenance schedule. This will allow your equipment to last for many years, and it will give you peace of mind knowing your home is always in good condition. If you do experience problems with your compressor or the compressor itself, your Griffith Energy Services technician can help you decide what repair options are best for you.
Thermostat
The thermostat is your heating and cooling system’s brain and it controls when and how the system is turned on and off. It reads the air temperature and compares it with an established desired level. The thermostat will send a signal to adjust the temperature if it is off by a few degrees. The majority of modern thermostats gauge temperature using an electronic sensor referred to as a thermistor. The thermistor is comprised of two metals that expand differently when heated, causing the metals to flex in an opposite directions. When the thermistor is at its temperature it tells the circuit board to turn on your heating or AC system.
The latest models of thermostats feature touchscreens that make them simple to operate and program. They are usually programmed to automatically heat or cool your house at specific times, which eliminates the effort of manually setting it every day. They also provide reports on energy usage so that you can discover ways to reduce expenses.
If you have an older electromechanical model, the method of operation is a little more complex. It is composed of a bimetallic ring that is bonded with mercury to the vial. When temperatures change the mercury in the vial tilts, completing or rupturing an electrical circuit. When the vial tips, the thermostat turns on the cooling and heating system.
To keep your thermostat in good working order It is essential to clean it regularly to remove any dust that may have accumulated. You must also ensure that it isn’t sagging or bent. In some instances, the thermostat’s readings may be incorrect due to a damaged or dirty evaporator coil. If that is the scenario, you’ll need to call a professional to fix it for you. If the issue is something else, such as an unresponsive screen it is possible to try replacing the batteries or making sure that the breaker hasn’t been activated. This is a great example of how you can make your HVAC system more efficient by learning about it and optimizing its use.