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How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

As we head towards the warmer seasons, your air conditioner can make the difference in your lifestyle and your ability to produce work. We are so used to the comfort and delight of a temperature controlled environment wherever we go. We have heat, we have A/C, but how the HVAC system works can often be a conundrum. Read on to learn about the basics behind this relatively complex appliance.

Basic Concept of Refrigerants

Refrigerant, chemically known as a hydrochlorofluorocarbon or HCFC, is an essential part of your A/C unit and is the key component in producing cool air. The refrigerant loops from inside the home to outside and back again, absorbing and casting out heat in the process. The refrigerant cools and then re-enters the home, starting the cycle again, oscillating from vapor or gas to liquid. 

However, refrigerant isn't the only important aspect of your unit. An air conditioning system essentially has four parts: an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion device.  

As air from your home moves across the evaporator, that's when the refrigerant within the coil picks up the temperature of the air. This is when the refrigerant transforms. It is absorbing heat from the air which turns from a liquid to a vapor. Air conditioners also contain fans that move warm interior air over these cold, refrigerant-filled coils. 

To keep cooling efficiently, the air conditioner has to convert the refrigerant gas back to a liquid again. To do that, a compressor puts the gas under high pressure, a process that creates unwanted heat. All the extra heat created by compressing the gas is then evacuated to the outdoors with the help of a second set of coils called condenser coils, and a second fan.

Cooling Efficiently

To keep cooling efficiently, the air conditioner has to convert the refrigerant gas back to a liquid again. To do that, a compressor puts the gas under high pressure, a process that creates unwanted heat. All the extra heat created by compressing the gas is then evacuated to the outdoors with the help of a second set of coils called condenser coils, and a second fan.

When an A/C unit is optimized and is rated to cool the amount of space you have, it works efficiently. However, if you purchase an A/C unit that is too small for your home, it won't be able to cool your space and will end up failing prematurely. Sometimes, it's hard to figure out what you want, what you need and what you can do to make it all work in a way that makes you happy and comfortable. 

How Action Heating & Air Inc. Can Help

Imagine a perfect space where the air feels amazing. This is what Action Heating & Air Inc. can help you achieve. By knowing how A/C systems work, you can feel more comfortable speaking to a professional and asking questions. You may enjoy knowing all the details of how an HVAC system works, but you don't need to know all the details and specifics because the team at Action Heating & Air Inc. has you covered. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.